Steps to Recover Deleted Files from a NAS Network Attached Storage as a Windows Drive

If you have encountered issues with your Network Attached Storage (NAS) and need to recover deleted files that were originally mounted as a Windows drive, this guide is designed to help you through the process.

Understanding Why Recovery Software Might Fail

When recovering files from a NAS that is mounted as a Windows drive, there are several common issues that can arise. One primary issue is the way most recovery software is designed to work. Often, it is easier to recover files when the NAS is directly connected to the software, bypassing the Windows drive mount.

Method 1: Directly Access the Physical NAS Drives

If you have access to the actual NAS unit and the drives within, consider unplugging the drives and connecting them directly to your computer's USB ports. This process bypasses the Windows drive mount and allows you to use recovery software on the individual drives. It’s crucial to know the hardware layout of your NAS and the specific drives involved to avoid misidentifying or damaging the drives during the process.

Method 2: Recovering Files When the NAS is RAID 5

If your NAS is configured in RAID 5, the recovery process can be more complex. In this setup, data is stored in a way that allows for fault tolerance. When files are deleted, they may be fragmented across the different drives in the RAID array. As a result, you may end up with file fragments that need to be reassembled correctly. Tools designed for RAID recovery can help to piece these fragments back together, though this process can be intricate and time-consuming.

Recommended Recovery Tools

Several tools can help in the recovery process. One such tool is DiskInternals Linux Reader. While specialized for reading and recovering data from Linux file systems, it has been known to work with NAS drives connected to a Windows machine via a USB dock. This utility can be particularly useful if the NAS drive cannot be accessed directly or if the drives are part of a RAID configuration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using DiskInternals Linux Reader

1. Prepare the USB Dock: Ensure you have a USB dock or adapter that can safely connect your NAS drives. Check the USB port specifications on your computer to ensure compatibility.

2. Disconnect the NAS: Unplug the NAS from the network and unplug the drives from the NAS unit.

3. Connect the Drives to the USB Dock: Carefully transfer the drives from the NAS unit to the USB dock, ensuring that you are not damaging any ports or connections.

4. Install DiskInternals Linux Reader: Download and install the latest version of DiskInternals Linux Reader on your computer.

5. Select the Drive: Run DiskInternals Linux Reader and select the respective drive from the list of mounted drives.

6. Scan for Files: Once the drive is selected, initiate the scan to discover files that can be recovered.

7. Recover Files: After the scan, locate the files that were deleted and choose the ones you want to recover. Proceed with the recovery process as guided by the software.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted files from a NAS that is mounted as a Windows drive can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and methods, it is possible to retrieve your data. Whether you opt to access the NAS drives directly or use a tool like DiskInternals Linux Reader, the key is to act quickly and ensure that you follow the steps carefully to avoid further data loss or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have any further questions or need additional assistance with your specific scenario, feel free to reach out to support or consult the user manual of the recovery software you are planning to use.