- 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?
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 hardware failure lead to data loss in NAS Thecus N8880U-10G devices?
Hardware failure in NAS Thecus N8880U-10G devices can lead to data loss in several ways:
- Hard Drive Failure: The most common hardware failure in NAS devices is hard drive failure. If one or more hard drives fail in the NAS, it can result in data loss. The data stored on the failed drives may become inaccessible or corrupted. RAID configurations can provide some level of data redundancy and protection against drive failure, but if multiple drives fail or the RAID array is not properly configured, data loss can still occur.
- Power Supply Failure: A power supply failure can cause the NAS device to shut down unexpectedly, potentially resulting in data loss. If the NAS is not properly shut down or the power outage is prolonged, it can lead to file system corruption and data loss.
- Network Interface Failure: The network interface card (NIC) in the NAS can fail, making it inaccessible over the network. This can prevent users from accessing their data stored on the NAS, resulting in data loss.
- Controller Failure: The RAID controller in the NAS can fail, leading to data loss. If the controller malfunctions or becomes faulty, it may not be able to properly manage the data stored on the drives, resulting in data corruption or loss.
- Overheating: Overheating can cause hardware components in the NAS to fail. If the cooling system in the NAS is inadequate or fails, it can lead to overheating of the drives, power supply, or other critical components, potentially resulting in data loss.
To mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, it is important to regularly backup the data stored on the NAS to an external storage device or a cloud-based backup service. Additionally, monitoring the health of hardware components, ensuring proper cooling, and using redundant RAID configurations can help prevent or minimize data loss in case of hardware failures.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS N8880U-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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N8880U-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.
How to recover data from a Thecus
N8880U-10G 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 N8880U-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
| 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 |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS device like Thecus N8880U-10G can be performed even if there are issues with the disk array or storage pool. However, the success of data recovery depends on the specific nature of the issues and the extent of the damage.
If there are issues with the disk array or storage pool, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices. They have the expertise and tools required to diagnose and recover data from such complex storage systems.
It's important to note that attempting DIY data recovery without proper knowledge or experience can lead to further data loss or permanent damage. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional help in such situations.