If your NAS drive has failed or important files were accidentally deleted, data recovery is possible with the right tools. This article introduces top NAS drive data recovery software, explains step-by-step methods to restore deleted or inaccessible files from WD Red and other NAS hard drives safely and efficiently.
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive is a storage device connected to a network. It works like a dedicated file server that contains one or more hard drives. Multiple devices (PCs, laptops, phones, tablets) can access the data over a local network (LAN) or even the internet. Typical uses include centralized file storage, file sharing, backups, and media streaming.
Key Features of NAS:
✨Network-based access: Files can be accessed via LAN or Wi-Fi from different devices.
✨Multi-user sharing: Several people can use it at the same time.
✨Data protection: Supports RAID to reduce the risk of data loss if a drive fails.
✨Extra functions: Many NAS devices can run apps for media streaming, remote downloads, or even surveillance storage.
While traditional hard drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) are typically used for direct, single-device storage, a NAS is designed for multi-user, network-based data management. This makes NAS more flexible and powerful for collaboration, but it also introduces new complexities when data loss occurs.
For example:
Traditional HDD recovery or SSD recovery: If an external hard drive or SSD fails, recovery usually focuses on that single device. The process is relatively straightforward—scanning the drive for lost or corrupted files.
NAS recovery: With NAS, things are different. Data is often stored across multiple disks in a RAID configuration (e.g., RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10). To recover data, you not only need to deal with potential physical disk issues but also rebuild the RAID structure. This makes recovery far more complex and requires specialized tools or expertise.
As mentioned earlier, NAS recovery is more complicated than dealing with a standard HDD or SSD because data is often distributed across multiple drives and stored in special file systems. To make the process easier, you can use MyRecover, a free yet professional data recovery tool that supports recovering lost or deleted files from NAS Network drives.
However, it is important to note that MyRecover cannot directly scan a NAS device over the network. To perform data recovery, you first need to:
First, completely power off the NAS. Use the shutdown button or management interface to turn it off, then unplug the power cable and remove the network cable to avoid any electrical risk.
Next, find the drive bays on the NAS. Most devices have them on the front side, protected by a small panel or covered trays. If your NAS has a lock or latch, unlock it first.
Then, release the tray handle and gently slide the hard disk tray out of the enclosure. Be careful not to apply too much force while pulling it out.
If the disk is fixed in the tray with screws, use a small screwdriver to remove them. After that, carefully lift the hard disk out of the tray.
Finally, place the removed disks on a clean, non-metallic surface or an anti-static mat to prevent damage.
After removing the disks from the NAS, prepare a computer where you will run MyRecover. Make sure the computer has enough available SATA ports or that you have a USB-to-SATA adapter or docking station ready.
Take the first NAS hard disk and connect it to the computer. If your computer has spare SATA data and power cables inside, attach the disk directly to the motherboard and power supply. If not, you can use a USB-to-SATA adapter or an external docking station, which allows you to connect the drive just like a portable external disk.
Once connected, turn on the computer and wait for the operating system to detect the disk. In most cases, the system will recognize it as a regular local drive or partition, even if the file system looks unfamiliar.
Now, you can download, install and launch MyRecover to scan the drivesand recover your datafrom the Network drive. By treating the NAS disks as ordinary local drives, MyRecover bypasses the limitations of network-based access and focuses on restoring your files safely and efficiently.
Step 1. In the main interface of MyRecover, select the NAS drive, and click on "Scan".
Step 2. After the scan is finished, review the list of recoverable files. You can narrow down the results by applying file type filters or quickly find what you need using the search box. Choose the files you wish to restore and then click "Recover" to save them.
Step 3. Choose a safe location on another drive to save the recovered data.
When the process is done, you can view a report with the exact count of files recovered and the destination path of the restored data.
Recovering data from a NAS drive is more complex than restoring files from a traditional HDD or SSD because of RAID configurations, non-standard file systems, and network dependencies. However, by carefully removing the NAS disks, connecting them directly to a computer, and using a professional tool like MyRecover, you can greatly simplify the process and maximize your chances of successful recovery.
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