Avoiding Data Loss on NAS Thecus N7770-10G and Recovering Deleted Files: Advanced Guide

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Thecus also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

Can improper network configuration or firewall settings result in data loss on NAS Thecus N7770-10G devices?

Improper network configuration or firewall settings can potentially lead to data loss on NAS devices, including Thecus N7770-10G. Here are a few scenarios where this could occur:

1. Inadequate network configuration: If the NAS device is not properly connected to the network or if there are network issues such as intermittent connectivity or high latency, it may result in data loss. Unstable connections can cause file transfer errors or interruptions during backup processes, leading to incomplete or corrupted data.
2. Firewall blocking necessary services: If the firewall settings on the NAS or the network infrastructure block essential services required for data access or backup, it can prevent users from accessing or backing up their data. This can lead to data loss if users are unable to retrieve their files or if backups fail to complete.
3. Misconfigured access controls: Incorrectly configured access controls on the NAS device can result in unauthorized access or accidental deletion/modification of data. If users are granted excessive privileges or if the permissions are not properly set, it can lead to data loss due to accidental deletions or unauthorized modifications.
4. Firmware or software vulnerabilities: If the NAS device's firmware or software is outdated or contains security vulnerabilities, it can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access or perform destructive actions. This can result in data loss if the attackers delete or encrypt the data, rendering it inaccessible.

To mitigate the risk of data loss due to network configuration or firewall issues, it is essential to follow best practices such as:

• Properly configure the network settings and ensure stable connectivity.
• Allow necessary network services and ports through the firewall.
• Regularly update the NAS firmware and software to address security vulnerabilities.
• Implement secure access controls and regularly review and update user permissions.
• Maintain regular backups of critical data to an off-site location or separate storage device.

It is recommended to consult the official documentation or seek assistance from Thecus support for specific configuration details and troubleshooting steps for the N7770-10G model.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS N7770-10G can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

   WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N7770-10G. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

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How to recover data from a Thecus

N7770-10G has 7 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 10;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• EXT3;
• EXT4;
• XFS;

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Loss resulting from bad sectors;
• User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

   

4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Thecus N7770-10G network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery