How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS ZyXel NSA320s Does Not Boot

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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.

Are there any specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS ZyXel NSA320s device to minimize data loss risks?

Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS ZyXel NSA320s device to minimize data loss risks:

1. Redundancy: Look for a NAS device that supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations. RAID provides data redundancy by spreading data across multiple drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining drives.
2. Backup options: Check if the NAS device offers built-in backup features like scheduled backups or remote replication. These features allow you to create regular backups of your data, reducing the risk of permanent data loss in case of hardware failure or accidental deletion.
3. Scalability: Consider the future storage needs of your data. Ensure that the NAS device supports expansion options like adding additional hard drives or connecting external storage devices to accommodate your growing data requirements.
4. Data protection features: Look for NAS devices that offer data protection features like data encryption and access controls. Data encryption ensures that your data is secure even if the physical device is stolen, while access controls allow you to restrict user permissions and prevent unauthorized access to your data.
5. Power backup: Consider a NAS device with a built-in battery or support for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Power outages or fluctuations can lead to data corruption or loss, so having a power backup ensures that the NAS device remains operational during such events.
6. Firmware updates and support: Regular firmware updates from the manufacturer help address security vulnerabilities and improve the overall functionality of the NAS device. Ensure that the manufacturer provides timely updates and has a good support system in place to assist you in case of any issues or concerns.
7. User-friendly interface: A user-friendly interface with intuitive controls and easy-to-understand settings can help minimize the risk of accidental data loss due to misconfigurations or incorrect settings.

By considering these factors, you can choose a NAS ZyXel NSA320s device that provides the necessary features and safeguards to minimize the risk of data loss.

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

Although NAS NSA320s 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with ZyXel NSA320s. 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.

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How to recover data from a ZyXel

NSA320s 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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The ZyXel NSA320s 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