Avoiding Data Loss on NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo and Recovering Deleted Files: Step-by-Step

Regularly back up data on ⭐ NAS to prevent data loss and recover deleted files using backup copies.

Avoiding Data Loss on NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo and Recovering Deleted Files: Step-by-Step

WD My Book Thunderbolt 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 Thunderbolt Duo.

Avoiding Data Loss on NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo and Recovering Deleted Files: Step-by-Step

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.

Are there any known limitations or issues related to specific NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo device models that can lead to data loss?

There have been reports of data loss and drive failures with certain models of the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo. Some users have experienced issues with the RAID controller failing, resulting in data becoming inaccessible or lost. Additionally, there have been reports of the device not being recognized by the computer or experiencing intermittent disconnections. It is always recommended to regularly back up important data to mitigate the risk of data loss.

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

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

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Ext2;
  • Ext3;
  • Ext4;
  • HFS+;

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 Thunderbolt 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 Thunderbolt Duo, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Chaz Silver
    Chaz Silver 12.09.2023 08:52 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo device be done if the disks have been reformatted?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 08:59 #

      If the disks in a NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo device have been reformatted, it may still be possible to recover the data, but the success of the recovery will depend on various factors.

      When a disk is reformatted, the file system is typically recreated, and the previous file structure and data are erased. However, the actual data may still be present on the disk until it gets overwritten by new data. Therefore, if the disks have been reformatted and no new data has been written to them, there is a higher chance of successful data recovery.

      To attempt data recovery, it is recommended to immediately stop using the NAS device and seek professional help from a data recovery specialist or software. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to recover data from reformatted disks. It's important not to attempt any DIY data recovery methods, as they may further damage the data or reduce the chances of successful recovery.

      Keep in mind that data recovery can be a complex and time-consuming process, and there is no guarantee of 100% recovery. It's always advisable to regularly back up important data to avoid the risk of data loss.

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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 Thunderbolt Duo enhance the functionality of a smart home system?

    The NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo can enhance the functionality of a smart home system in several ways:

    1. Centralized Storage: With its large storage capacity, the NAS allows you to store and access all your smart home data in one place. This includes security camera footage, smart device logs, automation scripts, and more. Having centralized storage ensures easy access and management of your smart home system.
    2. Data Backup and Recovery: The NAS provides a reliable backup solution for your smart home data. It can automatically backup your smart home system's data, including device configurations, schedules, and settings. In the event of a system failure or data loss, you can easily restore your smart home system to a previous state.
    3. Remote Access: The NAS allows you to access your smart home system remotely. By connecting to the NAS through the internet, you can monitor and control your smart devices from anywhere in the world. This is particularly useful for security purposes, as you can check on your home and receive alerts even when you're away.
    4. Media Server: The NAS can act as a media server for your smart home entertainment system. It can store and stream media files, such as movies, music, and photos, to your smart TVs, smartphones, or tablets. This enables you to enjoy your media collection throughout your smart home, creating a seamless entertainment experience.
    5. Integration with Smart Home Platforms: The NAS is compatible with various smart home platforms and protocols, such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. This allows you to integrate your smart home system with the NAS, enabling advanced automation and control features. For example, you can use voice commands to access and manage your smart home data stored on the NAS.

    Overall, the NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo enhances the functionality of a smart home system by providing centralized storage, backup and recovery, remote access, media server capabilities, and integration with smart home platforms.

  • What are the key features of the NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo that make it an ideal choice for a smart home setup?

    The NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo offers several key features that make it an ideal choice for a smart home setup:

    1. Thunderbolt Connectivity: The Thunderbolt interface provides lightning-fast data transfer speeds, allowing for quick and efficient access to your smart home data. This is crucial for devices that require real-time communication and responsiveness.
    2. High Storage Capacity: The My Book Thunderbolt Duo comes in various storage capacities, ranging from several terabytes to multiple petabytes. This ample storage space enables you to store and manage large amounts of data generated by your smart home devices, such as security cameras, sensors, and automation systems.
    3. RAID Support: The device supports RAID configurations, including RAID 0 and RAID 1, which provide data redundancy and increased performance. This ensures that your smart home data is protected and accessible even in the event of a drive failure.
    4. Centralized Data Management: With the NAS functionality, you can centralize all your smart home data in one location. This simplifies data management and allows for easy access and sharing across multiple devices and platforms within your smart home ecosystem.
    5. Data Protection and Backup: The My Book Thunderbolt Duo offers built-in backup software that allows you to schedule automatic backups of your smart home data. This protects your valuable information from accidental loss or damage, ensuring that you can restore your smart home setup to a previous state if needed.
    6. Compatibility: The device is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it suitable for a wide range of smart home setups. It also supports Time Machine backup for Mac users, further enhancing its compatibility and convenience.
    7. Expandability: The My Book Thunderbolt Duo features multiple Thunderbolt ports, allowing you to daisy-chain additional Thunderbolt devices for expanded storage or other functionalities. This scalability makes it future-proof and adaptable to the changing needs of your smart home.

    Overall, the NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo combines high-speed connectivity, ample storage capacity, data protection features, and compatibility, making it an ideal choice for managing and storing the data generated by your smart home devices.

  • Can the NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo be seamlessly integrated with popular smart home platforms and devices?

    No, the NAS WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo is primarily designed as a storage device and does not have built-in smart home integration features. It is not intended to be directly connected or integrated with popular smart home platforms or devices.

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