Seagate’s BlackArmor NAS series provides simplified storage for home users and small businesses. If your server loses data due to a hardware or software issue, Datarecovery.com provides an expert set of resources to help you restore essential files. We are experts in NAS data recovery and offer free evaluations, fast turnaround times and a no data, no charge guarantee.
You can read more about our RAID recovery services. To get started right away, start a recovery ticket or call us at 1-800-237-4200.
A Brief History of the Seagate BlackArmor NAS
The BlackArmor series is designed for backup and centralized storage, with features that focus on improved file access and sharing. It also allows access from outside of your local network — you can store files on the NAS and access them from any computer with an Internet
connection.
Some models are branded under the Maxtor name (Maxtor was a major hard drive company that was acquired by Seagate). BlackArmor split off from the popular OneTouch line of external hard drives, which was marketed by Maxtor, and some of the models have similar features. This series is one of the most popular consumer-level NAS technologies available.
At the time that this article was written, the following Seagate BlackArmor NAS devices were available:
- Seagate BlackArmor NAS 110 – One hard drive. No redundancy.
- Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220 – Two hard drives. Supports RAID 0 / RAID 1.
- Seagate BlackArmor NAS 440 – Four hard drives. Supports RAID 0 RAID 1 / RAID 5 / RAID 1+0.
- Seagate BlackArmor NAS 420 – Two hard drives. Supports RAID 0 / RAID 1.
- Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 – Does not ship with any hard drives. Supports RAID 0 RAID 1 / RAID 5 / RAID 1+0.
This may not be a complete list, and Datarecovery.com offers NAS recovery for all models. This article will focus on devices that use RAID. Some models contain a single hard drive and are covered under our standard hard drive data recovery services. Every standard case receives a free evaluation, however, regardless of the number of hard drives.
Potential Types of Failure for Seagate BlackArmor Devices
By default, four-drive BlackArmor NAS systems use RAID 5 configuration to provide redundancy (if one drive fails, the device will run in a degraded state, but it will not lose data). Two-drive BlackArmor devices use RAID 1 by default, also known as a mirrored RAID. In a mirrored RAID, both hard drives contain the same data.
For a BlackArmor NAS running RAID 1 or RAID 5, common data loss scenarios include:
- Hard Drive Failures – Multiple hard drive failures will cause data loss. Signs of hard drive failure on a BlackArmor NAS will vary by model.
BlackArmor devices with an LCD screen will display an error message denoting the hard drive failure. If you have installed BlackArmor Manager, a web event occurs, which prompts an error message. Depending on your configuration, you may also receive an email notification. Finally, you can manually check whether a drive has failed in BlackArmor Manager’s Storage by selecting “Disk Manager.”
As with any HDD-based device, turn your NAS off immediately if you hear loud mechanical noises that could indicate a hard drive failure.
- Rebuild Errors – You may experience a rebuild error if your NAS fails or loses power during a rebuild, which can result in data loss. Never replace a damaged disk with a disk that was previously used in another system. Always use a completely new drive that is the same size as the old drive. Do not change the order of the drives in the hard drive bays.
If you do experience a rebuild error, do not attempt data recovery on your own. Rebuild failures can cause extensive fragmentation, and you will need the services of a professional data recovery company.
One of the most common rebuild errors includes the error message “Seagate booting,” which never changes. This is usually caused by a single damaged hard disk drive, but because rebuild errors can result in data loss, we recommend seeking assistance from data recovery professionals if you experience this error (unless the error occurs before important data is written to the NAS).
- Electronic Issues – The actual BlackArmor enclosure may fail, which will prevent you from accessing your files. The hard drives inside the enclosure often remain in working condition.
This is typically a very easy recovery, but we recommend taking the array to a professional data recovery company in order to avoid potential issues (accidental overwrites during a rebuild, for example).
Two simultaneous hard drive failures are unlikely, but possible, and rebuilding a damaged RAID can put additional stress on hard drives that will prompt a failure. Multiple hard drive failures usually occur as a result of electronic damage.
Datarecovery.com operates real laboratories across the United States. Our NAS data recovery experts can help you find appropriate solutions for any BlackArmor error, and we provide a no data, no charge guarantee with every case. We also offer free evaluations for all standard hard drives and RAID arrays. To start your BlackArmor NAS data recovery case, call us today at 1-800-237-4200 or click below to submit a request online.
