Steps to Avoid Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 and Retrieve Deleted Files

Has your NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Steps to Avoid Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 and Retrieve Deleted Files

WD My Cloud DL2100 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an My Cloud DL2100. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Steps to Avoid Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 and Retrieve Deleted Files

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 WD 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.

Can the use of snapshot or versioning features on NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 devices aid in data recovery after data loss?

Yes, the use of snapshot or versioning features on NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 devices can aid in data recovery after data loss. These features allow you to create point-in-time copies or versions of your data, which can be extremely helpful in recovering lost or corrupted files.

Snapshots capture the state of your data at a specific moment, allowing you to revert back to that point in time if any data loss or corruption occurs. This means that even if you accidentally delete or modify a file, you can easily restore it from a previous snapshot.

Versioning, on the other hand, keeps multiple versions of the same file, allowing you to access and restore previous versions if needed. This can be particularly useful in situations where you need to recover an older version of a file that has been overwritten or modified.

By utilizing these snapshot or versioning features, you can significantly improve your chances of recovering lost or corrupted data without having to rely solely on traditional backup methods.

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

Although the NAS My Cloud DL2100 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with WD My Cloud DL2100. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a WD

How to recover data from a WD

My Cloud DL2100 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Ext2;
  • Ext3;
  • Ext4;

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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The WD My Cloud DL2100 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

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 Cloud DL2100, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Kelly Robinson
    Kelly Robinson 12.09.2023 07:46 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 device that has been affected by a controller card failure or interface problem?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 09:00 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS device like the WD My Cloud DL2100 that has been affected by a controller card failure or interface problem. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the expertise of the data recovery professionals.

      In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS recovery. They have the necessary tools, expertise, and cleanroom facilities to diagnose and recover data from faulty NAS devices.

      It is important to note that attempting DIY repairs or data recovery without proper knowledge and tools can lead to further damage and potential 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 Cloud DL2100 handle torrent downloads and what features does it offer for managing and organizing downloaded files?

    The NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 does not have built-in support for torrent downloads. However, you can still download torrents by using third-party applications available in the My Cloud App Store, such as Transmission or BitTorrent.

    Once you have installed a torrent client on the NAS, you can manage and organize downloaded files using the following features:

    1. File Management: The NAS provides a file management system that allows you to create folders, move files, rename files, and delete files directly from the web interface.
    2. File Sharing: You can share downloaded files with others by generating shareable links or creating user accounts with specific access permissions.
    3. Media Streaming: The NAS has a built-in media server that allows you to stream downloaded media files to devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, or media players.
    4. Mobile Apps: WD offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access and manage your downloaded files remotely.
    5. Automatic Backup: The NAS supports automatic backup of downloaded files to an external USB drive or another NAS, ensuring data redundancy and protection.
    6. RAID Configuration: The DL2100 supports RAID configurations for data redundancy, allowing you to protect your downloaded files from drive failures.
    7. Remote Access: You can access and manage your downloaded files remotely using the My Cloud web interface or mobile apps, making it convenient to organize and manage files from anywhere.

    Overall, while the NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 does not have native torrent support, it offers various features for managing and organizing downloaded files, ensuring easy access and secure storage.

  • Can the NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 operate as a dedicated torrent client, and if so, what are the benefits and limitations of using it for torrenting compared to traditional torrent software?

    Yes, the WD My Cloud DL2100 can be used as a dedicated torrent client. It has a built-in torrent client application called Transmission, which allows you to download and manage torrents directly on the NAS device.

    Benefits of using the WD My Cloud DL2100 as a dedicated torrent client:

    1. 24/7 availability: Since the NAS device is always powered on and connected to the network, you can download torrents even when your computer is turned off.
    2. Storage capacity: The DL2100 comes with multiple hard drive bays, allowing you to have a large storage capacity for storing downloaded torrents.
    3. Centralized management: All downloads can be managed from a single interface, making it easier to organize and access your torrent files.
    4. Remote access: You can access and manage your downloads remotely using the WD My Cloud mobile app or web interface.

    Limitations of using the WD My Cloud DL2100 for torrenting:

    1. Speed: The download speed may be limited by the NAS device's hardware capabilities, such as the processor and network connection. It may not be as fast as using a dedicated torrent client on a high-end computer.
    2. Limited features: The built-in Transmission client on the DL2100 may not have all the advanced features and customization options available in dedicated torrent software like uTorrent or qBittorrent.
    3. User interface: The web-based interface of the DL2100's torrent client may not be as user-friendly or feature-rich as dedicated torrent clients on a computer.
    4. Compatibility: Certain torrent files or trackers may not be fully compatible with the NAS device's built-in torrent client, leading to potential issues or limitations in downloading specific torrents.

    Overall, using the WD My Cloud DL2100 as a dedicated torrent client can be convenient and efficient for downloading torrents, especially if you require 24/7 availability and centralized management. However, it may have some limitations in terms of speed and advanced features compared to traditional torrent software on a computer.

  • What security measures does the NAS WD My Cloud DL2100 have in place to protect against malicious torrents and ensure the safety of downloaded files?

    The WD My Cloud DL2100 NAS device incorporates several security measures to protect against malicious torrents and ensure the safety of downloaded files. Some of these measures include:

    1. User authentication: The device requires users to authenticate themselves with a username and password before accessing the files or downloading torrents. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only authorized users can download or interact with files.
    2. Firewall protection: The NAS device has built-in firewall capabilities that can be configured to prevent unauthorized access from external networks. It helps block any suspicious or malicious traffic attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.
    3. Antivirus and anti-malware scanning: The DL2100 NAS comes with integrated antivirus and anti-malware software. It scans downloaded files and torrents for any potential threats, ensuring that malicious files are not stored on the device.
    4. Automatic firmware updates: Western Digital regularly releases firmware updates for their NAS devices, including the DL2100. These updates often include security patches and bug fixes, ensuring that the device remains secure against emerging threats.
    5. User access controls: The DL2100 allows administrators to set up user access controls and permissions. This ensures that only authorized users can download torrents or access specific files and folders, reducing the risk of malicious activities.
    6. VPN support: The NAS device supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) connectivity, allowing users to establish secure connections to the device remotely. This helps protect against unauthorized access and ensures the safety of downloaded files even when accessed from external networks.

    It is important to note that while the DL2100 NAS incorporates various security measures, it is always recommended to follow best practices such as regularly updating firmware, using strong passwords, and exercising caution while downloading torrents or opening files from untrusted sources.