How to recover data from ZyXel NAS520 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 ZyXel NAS520

ZyXel NAS520 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from NAS520.

How to recover data from NAS ZyXel NAS520

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 ZyXel 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 ZyXel NAS520 device's RAID array impact data recovery and potential loss?

The number of drives in a NAS ZyXel NAS520 device's RAID array can impact data recovery and potential loss in the following ways:

  1. RAID Level: The number of drives determines the RAID level that can be implemented. Different RAID levels offer varying levels of data redundancy and performance. For example, RAID 1 (mirroring) requires a minimum of two drives, while RAID 5 (striping with parity) requires a minimum of three drives. The RAID level chosen affects the ability to recover data in case of drive failure.
  2. Data Redundancy: The more drives in the RAID array, the higher the level of data redundancy. With more drives, the RAID array can sustain multiple drive failures without losing data. For example, RAID 5 can tolerate the failure of a single drive, while RAID 6 can withstand the failure of two drives. Having more drives in the array reduces the risk of data loss.
  3. Rebuild Time: When a drive fails in a RAID array, the data from the failed drive needs to be rebuilt onto a replacement drive. The larger the RAID array (more drives), the longer it takes to rebuild the array. During this rebuild process, the remaining drives are under increased stress, increasing the risk of additional drive failures. If multiple drives fail during the rebuild, it can lead to data loss.
  4. Performance Impact: The number of drives impacts the performance of the RAID array. In general, more drives in the array provide higher performance due to increased data distribution and parallelism. However, adding more drives can also introduce more points of failure and increase the risk of data loss if multiple drives fail simultaneously.
  5. Cost: The number of drives in the RAID array affects the cost of the NAS device. More drives mean a higher cost of hardware, as well as increased power consumption and maintenance costs. It is essential to balance the cost with the desired level of data redundancy and performance.

In summary, the number of drives in a ZyXel NAS520 device's RAID array impacts data recovery and potential loss by influencing the RAID level, data redundancy, rebuild time, performance, and cost. It is crucial to choose the appropriate number of drives based on the required level of data protection, performance needs, and budget constraints.

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

Although NAS NAS520 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 ZyXel NAS520. 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 ZyXel

How to recover data from a ZyXel

NAS520 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 ZyXel NAS520 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 NAS520, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Kelvin Crosby
    Kelvin Crosby 11.09.2023 14:58 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS ZyXel NAS520 device if the device is experiencing slow performance or file access issues?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2023 15:00 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a ZyXel NAS520 device even if it is experiencing slow performance or file access issues. Here are a few steps you can try:

      1. Check the network connection: Ensure that the NAS device is connected properly to the network and that there are no issues with the network itself. You can try connecting the NAS directly to a computer to eliminate any network-related issues.
      2. Restart the device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve performance issues. Turn off the NAS device, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on. This can help clear any temporary glitches or memory-related issues.
      3. Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your ZyXel NAS520 device. Updating the firmware can often fix bugs and improve performance.
      4. Check for disk errors: Use the NAS device's management interface to check for any disk errors or issues. If there are any errors, try repairing them using the device's built-in tools.
      5. Reset the device: As a last resort, you can try resetting the NAS device to its factory settings. This will erase all data on the device, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding. After the reset, you can restore your data from the backup.

      If none of these steps work, it may be necessary to seek professional data recovery services. They can help recover data from the NAS device even if it is experiencing severe performance issues.

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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 ZyXel NAS520 that make it suitable for use in a surveillance system?

    The ZyXel NAS520 has several key features and capabilities that make it suitable for use in a surveillance system:

    1. Storage Capacity: The NAS520 offers up to 20TB of storage capacity, allowing for the storage of a large amount of surveillance footage.
    2. RAID Support: It supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, ensuring data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    3. High Performance: The NAS520 is equipped with a powerful dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, providing fast and efficient performance for handling multiple surveillance streams simultaneously.
    4. Network Connectivity: It has dual Gigabit Ethernet ports that support link aggregation, ensuring high-speed data transfer and uninterrupted surveillance footage streaming.
    5. Surveillance Station Compatibility: The NAS520 is compatible with ZyXel's Surveillance Station software, which provides advanced surveillance features such as motion detection, event recording, and remote monitoring.
    6. Mobile Access: It offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access and monitor their surveillance footage remotely.
    7. Data Backup and Sync: The NAS520 supports various backup and synchronization options, including cloud storage services, external USB drives, and remote replication, ensuring the safety and accessibility of surveillance data.
    8. Security Features: It provides robust security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, SSL/TLS connections, and IP blocking, to protect against unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of surveillance data.

    Overall, the ZyXel NAS520's storage capacity, performance, compatibility with surveillance software, and advanced features make it a suitable choice for use in a surveillance system.

  • How does the ZyXel NAS520 integrate with surveillance cameras and other devices to provide a comprehensive surveillance solution?

    The ZyXel NAS520 can integrate with surveillance cameras and other devices to provide a comprehensive surveillance solution through its various features and capabilities:

    1. Camera Support: The NAS520 supports a wide range of surveillance cameras from different manufacturers, including IP cameras, to ensure compatibility with various devices. These cameras can be connected to the NAS520 either through wired or wireless connections.
    2. Surveillance Station: The NAS520 comes with a built-in Surveillance Station application that provides a centralized management platform for surveillance cameras. This application allows users to configure and manage multiple cameras, set up recording schedules, monitor live feeds, and review recorded footage.
    3. Motion Detection and Event Notification: The NAS520 can detect motion in camera feeds and trigger events based on predefined rules. For example, it can start recording when motion is detected, send email notifications with attached snapshots, or activate other devices like sirens or lights.
    4. Storage and Recording: The NAS520 offers ample storage capacity for storing surveillance footage. It supports multiple hard drives, allowing users to configure RAID for data redundancy and increased performance. The NAS520 can continuously record camera feeds, or users can set up scheduled or event-based recording.
    5. Mobile Access: The NAS520 provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access the surveillance system remotely. Users can view live camera feeds, play back recorded footage, receive event notifications, and manage camera settings from their mobile devices.
    6. Integration with Other Devices: The NAS520 can integrate with other devices to enhance the overall surveillance solution. For example, it can connect to network video recorders (NVRs) to expand the camera capacity, or it can integrate with alarm systems or sensors to trigger actions based on specific events.

    Overall, the ZyXel NAS520 integrates with surveillance cameras and other devices through its dedicated Surveillance Station application, offering a comprehensive surveillance solution with features like camera support, motion detection, event notifications, storage, remote access, and integration with other devices.

  • What are the steps involved in setting up and configuring the ZyXel NAS520 for use in a surveillance system, including network connectivity, camera integration, and storage management?

    Setting up and configuring the ZyXel NAS520 for use in a surveillance system involves several steps. Here is a general guide:

    Network Connectivity:

    • Connect the ZyXel NAS520 to your local network using an Ethernet cable.
    • Power on the NAS and wait for it to boot up.
    • Access the NAS administration interface by typing its IP address in a web browser.

    Initial Setup:

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the NAS, including creating an administrator account and configuring basic network settings.
    • Set up the NAS with a static IP address to ensure consistent network connectivity.

    Camera Integration:

    • Install and configure surveillance cameras according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Ensure that the cameras are connected to the same local network as the NAS520.
    • Access the NAS administration interface and navigate to the Surveillance Station section.
    • Click on "Camera" and then "Add Camera" to start the camera detection process.
    • Select the cameras you want to integrate into the surveillance system and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

    Storage Management:

    • Access the NAS administration interface and navigate to the Storage section.
    • Create storage volumes on the NAS to allocate space for storing surveillance footage.
    • Configure RAID settings if desired for data redundancy and protection.
    • Set up shared folders to organize and manage the recorded video files.
    • Define storage quotas and access permissions for different users or groups.

    Surveillance System Configuration:

    • Access the NAS administration interface and navigate to the Surveillance Station section.
    • Configure recording schedules, motion detection settings, and other surveillance parameters according to your requirements.
    • Set up alerts and notifications for events such as motion detection or system errors.
    • Customize the live view layout and configure remote access options if needed.

    Testing and Monitoring:

    • Verify that the surveillance cameras are successfully integrated and streaming video to the NAS.
    • Test the recording functionality by triggering motion detection or manually starting recording.
    • Monitor the surveillance system regularly to ensure proper functioning and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

    Note: The specific steps and options may vary depending on the firmware version of the ZyXel NAS520 and the surveillance software used. It is recommended to consult the product documentation or contact ZyXel support for detailed instructions tailored to your specific setup.

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