- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
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 use of specific file-sharing protocols impact data loss risks on NAS ZyXel NAS542 devices?
The use of specific file-sharing protocols can impact data loss risks on ZyXel NAS542 devices in several ways:
- Encryption: Some file-sharing protocols, such as Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) or Secure Shell (SSH), provide encryption capabilities. By using these protocols, data transmitted between the NAS device and other devices is encrypted, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data interception.
- Access Control: Different file-sharing protocols have varying levels of access control mechanisms. For example, protocols like FTP (File Transfer Protocol) may have weaker access control, allowing for more potential vulnerabilities and unauthorized access. On the other hand, protocols like SMB (Server Message Block) or NFS (Network File System) offer more robust access control options, enabling administrators to define specific permissions and restrictions for users or groups.
- Authentication: File-sharing protocols differ in their authentication mechanisms. Protocols that support strong authentication methods, such as Kerberos or two-factor authentication, enhance the security of data on the NAS device. Weak authentication mechanisms can make it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access to the device and potentially cause data loss.
- Vulnerabilities: Each file-sharing protocol has its own set of vulnerabilities. Some protocols may have a history of security flaws, making them more susceptible to attacks. It is essential to keep the NAS device's firmware and software up to date to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of data loss.
- Data Integrity: Certain file-sharing protocols, like BitTorrent or Distributed File System (DFS), have built-in mechanisms to ensure data integrity. These protocols use checksums or hashing algorithms to verify the integrity of files during transfer or storage, reducing the risk of data corruption or loss.
It is crucial to select file-sharing protocols that prioritize security, encryption, access control, and authentication to minimize the risk of data loss on ZyXel NAS542 devices. Regularly updating the NAS device's firmware, using strong passwords, and implementing additional security measures, such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems, can further enhance data protection.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS NAS542 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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.
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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with ZyXel NAS542. 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.
NAS542 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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.
Where are user’s files stored?
The ZyXel NAS542 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 |
Yes, it is possible to recover data from a ZyXel NAS542 device that has been affected by a hardware malfunction or component failure. However, the success of data recovery depends on the nature and extent of the hardware failure.
In case of a hardware malfunction, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service or a specialized IT technician who has experience with NAS devices. They can assess the situation, diagnose the problem, and attempt to recover the data.
It is important to note that attempting DIY repairs or data recovery without proper knowledge and expertise may further damage the device and make data recovery more difficult or even impossible.