Accessing RAID Disk Files Without Functioning NAS Uniview VX1816-NAS: Step-by-Step Guide

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 practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some of the key practices:

1. Regular and Automated Backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is backed up frequently. Automating the backup process can help to eliminate the risk of human error and ensure consistency.
2. Multiple Off-Site Locations: Store backups in multiple off-site locations to minimize the risk of losing data due to a single location being affected by a disaster. This could include storing backups in different geographical regions or using cloud storage services that replicate data across multiple data centers.
3. Encryption and Security: Encrypt your backup data to ensure its confidentiality and integrity during transit and storage. This prevents unauthorized access and protects against data breaches.
4. Redundancy: Maintain redundant copies of your backups to provide an extra layer of protection. This can involve creating multiple copies of backups or using RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology to ensure data availability.
5. Regular Testing and Verification: Perform regular tests to ensure the integrity and recoverability of your backups. This involves verifying that backups are successfully completed, testing the restoration process, and periodically checking the integrity of backup files.
6. Versioning and Retention Policies: Implement versioning and retention policies to store multiple versions of backups over time. This allows you to recover data from different points in time and protects against data corruption or accidental deletion.
7. Documented Backup Procedures: Maintain clear and well-documented backup procedures that outline the steps to be followed for backup, restoration, and disaster recovery. This ensures consistency and helps in training staff members responsible for backup operations.
8. Monitoring and Alerting: Implement monitoring and alerting systems to notify you of any backup failures or anomalies. This allows for timely action to resolve issues and ensure the continuity of backup operations.
9. Regular Disaster Recovery Testing: Conduct periodic disaster recovery testing to simulate real-world scenarios and validate the effectiveness of your backup and recovery processes. This helps identify any weaknesses or gaps in your backup strategy.

By following these recommended practices, organizations can significantly enhance their ability to prevent complete data loss and ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster.

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

Although NAS VX1816-NAS 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 VX1816-NAS. 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

VX1816-NAS has 16 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 VX1816-NAS 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