- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Thecus N8880U-10G
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.
This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.
Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Thecus often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.
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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS N8880U-10G can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:
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Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.
WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.
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Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.
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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N8880U-10G. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were 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;
How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:
- Overwriting during the recovery process;
- Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
- User errors.
To create a disk image, follow these steps:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.
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Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.
Where Are the User’s Files Actually 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.
RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | 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.