Abstract: A data storage system comprises: a data storage device (2) that stores a file system (4), wherein the file system (4) comprises metadata that maps file identifiers of files in the file system (4) to physical storage elements that store the files; file system mapping means (94) for reading the metadata of the file system (4) to determine physical storage elements that store a predetermined at least one file (8) of the file system (4), and storing identification data that identifies the determined physical storage elements; and reading and/or writing means (92, 96) that is configured in operation to read the stored identification data and read from and/or write to physical storage elements (84-89) identified by the identification data.