RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP ES1640dc: Steps to Recover Data When It Fails

Has your NAS QNAP ES1640dc 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 ES1640dc: Steps to Recover Data When It Fails
Data Recovery Tool

QNAP ES1640dc 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 ES1640dc. 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 ES1640dc: Steps to Recover Data When It Fails

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.

Can the use of specific encryption algorithms or protocols impact data loss risks on NAS QNAP ES1640dc devices?

Yes, the use of specific encryption algorithms or protocols can impact data loss risks on NAS QNAP ES1640dc devices. Encryption algorithms and protocols play a crucial role in securing data stored on NAS devices.

By using strong encryption algorithms and protocols, the data stored on the NAS device is protected from unauthorized access and potential data loss. Encryption algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with a key size of 256 bits are considered highly secure and can help mitigate the risk of data loss.

Additionally, protocols like SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) can be used to secure data transmission between the NAS device and other devices on the network. This ensures that data is encrypted during transit, reducing the risk of interception and data loss.

It is important to choose encryption algorithms and protocols that are widely accepted and considered secure within the industry. Regularly updating the encryption settings and firmware of the NAS device is also crucial to address any vulnerabilities and ensure the highest level of data protection.

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

Although the NAS ES1640dc 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 ES1640dc. 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

ES1640dc 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 ES1640dc 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 ES1640dc, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Woodrow Stevenson
    Woodrow Stevenson 15.09.2023 12:56 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP ES1640dc device that has suffered a power loss or sudden shutdown?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 13:59 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP ES1640dc device that has suffered a power loss or sudden shutdown. However, the success of data recovery depends on several factors such as the extent of the damage, the condition of the hard drives, and the actions taken after the power loss or sudden shutdown.

      Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery:

      1. Power off the NAS device and disconnect it from the power source to prevent further damage.
      2. Check the physical condition of the hard drives. Ensure they are properly connected and not physically damaged.
      3. If the drives are in good condition, you can try connecting them to a computer directly using a SATA to USB adapter or by installing them in a compatible computer.
      4. Use data recovery software like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or TestDisk to scan the drives for recoverable data. These tools can help recover deleted files or files from corrupted partitions.
      5. If the data recovery software fails to retrieve your data, you may need to consult a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or failed NAS devices.

      Remember, it is always recommended to have a backup of your important data to avoid data loss in case of unexpected events like power loss or hardware failure.

      Reply
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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

  • How does the NAS QNAP ES1640dc facilitate the process of copying data from different devices?

    The NAS QNAP ES1640dc facilitates the process of copying data from different devices through various methods:

    1. Network File Transfer: The NAS supports different file transfer protocols such as FTP, SFTP, and TFTP, allowing users to transfer files from different devices over the network. This enables seamless copying of data between devices connected to the same network.
    2. USB and External Storage Support: The NAS has multiple USB ports and supports external storage devices such as USB drives and external hard drives. Users can connect these devices to the NAS and easily copy data from them to the NAS or vice versa. This simplifies the process of transferring data without the need for a computer intermediary.
    3. Cloud Sync and Backup: The QNAP NAS integrates with various cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive. Users can sync and backup data from different devices to these cloud services and then easily copy the data from the cloud to the NAS. This provides a convenient method for data transfer between devices and the NAS.
    4. Remote Access and File Management: The NAS offers remote access capabilities, allowing users to access and manage their data from anywhere using a web browser or dedicated mobile apps. This means that users can copy data from their devices to the NAS remotely, eliminating the need for physical connections.
    5. Data Migration and Replication: The NAS supports data migration and replication features, which allow users to copy data from one NAS to another. This is beneficial when upgrading or expanding the storage capacity and ensures seamless data transfer between devices.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP ES1640dc provides multiple options for copying data from different devices, whether it's through network file transfer, USB connections, cloud sync, remote access, or data migration.

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS QNAP ES1640dc that make it an efficient solution for data copying from various devices?

    The NAS QNAP ES1640dc offers several key features and capabilities that make it an efficient solution for data copying from various devices:

    1. High-speed data transfer: The NAS is equipped with high-performance hardware, including Intel Xeon processors and DDR4 error-correcting RAM, enabling fast data transfer speeds.
    2. Multiple connectivity options: It supports various connectivity options, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SAS, allowing you to connect and copy data from different devices with ease.
    3. Scalability: The NAS supports up to 16 drive bays, providing ample storage space for data copying. It also supports expansion units, allowing you to increase storage capacity as your needs grow.
    4. RAID support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD. This ensures data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    5. Snapshot and backup features: It offers snapshot technology, allowing you to take point-in-time copies of data for easy recovery. Additionally, it supports various backup methods, including local backup, remote replication, and cloud backup, ensuring data integrity and availability.
    6. Data deduplication and compression: The NAS utilizes data deduplication and compression techniques to optimize storage efficiency. This reduces the amount of storage space required for data copying, resulting in cost savings.
    7. High availability and disaster recovery: The NAS supports high availability (HA) clustering, enabling seamless failover between multiple NAS units. This ensures continuous data access and minimizes downtime in case of a hardware failure.
    8. Advanced security features: It offers comprehensive security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, antivirus protection, IP blocking, and access control, ensuring data confidentiality and protection against unauthorized access.
    9. Centralized management: The NAS can be centrally managed through a user-friendly web-based interface. This allows you to easily configure and monitor data copying processes from various devices.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP ES1640dc combines high-performance hardware, advanced data protection features, and flexible connectivity options, making it an efficient solution for data copying from various devices.

  • Can you provide a step-by-step guide on how to use the NAS QNAP ES1640dc to copy data from different devices?

    Certainly! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the QNAP ES1640dc NAS to copy data from different devices:

    1. Connect the QNAP ES1640dc NAS to your network using an Ethernet cable and power it on.
    2. Access the NAS management interface by opening a web browser and entering the IP address of the NAS. The default IP address is usually "192.168.1.100".
    3. Log in to the NAS management interface using your administrator credentials.
    4. Once logged in, navigate to the "Storage Manager" section.
    5. In the Storage Manager, click on "Storage Space" to create a storage space for your data.
    6. Click on "Create" and select the RAID type you prefer (e.g., RAID 1 for data redundancy).
    7. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the storage space, including selecting the hard drives you want to use and setting the desired capacity.
    8. After the storage space is created, go back to the main NAS management interface and click on "Shared Folders".
    9. Create a new shared folder by clicking on "Create" and follow the prompts to set the folder name, access permissions, and other settings.
    10. Once the shared folder is created, you can start copying data from different devices.
    11. If you want to copy data from a computer, open File Explorer on your computer, locate the files or folders you want to copy, right-click on them, and select "Copy".
    12. Go back to the NAS management interface and navigate to the shared folder you created earlier.
    13. Right-click inside the shared folder and select "Paste" to start copying the data from your computer to the NAS.
    14. If you want to copy data from another device, such as a smartphone or tablet, you can use QNAP's mobile apps (e.g., Qfile, Qmanager) to access the NAS and copy the data directly.
    15. Install the QNAP mobile app on your device, launch it, and connect to the NAS using your login credentials.
    16. Once connected, navigate to the shared folder you want to copy the data to and use the app's file management features to upload or transfer the data from your device to the NAS.

    That's it! You have successfully copied data from different devices to the QNAP ES1640dc NAS.
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