RAID Disk File Access Without Active NAS Uniview DE3160-V2S: Practical Steps

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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 Uniview also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

Are there any recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Uniview DE3160-V2@S devices?

Yes, there are several recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Uniview DE3160-V2@S devices:

1. Use strong and unique passwords: Ensure that you use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Avoid using common passwords or easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or sequential numbers. It is also important to use unique passwords for each device or account.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their username and password. This helps protect against unauthorized access even if the password is compromised.
3. Regularly update firmware: Keep the firmware of your NAS device up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Manufacturers often release firmware updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance security.
4. Restrict access: Only provide access to authorized individuals who need it. Create separate user accounts with limited privileges for different users or groups. Restrict administrative access to only those who require it and regularly review and revoke access for users who no longer need it.
5. Use secure protocols: Ensure that you are using secure protocols, such as HTTPS, for accessing and managing the NAS device. This encrypts the communication between your device and the NAS, preventing eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
6. Regularly backup data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is protected in case of any unforeseen events, such as hardware failure or ransomware attacks. Store backups in a secure location separate from the NAS device.
7. Disable default accounts: Change the default usernames and passwords provided by the manufacturer. Default credentials are often well-known and can be easily exploited by attackers.
8. Monitor and log activity: Enable logging and monitoring features on the NAS device to track and detect any suspicious activity. Regularly review logs to identify any unauthorized access attempts or unusual behavior.
9. Educate users: Provide training and awareness programs to educate users about best practices for password security, phishing attacks, and other common security threats. Encourage users to report any suspicious activity or potential security incidents.

By implementing these best practices, you can enhance the security of your NAS Uniview DE3160-V2@S devices and protect your usernames and passwords from unauthorized access.

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

Although NAS DE3160-V2S 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Uniview DE3160-V2S. 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.

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How to recover data from a Uniview

DE3160-V2S 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;

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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Uniview DE3160-V2S 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