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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS ZyXel NSA320s
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like ZyXel often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS NSA320s can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

   WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

   Go to view

   

   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with ZyXel NSA320s. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view

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;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
• User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

   

4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison