RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus TopTower N8850: Essential Steps When It Breaks

Your ⭐ NAS RAID array broke? Here’s what to do next to recover your data and get your system back on track.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus TopTower N8850: Essential Steps When It Breaks

Thecus TopTower N8850 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from TopTower N8850.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus TopTower N8850: Essential Steps When It Breaks

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 software updates and patches enhance the security and stability of NAS Thecus TopTower N8850 devices?

Regular software updates and patches can enhance the security and stability of NAS Thecus TopTower N8850 devices in the following ways:

  1. Security Vulnerability Fixes: Updates and patches often include fixes for known security vulnerabilities. By regularly updating the software on the NAS device, you ensure that any known security flaws are patched, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
  2. Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements: Updates and patches also address any bugs or stability issues in the software. By applying these updates, you can improve the overall stability and performance of the NAS device, reducing the likelihood of crashes or system failures.
  3. New Security Features: Updates may introduce new security features or enhancements that can further protect the NAS device and the data stored on it. These features may include improved encryption algorithms, stronger access controls, or additional security protocols.
  4. Compatibility with New Devices and Technologies: Updates and patches often ensure compatibility with new devices, technologies, or software versions. This ensures that your NAS device can work seamlessly with the latest hardware and software, reducing any potential vulnerabilities that may arise from outdated or incompatible components.
  5. Protection against Emerging Threats: Regular updates help protect against emerging threats and malware. As new vulnerabilities and attack vectors are discovered, software updates often include patches that address these new threats, providing an additional layer of protection for your NAS device.
  6. Compliance with Industry Standards: Many industries have specific security and compliance requirements. Regular software updates and patches help ensure that your NAS device remains compliant with these standards, reducing the risk of penalties or legal issues.

To maximize the benefits of software updates and patches, it is important to regularly check for updates from Thecus and apply them promptly. Additionally, enabling automatic update notifications and scheduling regular checks for updates can help ensure that your NAS device remains secure and stable.

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

Although NAS TopTower N8850 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 TopTower N8850. 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

TopTower N8850 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 TopTower N8850 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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We will be happy to answer your questions!

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 TopTower N8850, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Lenny Perry
    Lenny Perry 14.09.2023 00:56 #
    Will data recovery from a NAS Thecus TopTower N8850 device affect the existing data?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 01:00 #

      Data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like Thecus TopTower N8850 should not affect the existing data if done correctly. However, it is essential to follow proper procedures and precautions to ensure that the recovery process does not inadvertently overwrite or damage the existing data.

      Here are a few things to consider:

      1. Avoid writing new data: To minimize the risk of overwriting existing data, it is crucial to avoid any write operations on the NAS device after data loss occurs. This includes avoiding any attempts to recover data directly on the NAS itself.
      2. Use a separate system for recovery: It is recommended to connect the NAS drives to a separate system or use specialized data recovery software that can access the NAS drives without altering the existing data. By doing so, you can prevent any accidental modifications to the original data.
      3. Consult a professional: If you are unsure about performing data recovery yourself, it is advisable to consult a professional data recovery service. They have the expertise and specialized tools to handle NAS data recovery without risking the existing data.

      Remember to always have a backup of your important data to avoid the need for data recovery in the first place.

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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

  • What are the key features of the NAS Thecus TopTower N8850 that contribute to its file access security?

    The Thecus TopTower N8850 has several key features that contribute to its file access security:

    1. RAID Protection: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and JBOD. RAID provides data redundancy and helps protect against data loss in case of a hard drive failure.
    2. AES 256-bit Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit encryption, which is a high-level encryption standard widely used for securing sensitive data. It ensures that the data stored on the NAS is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
    3. Access Control: The Thecus TopTower N8850 offers comprehensive access control mechanisms. It supports user and group-based access control, allowing administrators to define different levels of access permissions for individual users or groups. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific files or folders.
    4. IP Access Control: The NAS supports IP access control, allowing administrators to restrict access to the NAS based on specific IP addresses or IP ranges. This helps in preventing unauthorized access from unknown or suspicious IP addresses.
    5. Antivirus Protection: The NAS comes with built-in antivirus software that scans files and folders for viruses and malware. It helps in preventing the spread of infected files and protects the NAS from potential security threats.
    6. HTTPS and SSL/TLS Support: The Thecus TopTower N8850 supports HTTPS (HTTP over SSL/TLS) for secure web-based file access. It ensures that the data transmitted between the NAS and the client devices is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.
    7. Active Directory Integration: The NAS supports Active Directory integration, allowing administrators to easily manage user accounts and access permissions using their existing Active Directory infrastructure. This simplifies user management and enhances security by leveraging existing authentication systems.
    8. Data Backup and Snapshot: The NAS provides various data backup options, including scheduled backups, remote replication, and snapshot technology. Snapshots allow users to take point-in-time copies of their data, providing an additional layer of data protection against accidental deletions or modifications.

    These key features collectively contribute to the file access security of the Thecus TopTower N8850, ensuring that data stored on the NAS is protected from unauthorized access, data loss, and security threats.

  • How does the NAS Thecus TopTower N8850 ensure secure file access for multiple users or devices?

    The NAS Thecus TopTower N8850 ensures secure file access for multiple users or devices through various mechanisms:

    1. User Authentication: The NAS supports multiple user accounts with different access privileges. Each user is required to authenticate themselves with a username and password, ensuring that only authorized users can access the files.
    2. Access Control Lists (ACL): The NAS allows administrators to set up fine-grained access control lists, specifying which users or groups have read, write, or execute permissions on specific folders or files. This ensures that only authorized users can access or modify the files they are permitted to.
    3. Secure File Transfer Protocols: The NAS supports secure file transfer protocols such as FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS), SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), and HTTPS (HTTP over SSL/TLS). These protocols encrypt the data during transmission, preventing unauthorized access or interception.
    4. Encryption: The NAS supports data encryption, allowing users to encrypt their files or folders with strong encryption algorithms. This ensures that even if the data is accessed or stolen, it remains unreadable without the encryption key.
    5. Firewall and IP Access Control: The NAS has built-in firewall capabilities to protect against unauthorized access attempts. It also supports IP access control, allowing administrators to specify which IP addresses or ranges can connect to the NAS, further enhancing security.
    6. Antivirus and Antimalware: The NAS can be equipped with antivirus and antimalware software, which scans the files stored on the NAS for any potential threats. This helps prevent malware-infected files from being accessed or spread to other devices.
    7. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The NAS supports two-factor authentication, where users are required to provide an additional authentication factor, such as a one-time password generated by a mobile app or a hardware token. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

    Overall, the NAS Thecus TopTower N8850 employs a combination of user authentication, access control mechanisms, secure protocols, encryption, firewall, and antivirus measures to ensure secure file access for multiple users or devices.

  • Can you explain the file access security protocols and mechanisms implemented in the NAS Thecus TopTower N8850 to protect against unauthorized access or data breaches?

    The Thecus TopTower N8850 NAS (Network Attached Storage) device implements several file access security protocols and mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access or data breaches. Here are some key features:

    1. User Authentication: The NAS supports various user authentication methods, including local user accounts and integration with external authentication services like Active Directory (AD) or LDAP. This ensures that only authorized users can access the NAS and its files.
    2. Access Control Lists (ACLs): ACLs allow administrators to define fine-grained permissions for individual users or groups. This means that specific users or groups can be granted or denied access to specific files or folders, providing granular control over file access.
    3. User Quotas: The NAS supports user quotas, allowing administrators to limit the amount of storage space each user can consume. This prevents any single user from monopolizing the available storage resources.
    4. Secure File Transfer Protocols: The TopTower N8850 supports secure file transfer protocols such as FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). These protocols encrypt the data during transfer, protecting it from interception or unauthorized access.
    5. HTTPS and SSL/TLS Support: The NAS provides a secure web interface using HTTPS (HTTP over SSL/TLS). This ensures that all communication between the user's web browser and the NAS is encrypted, preventing eavesdropping or tampering.
    6. Data Encryption: Thecus NAS devices often support data encryption at rest. This means that the data stored on the NAS's hard drives is encrypted, and can only be accessed with the correct encryption key. Even if the physical drives are stolen or accessed without authorization, the data remains protected.
    7. Firewall and IP Access Control: The NAS includes a built-in firewall to block unauthorized access attempts. It also supports IP access control, allowing administrators to specify which IP addresses or ranges are allowed to connect to the NAS.
    8. Antivirus Integration: The TopTower N8850 can integrate with antivirus software to scan files for malware or viruses. This helps protect the NAS and its stored data from potential threats.

    It's important to note that the specific security features and mechanisms may vary depending on the firmware version and configuration of the Thecus TopTower N8850 NAS. It is recommended to consult the product documentation or contact Thecus support for detailed information on the security capabilities of a specific device.

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