RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP EJ1600: How to Recover When It Breaks Down

Has your NAS QNAP EJ1600 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP EJ1600: How to Recover When It Breaks Down

QNAP EJ1600 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an EJ1600. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP EJ1600: How to Recover When It Breaks Down

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 QNAP 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.

How can the NAS QNAP EJ1600 device's CPU or processing power affect data transfer and potential loss?

The CPU or processing power of the NAS QNAP EJ1600 device can affect data transfer and potential loss in several ways:

  1. Data transfer speed: The CPU plays a crucial role in handling data transfer requests and managing network traffic. A more powerful CPU can process these requests faster, resulting in higher data transfer speeds. Conversely, a slower CPU may cause delays in data transfer, especially when dealing with large files or multiple concurrent transfers.
  2. RAID calculations: The NAS device uses RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology to provide data redundancy and protection against disk failures. The CPU performs various calculations related to RAID, such as parity calculations for RAID 5 or RAID 6. A faster CPU can perform these calculations more efficiently, reducing the time required for RAID operations and improving overall data transfer performance.
  3. Data integrity checks: The CPU is responsible for performing data integrity checks, such as checksum calculations or error correction codes (ECC). These checks ensure that data transferred to and from the NAS device remains intact and error-free. A more powerful CPU can handle these checks more quickly and accurately, reducing the chances of data corruption or loss during transfer.
  4. Network protocol processing: The CPU also handles the processing of various network protocols, such as TCP/IP, SMB, NFS, or FTP. Efficient processing of these protocols is essential for smooth data transfer and optimal network performance. A faster CPU can handle protocol processing more efficiently, reducing latency and potential data loss during transfer.
  5. Concurrent user access: The CPU's processing power determines the number of concurrent users or connections the NAS device can handle effectively. If the CPU is underpowered, it may struggle to handle multiple users accessing and transferring data simultaneously. This can lead to slower transfer speeds, increased latency, and potential data loss due to congestion or resource limitations.

In summary, a more powerful CPU in the NAS QNAP EJ1600 device can significantly improve data transfer speeds, reduce latency, enhance data integrity checks, and handle concurrent user access more efficiently. These factors collectively contribute to a lower risk of potential data loss during transfer.

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

Although the NAS EJ1600 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

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP EJ1600. 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 QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

EJ1600 has 16 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 10;
  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • ZFS;
  • EXT4;
  • EXT3;
  • exFAT;
  • FAT32 (External Disk Only);
  • NTFS (External Disk Only);
  • HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);

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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The QNAP EJ1600 network-attached storage keeps QTS (QuTS hero) 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS EJ1600, feel free to leave a comment!
  • John Dobson
    John Dobson 15.09.2023 12:57 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP EJ1600 device that has been affected by a natural disaster such as flooding or earthquake?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 13:00 #

      Recovering data from a NAS device that has been affected by a natural disaster such as flooding or earthquake can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery:

      1. Safety first: Ensure your own safety and well-being before attempting any recovery efforts. If the area is still unsafe or unstable, wait for professionals to declare it safe.
      2. Assess the damage: Determine the extent of the damage caused to the NAS device. If it has been submerged in water or damaged by debris, it is important to understand the severity of the damage.
      3. Disconnect and dry: If the NAS device has been affected by water, disconnect it from the power source immediately. Allow it to dry completely before attempting any recovery. Do not power it on until it has been thoroughly dried.
      4. Consult professionals: Contact professional data recovery services that specialize in disaster recovery. They have the expertise and specialized equipment to recover data from damaged devices.
      5. Salvage hard drives: If the NAS device is severely damaged, but the hard drives are intact, you can remove them and send them to a data recovery service. They may be able to recover data from the individual hard drives.
      6. Replace damaged parts: If the NAS device is repairable, you may need to replace damaged components or parts. Consult the manufacturer or a professional technician for guidance.

      Remember, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the severity of the natural disaster. It is always recommended to have regular data backups to minimize the risk of losing important data in such situations.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is SSH and how does it work?

    SSH stands for Secure Shell, which is a cryptographic network protocol used for secure communication between two networked devices. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network, such as the internet, to enable remote access and control of devices.

    SSH works by establishing a secure connection between a client and a server. The client initiates the connection by sending a request to the server, which responds by providing its public key. The client then verifies the server's authenticity using the public key.

    Once the server is authenticated, the client and server negotiate an encryption algorithm and a session key is generated. This session key is used to encrypt all subsequent data exchanged between the client and server.

    SSH also supports various authentication methods, such as password-based authentication or public key authentication. These methods ensure that only authorized users can access the server.

    Overall, SSH provides a secure and encrypted communication channel, protecting data and preventing unauthorized access during remote access sessions. It is widely used for secure remote administration of servers and for secure file transfers.

  • How does the NAS QNAP EJ1600 utilize SSH protocol for remote access and management?

    The NAS QNAP EJ1600 utilizes the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol for remote access and management in the following ways:

    1. Secure Remote Access: SSH provides secure remote access to the QNAP NAS EJ1600. Users can remotely connect to the NAS using an SSH client, such as PuTTY, from any location with an internet connection.
    2. Encrypted Communication: SSH ensures that the communication between the remote client and the NAS is encrypted, preventing any unauthorized access or eavesdropping. This encryption protects sensitive data and credentials transmitted over the network.
    3. Command-Line Interface (CLI): SSH allows users to access the NAS's command-line interface remotely. This provides advanced users or system administrators with direct access to the NAS's operating system, enabling them to execute various commands for configuration, troubleshooting, or system management purposes.
    4. Secure File Transfer: SSH also facilitates secure file transfer between the remote client and the NAS. Users can securely transfer files to and from the NAS using SSH's built-in file transfer capabilities, such as SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).
    5. Remote Management: Through SSH, users can remotely manage various aspects of the NAS, including system settings, user accounts, network configurations, and services. This allows system administrators to perform management tasks without physically accessing the NAS.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP EJ1600 utilizes the SSH protocol to ensure secure and encrypted remote access, enabling users to manage and interact with the NAS remotely while maintaining data confidentiality and integrity.

  • What are the advantages and security features of using SSH for accessing and controlling the QNAP EJ1600 NAS device?

    Using SSH for accessing and controlling the QNAP EJ1600 NAS device offers several advantages and security features:

    1. Secure Remote Access: SSH (Secure Shell) provides a secure encrypted connection between the client and the server, ensuring that data transmitted over the network is protected from eavesdropping and tampering.
    2. Authentication: SSH uses various authentication methods, including password-based authentication and public key authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by verifying the identity of the user before granting access to the NAS device.
    3. Encryption: SSH encrypts all data transmitted between the client and the server, including login credentials and commands. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information.
    4. Port Forwarding: SSH allows for port forwarding, which enables secure access to services running on the NAS device from remote locations. This feature eliminates the need to expose ports directly to the internet, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
    5. Command Execution: SSH provides a secure command-line interface to control and manage the QNAP EJ1600 NAS device remotely. It allows administrators to execute various commands, perform system administration tasks, and troubleshoot issues without physically accessing the device.
    6. Secure File Transfer: SSH includes the ability to securely transfer files between the client and the server using the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). This ensures that files are transmitted securely and protected from interception.
    7. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): QNAP NAS devices often support two-factor authentication for SSH access. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a verification code from a mobile app, in addition to the password.
    8. Auditing and Logging: SSH provides detailed logging capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor and track all SSH sessions, including login attempts, commands executed, and file transfers. This helps in auditing and investigating any security incidents or suspicious activities.

    Overall, using SSH for accessing and controlling the QNAP EJ1600 NAS device enhances security, ensures secure remote management, and protects sensitive data during transmission.