Tips for Preventing Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud PR2100 and Recovering Deleted Files

Implement RAID on your ⭐ NAS to protect against data loss and recover deleted files from backups.

Tips for Preventing Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud PR2100 and Recovering Deleted Files

WD My Cloud PR2100 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 PR2100.

Tips for Preventing Data Loss on NAS WD My Cloud PR2100 and Recovering Deleted Files

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.

How can the number of drives in a NAS WD My Cloud PR2100 device's RAID array impact data recovery and potential loss?

The number of drives in a RAID array in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the WD My Cloud PR2100 can have an impact on data recovery and potential loss in the following ways:

  1. Data Redundancy: RAID arrays provide data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives. The most common RAID levels used in NAS devices are RAID 1 (mirroring) and RAID 5 (striping with parity). In RAID 1, data is mirrored on two drives, while in RAID 5, data is striped across multiple drives with parity information. The more drives in the array, the higher the level of redundancy, which can help protect against data loss in the event of a drive failure.
  2. Increased Fault Tolerance: With more drives in the array, the NAS device can withstand multiple drive failures without losing data. For example, in a RAID 5 array with four drives, one drive can fail, and the data can still be accessed and recovered from the remaining drives. However, if another drive fails before the failed drive is replaced and rebuilt, data loss can occur. Having more drives in the array reduces the risk of data loss during the rebuilding process.
  3. Rebuilding Time: When a drive fails in a RAID array, the data from the failed drive needs to be rebuilt onto a replacement drive. During this process, the remaining drives in the array are under increased stress, which can increase the likelihood of another drive failure. With a larger number of drives in the array, the rebuilding process can take longer, increasing the exposure to potential data loss.
  4. Cost: Adding more drives to a RAID array increases the overall cost of the NAS device. However, the added cost can be justified by the increased data redundancy and fault tolerance provided by a larger array.

In summary, having more drives in a NAS device's RAID array can improve data redundancy, fault tolerance, and protection against drive failures. However, it can also increase the time required for rebuilding and the overall cost of the device.

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

Although NAS My Cloud PR2100 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 PR2100. 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 PR2100 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 PR2100 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 PR2100, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Tyson Tutin
    Tyson Tutin 12.09.2023 05:56 #
    Are there any specific software solutions for data recovery from NAS WD My Cloud PR2100 devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 06:59 #

      Yes, there are several software solutions available for data recovery from WD My Cloud PR2100 devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors. Some of the popular options include:

      1. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: This software supports NAS data recovery and can help recover data from WD My Cloud PR2100 devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors. It has a user-friendly interface and can recover various file types.
      2. Stellar Data Recovery: Stellar offers a NAS data recovery software that can recover data from WD My Cloud PR2100 devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors. It supports various file systems and provides advanced scanning options.
      3. R-Studio: R-Studio is a comprehensive data recovery software that supports NAS recovery. It can recover data from WD My Cloud PR2100 devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors and has advanced features for efficient recovery.
      4. GetDataBack: GetDataBack is another popular software for data recovery. It supports NAS recovery and can recover data from WD My Cloud PR2100 devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors. It has a simple interface and offers deep scanning options.

      It's important to note that data recovery from NAS devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors can be challenging, and there is no guarantee of 100% success. It's recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service if the data is critical or valuable.

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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 key features and capabilities of the WD My Cloud PR2100 that make it suitable for use in a surveillance system?

    The WD My Cloud PR2100 is designed to be a reliable and high-performance network-attached storage (NAS) device, making it suitable for use in a surveillance system. Some key features and capabilities that make it suitable for this purpose include:

    1. Storage capacity: The PR2100 comes in multiple storage configurations, ranging from 4TB to 32TB, providing ample storage space for storing surveillance footage.
    2. RAID support: The device supports RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and JBOD), allowing for data redundancy and increased performance. This ensures that the surveillance footage is protected and accessible even in case of a drive failure.
    3. High-performance processor: The PR2100 is powered by a powerful Intel Pentium N3710 quad-core processor, enabling fast data processing and smooth operation, even with multiple cameras and simultaneous recording.
    4. Multiple camera support: It supports multiple IP cameras, allowing for easy integration with existing or new surveillance systems. The exact number of supported cameras may vary depending on the camera resolution and recording settings.
    5. Surveillance-grade hard drives: The PR2100 comes equipped with WD Red NAS hard drives, which are specifically designed for continuous 24/7 operation and optimized for surveillance workloads. These drives are built to handle the demands of surveillance recording and provide enhanced reliability.
    6. Remote access and mobile app: The device offers remote access capabilities, allowing users to access and view surveillance footage from anywhere using a web browser or the My Cloud mobile app. This enables real-time monitoring and easy access to recorded footage on the go.
    7. Data protection and backup: The PR2100 provides various data protection features, including RAID configurations, automatic backup options, and support for third-party backup software. This ensures that surveillance footage is securely stored and can be easily backed up to an external drive or cloud storage.
    8. Expandability: The PR2100 has two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port, allowing for easy expansion with additional storage devices or connecting other peripherals such as USB cameras or external drives.

    Overall, the WD My Cloud PR2100 offers a combination of storage capacity, performance, data protection, and remote access capabilities that make it well-suited for use in a surveillance system.

  • How does the WD My Cloud PR2100 ensure the security and privacy of the surveillance footage stored on the device?

    The WD My Cloud PR2100 provides several features to ensure the security and privacy of the surveillance footage stored on the device:

    1. User authentication: The device supports multiple user accounts with individual usernames and passwords. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access the surveillance footage.
    2. Remote access security: The PR2100 uses secure remote access protocols such as HTTPS and FTPS to encrypt data transmission over the internet. This prevents unauthorized access to the footage when accessed remotely.
    3. Data encryption: The device supports AES 256-bit encryption, which encrypts the surveillance footage stored on the device. This ensures that even if someone gains physical access to the device, they cannot access the footage without the encryption key.
    4. Firewall protection: The PR2100 has built-in firewall features that can block unauthorized access attempts and protect the device from external threats.
    5. RAID configuration: The device supports RAID configurations, which provide redundancy and data protection. In case of a hard drive failure, the surveillance footage remains safe and accessible on the remaining drives.
    6. Automatic firmware updates: WD regularly releases firmware updates for their devices to address any security vulnerabilities. These updates ensure that the device remains secure and protected against potential threats.
    7. User access control: The PR2100 allows administrators to control user access permissions, granting specific privileges to different users. This allows administrators to restrict access to the surveillance footage based on user roles and responsibilities.

    Overall, the WD My Cloud PR2100 implements various security measures to safeguard the privacy and security of the surveillance footage stored on the device.

  • Can the WD My Cloud PR2100 be integrated with existing surveillance software and systems, and what are the steps involved in setting up and configuring the device for use in a surveillance system?

    Yes, the WD My Cloud PR2100 can be integrated with existing surveillance software and systems. Here are the steps involved in setting up and configuring the device for use in a surveillance system:

    1. Connect the WD My Cloud PR2100 to your network: Connect the device to your router using an Ethernet cable. Make sure it is powered on and connected to the internet.
    2. Access the device's web interface: Open a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the WD My Cloud PR2100. You can find the IP address in your router's connected devices list or use the WD Discovery software to locate it.
    3. Set up user accounts and shares: Create user accounts and assign appropriate access permissions for each user. Set up shared folders where your surveillance software can store recorded footage.
    4. Install surveillance software: Install the surveillance software of your choice on your computer or server. Ensure that the software is compatible with the WD My Cloud PR2100.
    5. Configure the surveillance software: Open the surveillance software and navigate to the settings or configuration section. Look for the option to add a network-attached storage (NAS) device.
    6. Add the WD My Cloud PR2100 as storage: In the surveillance software settings, add the WD My Cloud PR2100 as a storage location. Enter the IP address, username, and password of the device. Make sure to specify the shared folder where the recorded footage will be stored.
    7. Set up recording schedules and motion detection: Configure the surveillance software to record video based on your desired schedules or motion detection settings. This will vary depending on the software you are using.
    8. Test and monitor: Verify that the surveillance software is successfully recording and storing footage on the WD My Cloud PR2100. Monitor the system to ensure everything is functioning as expected.

    Note: It's important to ensure that the surveillance software you choose is compatible with the WD My Cloud PR2100 and supports network-attached storage (NAS) integration. Consult the documentation or support resources of your surveillance software for specific instructions and compatibility information.

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