What to Do When Your NAS Thecus N8200XXX RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Tips

When your ⭐ NAS RAID array breaks, use these steps to recover your data and restore system performance.

What to Do When Your NAS Thecus N8200XXX RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Tips

Thecus N8200XXX NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from N8200XXX.

What to Do When Your NAS Thecus N8200XXX RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Tips

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

How can regular data verification or checksum processes help maintain data integrity on NAS Thecus N8200XXX devices?

Regular data verification or checksum processes can help maintain data integrity on NAS Thecus N8200XXX devices in the following ways:

  1. Detecting data corruption: Regular data verification processes involve checking the integrity of data stored on the NAS device. By comparing the checksums or hashes of the data against the original values, any corruption or alteration in the data can be detected. This ensures that the data remains intact and has not been tampered with.
  2. Preventing silent data corruption: Silent data corruption refers to the situation where data gets corrupted without any indication or error message. Regular data verification processes can help identify such silent data corruption by comparing the checksums or hashes of the data. If any discrepancies are found, it indicates that the data has been corrupted and appropriate actions can be taken to rectify it.
  3. Ensuring data reliability: Data verification processes help ensure that the data stored on the NAS device is reliable and can be trusted. By regularly verifying the integrity of the data, any inconsistencies or errors can be identified and corrected. This enhances the overall reliability of the data stored on the device.
  4. Early detection of hardware issues: Regular data verification processes can also help in early detection of any hardware issues on the NAS device. If the data verification process consistently reports errors or discrepancies, it could indicate a problem with the hardware components such as hard drives or memory modules. Prompt action can then be taken to address these issues before they lead to data loss or further corruption.
  5. Maintaining data consistency: By performing regular data verification or checksum processes, organizations can ensure that the data stored on multiple Thecus N8200XXX devices remains consistent. This is particularly important in scenarios where data is replicated or synchronized across multiple devices. Any discrepancies in the checksums or hashes can indicate inconsistencies in the data, allowing for appropriate measures to be taken to restore data consistency.

Overall, regular data verification or checksum processes play a vital role in maintaining data integrity on NAS Thecus N8200XXX devices. They help in detecting and preventing data corruption, ensuring data reliability, detecting hardware issues, and maintaining data consistency.

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

Although NAS N8200XXX 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N8200XXX. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Thecus

How to recover data from a Thecus

N8200XXX has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • 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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Thecus N8200XXX 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

Product Operating system License type RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 200 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 1,000 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Free Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS N8200XXX, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Truman Maidman
    Truman Maidman 14.09.2023 08:58 #
    Can data recovery from NAS Thecus N8200XXX be done by individuals or is professional assistance necessary?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 10:00 #

      Data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like Thecus N8200XXX can be a complex task, and it often requires specialized knowledge and tools. While individuals with technical expertise may be able to perform basic data recovery procedures, professional assistance is highly recommended for several reasons:

      1. Technical expertise: NAS devices use complex file systems and RAID configurations, which may require advanced knowledge to navigate and recover data successfully. Professionals have experience in dealing with such systems and can employ specialized techniques to maximize the chances of successful recovery.
      2. Data integrity: Incorrect recovery attempts can potentially cause further damage to the data, making it irrecoverable. Professionals follow proper procedures and take precautions to ensure data integrity throughout the recovery process.
      3. Specialized equipment: NAS data recovery often requires specialized hardware and software tools that are not readily available to individuals. Professionals have access to such tools, which can greatly improve the chances of successful recovery.
      4. Warranty concerns: Attempting data recovery on your own may void the warranty of your NAS device. Professionals can work within the warranty terms and conditions, ensuring that your device remains eligible for any future support or repairs.

      Overall, while individuals with technical expertise may be able to perform basic data recovery from a NAS device, it is generally recommended to seek professional assistance for complex cases to maximize the chances of successful recovery and minimize the risk of further data loss.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • How does RAID technology enhance the performance and reliability of the Thecus N8200XXX NAS device?

    RAID technology enhances the performance and reliability of Thecus N8200XXX NAS device in several ways:

    1. Performance Improvement: RAID allows multiple hard drives to work together in parallel, distributing data across multiple drives. This improves read and write speeds, as the NAS can access data from multiple drives simultaneously. The Thecus N8200XXX supports various RAID levels, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and JBOD, giving users flexibility in choosing the level that suits their performance requirements.
    2. Data Redundancy and Fault Tolerance: RAID provides data redundancy by creating copies of data across multiple drives. In case of a drive failure, the NAS can still function without data loss or downtime. The Thecus N8200XXX supports RAID levels like RAID 1, 5, 6, and 10, which offer different levels of redundancy and fault tolerance. For example, RAID 1 mirrors data across two drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the other still contains a complete copy of the data.
    3. Hot-Swapping and Easy Maintenance: The Thecus N8200XXX NAS device supports hot-swapping, which means that failed drives can be replaced without powering down the system. This allows for easy maintenance and minimizes downtime. When a new drive is inserted, the NAS automatically rebuilds the RAID array, redistributing data across the remaining drives.
    4. Scalability: RAID technology allows for easy expansion of storage capacity. The Thecus N8200XXX NAS device supports RAID levels like RAID 5 and 6, which can handle the addition of new drives without data loss. Users can simply add new drives to the existing array to increase storage capacity without reconfiguring the entire NAS.

    Overall, RAID technology enhances the performance and reliability of the Thecus N8200XXX NAS device by improving data access speeds, providing data redundancy, enabling hot-swapping for easy maintenance, and allowing for scalability in terms of storage capacity.

  • What RAID levels are supported by the Thecus N8200XXX and how do they affect data storage and redundancy?

    The Thecus N8200XXX supports the following RAID levels:

    1. RAID 0: This level provides striping without any redundancy. Data is split across multiple drives, offering increased performance but no fault tolerance. If one drive fails, all data is lost.
    2. RAID 1: This level mirrors data across two drives, providing complete redundancy. Each drive contains an identical copy of the data, ensuring that if one drive fails, the other can still be used. However, this level only utilizes 50% of the total storage capacity.
    3. RAID 5: This level distributes data and parity information across multiple drives. It requires a minimum of three drives and provides fault tolerance by allowing one drive to fail without data loss. The parity information is used to rebuild the data if a drive fails, but the performance may be slightly reduced due to the need for parity calculations.
    4. RAID 6: This level is similar to RAID 5 but with an additional level of redundancy. It requires a minimum of four drives and can tolerate the failure of two drives without data loss. It provides better fault tolerance than RAID 5 but may have slightly reduced performance due to the need for dual parity calculations.
    5. RAID 10: This level combines RAID 1 and RAID 0. It requires a minimum of four drives and provides both data striping and mirroring. It offers good performance and fault tolerance, allowing for the failure of one drive in each mirrored pair without data loss.

    The choice of RAID level affects data storage and redundancy. RAID 0 offers the highest performance but no redundancy, while RAID 1 provides complete redundancy but reduced storage capacity. RAID 5 and RAID 6 offer a balance between performance, storage capacity, and fault tolerance. RAID 10 provides both performance and redundancy but requires more drives. The specific needs of the user, such as performance requirements and the importance of data redundancy, should be considered when selecting a RAID level for the Thecus N8200XXX.

  • Can the Thecus N8200XXX NAS be configured with different RAID levels simultaneously, and what are the benefits of doing so?

    No, the Thecus N8200XXX NAS cannot be configured with different RAID levels simultaneously. The NAS supports various RAID levels such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and JBOD, but you can only choose one RAID level for the entire storage array.

    The benefits of using different RAID levels are:

    1. Performance optimization: RAID 0 provides improved read and write speeds by striping data across multiple drives, while RAID 1 offers data redundancy by mirroring data on multiple drives.
    2. Data redundancy and fault tolerance: RAID levels like RAID 5, 6, and 10 provide data redundancy, allowing for the recovery of data in case of drive failures. These RAID levels distribute data and parity information across multiple drives, ensuring data integrity.
    3. Flexibility: By using different RAID levels, you can customize the storage array based on your specific needs. For example, you can allocate a portion of the drives for high-performance applications using RAID 0, while dedicating another portion for data protection using RAID 5 or RAID 6.
    4. Scalability: Some RAID levels, like RAID 5 and RAID 6, support the addition of additional drives to the array, allowing for increased storage capacity without data loss.

    However, it's important to note that while some NAS devices support mixed RAID configurations, the Thecus N8200XXX NAS does not offer this capability.

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