How to recover data from WD ShareSpace NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS WD ShareSpace

WD ShareSpace NAS Data Recovery in 2024

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

How to recover data from NAS WD ShareSpace

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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 preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS WD ShareSpace devices?

Yes, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS WD ShareSpace devices. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Regularly backup your data: Implement a backup strategy to create regular backups of your important data. This can be done by using an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another NAS device.
  2. RAID configuration: Configure your WD ShareSpace device in RAID mode. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) provides data redundancy and can help protect against data loss in case of a drive failure. Consult the device's user manual for instructions on setting up RAID.
  3. Keep the firmware up to date: Regularly check for firmware updates for your WD ShareSpace device. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can help prevent data loss due to software vulnerabilities.
  4. Use UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Connect your WD ShareSpace device to a UPS to protect it from sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations. Sudden power loss can result in data corruption or loss.
  5. Implement user access controls: Set up user access controls and permissions to restrict unauthorized access to your WD ShareSpace device. This can help prevent accidental deletion or modification of data.
  6. Implement data encryption: Enable data encryption on your WD ShareSpace device to protect your data from unauthorized access. Encryption ensures that even if the physical drives are stolen, the data remains secure.
  7. Regularly check drive health: Use the built-in diagnostic tools provided by WD ShareSpace to monitor the health of your hard drives. Replace any failing drives promptly to avoid data loss.
  8. Implement a disaster recovery plan: Develop a disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of data loss or device failure. This plan should include details on how to restore data from backups and rebuild the system.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of data loss on your NAS WD ShareSpace devices.

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

Although NAS ShareSpace 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 ShareSpace. 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

ShareSpace has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 10;
  • 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 ShareSpace 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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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 ShareSpace, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Rathbone Frankau
    Rathbone Frankau 12.09.2023 04:52 #
    Are there any recommended data recovery service providers for NAS WD ShareSpace devices?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 06:00 #

      There are several recommended data recovery service providers for NAS WD ShareSpace devices. Some of the top providers include:

      1. DriveSavers: DriveSavers is a well-known data recovery service provider that offers specialized services for NAS devices, including WD ShareSpace. They have experience in recovering data from various storage devices and offer a free evaluation of the device before providing a quote.
      2. Secure Data Recovery: Secure Data Recovery is another reputable data recovery company that provides services for WD ShareSpace NAS devices. They have a team of certified engineers and offer a no-data, no-charge policy.
      3. ACE Data Recovery: ACE Data Recovery is a trusted provider that offers data recovery services for various NAS devices, including WD ShareSpace. They have a high success rate and provide free evaluations for the recovery process.
      4. Gillware Data Recovery: Gillware Data Recovery is known for its expertise in recovering data from NAS devices, including WD ShareSpace. They offer free evaluations and have a transparent pricing structure.

      It's important to note that data recovery can be a complex process, and success rates may vary depending on the specific situation. It's recommended to contact multiple service providers, discuss your requirements, and compare their services and pricing before making a decision.

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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 network protocols are supported by the NAS WD ShareSpace device?

    The NAS WD ShareSpace device supports the following network protocols:

    1. TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is the basic communication protocol used for transmitting data across networks.
    2. DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is used for automatically assigning IP addresses to devices on a network.
    3. CIFS/SMB: Common Internet File System/Server Message Block is a protocol used for sharing files, printers, and other resources between devices on a network.
    4. NFS: Network File System is a protocol used for sharing files over a network, commonly used in Unix and Linux environments.
    5. FTP: File Transfer Protocol is used for transferring files between a client and a server on a network.
    6. HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the protocol used for transmitting web pages and other resources over the internet.
    7. HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure is a secure version of HTTP that uses encryption to protect data during transmission.
    8. AFP: Apple Filing Protocol is used for sharing files and printers between Mac computers.
    9. Bonjour: Bonjour is a network protocol developed by Apple that allows automatic discovery of devices and services on a local network.
    10. UPnP: Universal Plug and Play is a protocol that allows devices to automatically discover and communicate with each other on a network.
    11. SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol is used for managing and monitoring network devices.
    12. Rsync: Rsync is a file synchronization protocol that allows efficient transfer of files between devices on a network.
    13. iSCSI: Internet Small Computer System Interface is a protocol used for connecting storage devices over a network, allowing them to be accessed as if they were locally attached.
    14. WebDAV: Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning is a protocol that allows clients to edit and manage files on a remote web server.
  • How do the network protocols used by the NAS WD ShareSpace impact its performance and compatibility with different devices?

    The network protocols used by the NAS WD ShareSpace can have a significant impact on its performance and compatibility with different devices. Here are a few key points to consider:

    1. Performance: Different network protocols have varying levels of efficiency and speed. For example, the NAS WD ShareSpace supports protocols like SMB (Server Message Block), AFP (Apple Filing Protocol), and NFS (Network File System). SMB is widely used and provides good performance for Windows devices, while AFP is primarily used by Apple devices. NFS is commonly used in Linux environments. The performance of the NAS can be influenced by the specific protocol used and the network conditions.
    2. Compatibility: The choice of network protocols determines the compatibility of the NAS with different devices and operating systems. For example, Windows devices primarily use SMB, while macOS devices typically use AFP or SMB. Linux devices commonly use NFS. By supporting multiple protocols, the NAS WD ShareSpace ensures compatibility with various devices and allows them to access and share files seamlessly.
    3. File System Support: Network protocols can also impact the file system support of the NAS. For instance, SMB supports different file systems like NTFS and FAT32, while AFP works best with Apple File System (APFS) or Hierarchical File System Plus (HFS+). The NAS WD ShareSpace's network protocols must be compatible with the file systems used by the devices accessing the NAS to ensure proper file sharing and data transfer.
    4. Security: Network protocols can also play a role in the security of the NAS. For example, newer versions of SMB (SMBv3) provide better security features like encryption and authentication, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data transfers. Using outdated or less secure protocols may expose the NAS to potential vulnerabilities.

    In summary, the network protocols used by the NAS WD ShareSpace impact its performance by determining the speed and efficiency of data transfers. They also affect compatibility with different devices and operating systems, as well as the supported file systems and security features.

  • Can the NAS WD ShareSpace be configured to support additional network protocols, and if so, how?

    The WD ShareSpace NAS (Network Attached Storage) device supports multiple network protocols out of the box, including SMB/CIFS, AFP, FTP, and NFS. These protocols allow different operating systems and devices to access and interact with the NAS.

    To configure additional network protocols on the WD ShareSpace, you need to access the device's web interface. Here are the steps:

    1. Connect the WD ShareSpace NAS to your network and power it on.
    2. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
    3. Enter the IP address of the WD ShareSpace in the browser's address bar. The IP address can be found using network scanning tools or by accessing your router's configuration page.
    4. Press Enter to access the web interface of the WD ShareSpace.
    5. Log in using the administrator username and password. If you haven't changed them, the default credentials are usually admin/admin or admin/password.
    6. Once logged in, navigate to the "Network" or "Network Services" section of the web interface.
    7. Look for an option to enable or configure additional network protocols. This may vary depending on the firmware version of the device.
    8. Enable the desired network protocol(s) by checking the appropriate boxes or toggling the switches.
    9. Save the changes and wait for the WD ShareSpace to apply the new network protocol settings.

    After configuring additional network protocols, you should be able to access the WD ShareSpace using the newly enabled protocols from compatible devices or operating systems.

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