Avoiding Data Loss on NAS WD My Book Duo and Recovering Deleted Files: Expert Tips

Set up ⭐ NAS with RAID to avoid data loss and recover deleted files from the backup.

Avoiding Data Loss on NAS WD My Book Duo and Recovering Deleted Files: Expert Tips

WD My Book Duo NAS Data Recovery in 2024

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

Avoiding Data Loss on NAS WD My Book Duo and Recovering Deleted Files: Expert Tips

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

Can a failed RAID rebuild process lead to data loss on NAS WD My Book Duo devices?

Yes, a failed RAID rebuild process can potentially lead to data loss on NAS WD My Book Duo devices. During a RAID rebuild, data from the remaining drives is used to reconstruct the data on the failed drive. If there are any issues or errors during the rebuild process, it can result in data corruption or loss.

It is essential to ensure proper backup strategies are in place to protect against data loss in case of a failed RAID rebuild. Regularly backing up data to an external storage device or cloud storage is recommended to safeguard against potential data loss situations.

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

Although NAS My Book Duo 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 WD My Book Duo. 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 WD

How to recover data from a WD

My Book Duo has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Ext2;
  • Ext3;
  • Ext4;

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 WD My Book Duo 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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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 My Book Duo, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Rich Kenyon
    Rich Kenyon 9.09.2023 00:54 #
    Are there any specific encryption keys or passwords required for data recovery from encrypted NAS WD My Book Duo devices?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 9.09.2023 02:05 #

      To recover data from an encrypted NAS WD My Book Duo device, you would typically require the encryption key or password that was set during the initial encryption process. Without the correct encryption key or password, it would be extremely difficult to recover the encrypted data. It is important to keep the encryption key or password in a safe and secure place to ensure data recovery in case of any issues.

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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

  • How does the NAS WD My Book Duo operate with Wi-Fi standard?

    The NAS WD My Book Duo does not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. It operates as a network-attached storage (NAS) device that connects to your local network using an Ethernet cable. This means you need to connect the My Book Duo directly to your router or switch using an Ethernet cable to access it over the network.

    To access the data stored on the My Book Duo wirelessly, you would typically connect to your local network through a Wi-Fi connection on your computer or mobile device. Once connected to the same network, you can access the My Book Duo's shared folders and files using its network address or by mapping it as a network drive.

    In summary, the My Book Duo itself does not operate with Wi-Fi standard, but it can be accessed wirelessly by connecting to the local network it is connected to via Ethernet.

  • What are the key features and functionalities of the NAS WD My Book Duo when connected to a Wi-Fi network?

    The WD My Book Duo is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that can be connected to a Wi-Fi network. When connected to a Wi-Fi network, the key features and functionalities of the NAS WD My Book Duo include:

    1. Network Sharing: The My Book Duo allows you to share and access files, documents, photos, and videos across multiple devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network. It acts as a central storage hub for all your devices.
    2. Data Backup and Redundancy: The NAS supports RAID configurations, including RAID 0 and RAID 1. RAID 0 offers maximum storage capacity and performance, while RAID 1 provides data redundancy by mirroring the data across two drives for added protection against drive failure.
    3. Remote Access: With the My Book Duo, you can remotely access your files from anywhere using the My Cloud mobile app or web interface. This allows you to access and manage your data even when you are away from home or office.
    4. Media Streaming: The NAS supports media streaming, allowing you to stream your music, videos, and photos to compatible devices such as smart TVs, media players, and gaming consoles. It supports popular media streaming protocols like DLNA and Plex.
    5. Automatic Backup and Sync: The My Book Duo can be set up to automatically back up your data from connected devices, ensuring that your important files are protected. It also supports syncing with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive.
    6. Data Security: The NAS offers password protection and hardware encryption to secure your data. You can set up user accounts with different access privileges to control who can access and modify the files on the device.
    7. Expandable Storage: The My Book Duo comes with multiple drive bays, allowing you to easily expand the storage capacity by adding additional hard drives. It supports various drive sizes and can be upgraded as your storage needs grow.
    8. Energy-efficient Design: The NAS features a power-saving mode that automatically puts the drives to sleep when not in use, reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of the drives.
    9. Easy Setup and Management: The My Book Duo can be easily set up and managed through a user-friendly web interface. It provides options for configuring RAID, user accounts, network settings, and other advanced features.

    Overall, the WD My Book Duo offers a comprehensive set of features and functionalities for storing, sharing, and accessing your data over a Wi-Fi network.

  • Are there any limitations or compatibility issues when using the NAS WD My Book Duo with different Wi-Fi standards?

    The WD My Book Duo is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that connects to a router or network switch via Ethernet. It does not directly connect to Wi-Fi networks.

    However, if you are accessing the NAS over Wi-Fi, the limitations or compatibility issues would depend on the Wi-Fi standards supported by your router and the devices you are using to access the NAS.

    For example, if your router supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac but your device only supports Wi-Fi 802.11n, you may experience slower transfer speeds compared to using a device that supports the same Wi-Fi standard as your router.

    Similarly, if your router or device only supports older Wi-Fi standards like 802.11g or 802.11b, you may experience even slower speeds and potential connectivity issues.

    To get the best performance when accessing the NAS over Wi-Fi, it is recommended to use devices that support the latest Wi-Fi standards and have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection.

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