Steps to Recover Your NAS QNAP ES1640dc v2 RAID Array: Steps to Recovery When It Breaks

Your ⭐ NAS RAID array broke? Here’s how to recover your data and restore your system to full operation.

Steps to Recover Your NAS QNAP ES1640dc v2 RAID Array: Steps to Recovery When It Breaks

QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from ES1640dc v2.

Steps to Recover Your NAS QNAP ES1640dc v2 RAID Array: Steps to Recovery When It Breaks

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like QNAP also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

How can the number of drives in a NAS QNAP ES1640dc v2 device's RAID array impact data recovery and potential loss?

The number of drives in a NAS QNAP ES1640dc v2 device's RAID array can impact data recovery and potential loss in the following ways:

  1. RAID Level: The number of drives determines the RAID level that can be implemented. Different RAID levels offer varying levels of data redundancy and performance. For example, RAID 5 requires a minimum of three drives, while RAID 6 requires at least four drives. Higher RAID levels provide better fault tolerance and protection against drive failures, reducing the risk of data loss.
  2. Data Redundancy: The more drives in the RAID array, the higher the level of data redundancy. Redundancy means that if one or more drives fail, the data can still be accessed and recovered from the remaining drives. With more drives, the RAID array can sustain multiple drive failures without losing data.
  3. Rebuild Time: When a drive fails in a RAID array, the data needs to be rebuilt onto a replacement drive. The larger the number of drives in the array, the longer it takes to rebuild the data. During the rebuild process, the array is in a vulnerable state, and if another drive fails, it can lead to data loss. So, a larger number of drives increases the risk of data loss during the rebuild process.
  4. Failure Probability: With more drives in a RAID array, the probability of drive failures increases. Each drive has a certain failure rate, and as the number of drives increases, so does the likelihood of encountering a drive failure. If multiple drives fail simultaneously or in close succession, it can result in data loss.
  5. Data Recovery Cost: In case of data loss, the cost of data recovery can vary depending on the number of drives in the RAID array. Data recovery from a larger RAID array with more drives can be more complex and expensive compared to a smaller array. This is because the recovery process involves handling multiple drives and reconstructing the data from them.

It is important to carefully consider the number of drives in a NAS QNAP ES1640dc v2 device's RAID array to strike a balance between data redundancy, performance, and the risk of data loss. Regular backups and monitoring the health of the drives can also help mitigate potential data loss risks.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS ES1640dc v2 can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

  1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

    WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

  2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP ES1640dc v2. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

ES1640dc v2 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);

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Loss resulting from bad sectors;
  • User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The QNAP ES1640dc v2 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Product Operating system License type RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 200 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 1,000 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Free 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 v2, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Heywood Grover
    Heywood Grover 15.09.2023 10:41 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS QNAP ES1640dc v2 device be done if the storage disks have been accidentally overwritten or reformatted?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 10:59 #

      Data recovery from a NAS QNAP ES1640dc v2 device can be challenging if the storage disks have been overwritten or reformatted. In such cases, the chances of recovering the data will depend on several factors:

      1. Level of Overwriting: If the disks have been completely overwritten with new data, the chances of recovering the original data become very slim. Overwriting data multiple times reduces the possibility of recovery.
      2. Time Since Overwrite: The longer it has been since the disks were overwritten, the more difficult it becomes to recover the original data. The chances decrease as new data gets written to the disks over time.
      3. Type of Formatting: If the disks were quick-formatted or the file system was changed, there might be a higher possibility of recovering some data. However, if the disks were fully formatted and new data was written, the chances decrease significantly.
      4. Data Recovery Tools and Services: Utilizing professional data recovery tools and services can increase the chances of recovering overwritten or reformatted data. These tools employ advanced techniques to analyze the disk and attempt to recover lost data.

      It is important to note that data recovery from overwritten or reformatted disks is not guaranteed, and it is always recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service for the best possible chance of successful recovery.

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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 are the key features and specifications of the QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS for personal cloud storage?

    The QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS is a high-performance network-attached storage device designed for personal cloud storage. Some of its key features and specifications include:

    1. Dual active controllers: The NAS comes with two controllers that operate simultaneously, providing high availability and ensuring continuous system operation.
    2. Intel Xeon processors: It is powered by Intel Xeon processors, which offer exceptional performance and reliability.
    3. SAS-enabled expansion: The NAS supports SAS expansion enclosures, allowing for flexible storage capacity expansion as per the user's requirements.
    4. Enterprise-grade storage: It supports both SAS and SATA drives, offering a wide range of storage options. It also supports SSD caching to enhance overall system performance.
    5. Redundant power supplies: The NAS is equipped with dual redundant power supplies, ensuring uninterrupted power and system reliability.
    6. Comprehensive data protection: It offers various data protection features like RAID configurations, snapshot technology, and backup options to safeguard data against hardware failures and accidental deletions.
    7. High-speed connectivity: It supports multiple high-speed network interfaces, including 10GbE and 40GbE, ensuring fast data transfer rates.
    8. Scalability: The NAS supports up to 16 drive bays, allowing for significant storage capacity expansion. It can also be connected to additional expansion enclosures for further scalability.
    9. Virtualization support: It is compatible with popular virtualization platforms like VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V, making it suitable for virtualized environments.
    10. Advanced management features: The NAS comes with a user-friendly web-based interface that offers comprehensive management capabilities, including storage management, user access control, and monitoring tools.
    11. Cloud storage integration: It supports various cloud storage services, allowing users to easily backup or synchronize their data with popular cloud providers.

    Overall, the QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS is a powerful and feature-rich personal cloud storage solution that offers high performance, scalability, and data protection for personal or small business use.

  • How does the QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS ensure data security and protection for personal cloud storage?

    The QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS ensures data security and protection for personal cloud storage through several mechanisms:

    1. Redundant Power Supplies: The NAS has dual power supplies to ensure system availability even if one power supply fails.
    2. Redundant Controllers: The NAS features dual controllers that operate independently, providing failover protection in case one controller fails.
    3. RAID Protection: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD. RAID technology allows for data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    4. Snapshot Protection: The NAS supports snapshot technology, which enables users to create point-in-time copies of their data. Snapshots can be used to quickly recover data in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    5. AES 256-bit Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit encryption, which ensures that data stored on the device is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
    6. Network Security: The NAS supports various network security protocols, including SSL/TLS encryption, IP blocking, and access control lists (ACLs). These features help protect data during transmission and restrict unauthorized access to the NAS.
    7. Antivirus Protection: The NAS includes an integrated antivirus solution that scans files for malware and viruses, ensuring that the stored data remains free from threats.
    8. Data Backup and Sync: The NAS supports various backup and sync options, allowing users to create copies of their data on external drives or cloud storage services. This ensures that data is protected against hardware failures or disasters.
    9. Data Deduplication and Compression: The NAS includes data deduplication and compression technologies, which reduce storage space requirements and improve overall data efficiency.
    10. Secure Remote Access: The NAS provides secure remote access capabilities, allowing users to access their personal cloud storage securely from anywhere using encrypted connections.

    Overall, the QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS incorporates multiple layers of data security and protection mechanisms to ensure the safety and integrity of personal cloud storage.

  • What are the advantages and benefits of using the QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS for personal cloud storage compared to other similar products in the market?

    There are several advantages and benefits of using the QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS for personal cloud storage compared to other similar products in the market:

    1. High Performance: The QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and supports up to 64GB of DDR4 ECC memory. This ensures fast and efficient performance for handling multiple tasks and heavy workloads.
    2. Dual Active Controllers: Unlike many other NAS devices, the ES1640dc v2 comes with dual active controllers, providing high availability and ensuring uninterrupted access to your data. In the event of a controller failure, the other controller takes over seamlessly, minimizing downtime.
    3. Scalability: The ES1640dc v2 offers excellent scalability options. It supports up to 16 drive bays, allowing you to easily expand your storage capacity as your needs grow. Additionally, it supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD, giving you flexibility in data protection and performance.
    4. Data Protection: QNAP NAS devices are known for their robust data protection features. The ES1640dc v2 supports snapshots, which allow you to take point-in-time copies of your data for quick recovery in case of accidental deletion or data corruption. It also supports RAID hot spare and global hot spare, ensuring data integrity and minimizing downtime in case of drive failures.
    5. High Availability (HA): The ES1640dc v2 is designed for high availability environments. It supports Active-Active dual-controller architecture, enabling continuous operation even during maintenance or hardware upgrades. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses or individuals who require constant access to their data.
    6. Versatile Connectivity: The ES1640dc v2 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, 10GbE ports, and optional 40GbE ports. This allows for high-speed data transfer and seamless integration into existing network infrastructure.
    7. Comprehensive Software Ecosystem: QNAP provides a comprehensive software ecosystem for their NAS devices. The ES1640dc v2 runs on QTS, QNAP's intuitive operating system, which offers a plethora of applications and features for data management, backup, synchronization, and multimedia streaming. Additionally, QNAP provides regular firmware updates, ensuring your device remains secure and up to date.

    Overall, the QNAP ES1640dc v2 NAS offers high performance, scalability, data protection, and high availability features, making it a reliable and efficient solution for personal cloud storage compared to other similar products in the market.

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