Preventing Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud EX2 and Recovering Deleted Files: Practical Tips

Avoid data loss on ⭐ NAS by backing up files regularly and using RAID configurations.

Preventing Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud EX2 and Recovering Deleted Files: Practical Tips

WD My Cloud EX2 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 Cloud EX2.

Preventing Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud EX2 and Recovering Deleted Files: Practical 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 the use of specific encryption algorithms or protocols impact data loss risks on NAS WD My Cloud EX2 devices?

Yes, the use of specific encryption algorithms or protocols can impact data loss risks on NAS WD My Cloud EX2 devices. Encryption algorithms and protocols are designed to secure data by converting it into a format that can only be accessed with the correct decryption key.

Using strong encryption algorithms and protocols can significantly reduce the risk of data loss on NAS devices. It ensures that even if unauthorized individuals gain access to the device or the data is intercepted during transmission, the data remains unreadable without the decryption key.

On the other hand, using weak or outdated encryption algorithms or protocols can increase the risk of data loss. Weak encryption can be easily cracked by attackers, allowing them to access and misuse the data stored on the NAS device.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that the encryption algorithms and protocols used on NAS WD My Cloud EX2 devices are up-to-date, secure, and recommended by industry standards. Additionally, regularly updating the firmware of the device can also help address any security vulnerabilities and ensure the use of the latest encryption technologies.

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

Although NAS My Cloud EX2 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 Cloud EX2. 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 Cloud EX2 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 Cloud EX2 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 Cloud EX2, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Braxton Clinton
    Braxton Clinton 12.09.2023 04:52 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS WD My Cloud EX2 device that has been affected by a network attack or intrusion?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 05:00 #

      It is possible to recover data from a NAS WD My Cloud EX2 device that has been affected by a network attack or intrusion, but it can be a complex process. Here are some steps you can take:

      1. Disconnect the affected device from the network immediately to prevent further damage or data loss.
      2. Assess the extent of the attack and determine the type of intrusion. This can help you understand the potential damage and plan the recovery process accordingly.
      3. Contact a professional data recovery service that specializes in NAS devices. They will have the expertise and tools required to recover data from compromised systems.
      4. Provide the recovery service with all the necessary information about the attack, including any logs or details you have collected.
      5. Work closely with the recovery service to follow their guidance and provide any additional information or access they may need.
      6. Once the recovery process is complete, ensure that the NAS device is properly secured before reconnecting it to the network to prevent future attacks.

      It's important to note that the success of data recovery depends on various factors, such as the severity of the attack and the level of damage caused. Therefore, it's recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service for the best chance of recovering your data.

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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

  • What are the advantages of using the NAS WD My Cloud EX2 as a central storage solution for a home or small office network?
    1. Easy setup and management: The WD My Cloud EX2 is designed for simplicity, making it easy to set up and manage even for non-technical users. It comes with a user-friendly web interface that allows you to control and customize various settings.
    2. Centralized storage: With the My Cloud EX2, you can consolidate all your data in one central location. This makes it easier to access and share files across multiple devices and users within your home or small office network.
    3. Data protection and redundancy: The EX2 supports RAID configurations, allowing you to set up data redundancy for increased protection against drive failures. It also offers multiple backup options, including local backups to external drives and remote backups to cloud services, ensuring your data is safe and easily recoverable.
    4. Remote access and sharing: The My Cloud EX2 allows you to access your files remotely from anywhere using the My Cloud mobile app or web portal. This enables you to work on your files or share them with others even when you are away from your home or office.
    5. Media streaming capabilities: The EX2 has built-in media server capabilities, allowing you to stream your photos, videos, and music to various devices such as smart TVs, media players, or gaming consoles. This makes it convenient to enjoy your media collection without the need for additional hardware or software.
    6. Expandable storage capacity: The EX2 comes with two drive bays, allowing you to start with a smaller capacity and easily expand it by adding more hard drives as your storage needs grow. This scalability ensures that you don't run out of space and can accommodate future requirements.
    7. Energy-efficient operation: The My Cloud EX2 is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power compared to traditional file servers or desktop computers. This not only helps reduce electricity costs but also contributes to a greener environment.
    8. Integration with other cloud services: The EX2 supports integration with popular cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. This allows you to easily transfer files between your NAS and cloud storage, providing additional flexibility and backup options.

    Overall, the WD My Cloud EX2 offers a reliable, user-friendly, and feature-rich solution for centralizing and managing data in a home or small office network.

  • How does the NAS WD My Cloud EX2 ensure data security and protection against potential data loss or unauthorized access?

    The NAS WD My Cloud EX2 incorporates several features to ensure data security and protection against potential data loss or unauthorized access. These features include:

    1. RAID Configuration: The device supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations. RAID 1 mirrors data across two drives, providing redundancy in case of drive failure. This helps to prevent data loss.
    2. Data Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit volume encryption. This ensures that the data stored on the drives is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
    3. User Access Control: The device allows you to create multiple user accounts with different access privileges. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific folders or files.
    4. Remote Access Security: The NAS provides secure remote access options, such as a VPN server and SSL/TLS encryption, to protect data transmission over the internet.
    5. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The NAS supports various backup options, including local backups to external drives, remote backups to other NAS devices, and cloud backups to services like Amazon S3 and ElephantDrive. These options help in mitigating data loss risks.
    6. Antivirus Integration: The NAS can be integrated with third-party antivirus software to scan files and folders for malware or viruses, ensuring data integrity.
    7. Firmware Updates: Regular firmware updates are provided by Western Digital to address any security vulnerabilities and enhance data protection.
    8. Physical Security: The NAS has a lockable drive tray design, allowing you to physically secure the drives. Additionally, it supports Kensington security slots for theft prevention.

    Overall, the NAS WD My Cloud EX2 employs a combination of hardware and software features to ensure data security, integrity, and protection against potential data loss or unauthorized access.

  • Can the NAS WD My Cloud EX2 be easily integrated with other devices and platforms, such as smartphones or cloud services, to streamline data access and sharing processes?

    Yes, the WD My Cloud EX2 can be easily integrated with other devices and platforms to streamline data access and sharing processes. It supports integration with smartphones through dedicated mobile apps available for both iOS and Android devices. These apps allow you to access and manage your data on the My Cloud EX2 from your smartphone.

    Additionally, the My Cloud EX2 supports integration with various cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. This enables you to easily sync and transfer data between your My Cloud EX2 and these cloud services, providing you with seamless access to your files from anywhere.

    Furthermore, the My Cloud EX2 supports integration with popular streaming devices like Chromecast and DLNA-certified devices. This allows you to stream media content stored on the My Cloud EX2 directly to your TV or other compatible devices.

    Overall, the WD My Cloud EX2 offers multiple integration options to enhance data access and sharing across different devices and platforms.

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