Practical Steps for Accessing Files on a RAID Disk Without a Functional NAS Uniview DE3160-V2

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Uniview DE3160-V2
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 Uniview 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.

Are there any recommended steps to take after detecting or suspecting data loss on a NAS Uniview DE3160-V2 device?

If you suspect or detect data loss on a NAS Uniview DE3160-V2 device, here are some recommended steps to take:

1. Verify the Issue: Double-check if the data loss is indeed occurring. Ensure that the files or data you are looking for are not misplaced or accidentally deleted.
2. Isolate the Device: If you suspect data loss, it is crucial to isolate the NAS device from the network to prevent any further damage or data corruption. Disconnect it from the network and power it down to avoid any overwriting of data.
3. Contact Technical Support: Reach out to the technical support team of Uniview or the vendor from whom you purchased the device. They can provide guidance specific to your device and help troubleshoot the issue.
4. Perform Basic Troubleshooting: Before attempting any data recovery, try basic troubleshooting steps recommended by the manufacturer or technical support. This may include checking the connections, updating firmware, or running diagnostic tests.
5. Data Recovery Options: If basic troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, you may need to consider data recovery options. Depending on the severity of the data loss, you can try the following:

a. Use Backup: If you have a recent backup of your data, restore it to the NAS device. This will recover the lost data and minimize downtime.

b. Professional Data Recovery Services: If you do not have a backup or the data loss is severe, consider contacting professional data recovery services. They specialize in recovering data from various storage devices, including NAS systems. Be prepared for potential costs associated with these services.

c. Software-based Recovery: There are data recovery software available that can help recover lost or deleted files from NAS devices. Research and choose a reputable software that supports the Uniview DE3160-V2 device and follow the instructions provided.

1. Prevent Future Data Loss: Once the data is recovered or the issue is resolved, take steps to prevent future data loss. This includes implementing regular backups, ensuring proper security measures, and monitoring the NAS device for any potential issues.

Remember, it is always recommended to consult with technical support or seek professional assistance when dealing with data loss issues to avoid further complications or permanent data loss.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS DE3160-V2 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. 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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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Uniview DE3160-V2. 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.

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How to recover data from a Uniview

DE3160-V2 has 60 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
• NTFS / ReFS;
• APFS / HFS+;
• Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
• VMFS / HikvisionFS;

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:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. 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.

   

4. 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 Uniview DE3160-V2 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