RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP ES2486dc: Key Steps for Recovery When It Breaks

Dealing with a broken ⭐ NAS RAID array? Here’s what you need to do to recover your data and get your system back.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP ES2486dc: Key Steps for Recovery When It Breaks

QNAP ES2486dc NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from ES2486dc.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP ES2486dc: Key Steps for 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.

Are there any guidelines for configuring security settings on NAS QNAP ES2486dc devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss?

Yes, there are several guidelines and best practices for configuring security settings on QNAP ES2486dc NAS devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss. Here are some important steps you can follow:

  1. Change the default administrator password: Upon initial setup, change the default password for the administrator account to a strong and unique password.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): QNAP NAS devices support 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security. Enable this feature and use an authentication app like Google Authenticator or a hardware token to generate the second factor.
  3. Update firmware regularly: Keep your NAS firmware up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Enable automatic firmware updates if available.
  4. Use strong user passwords: Enforce strong passwords for all user accounts on the NAS. Encourage users to choose complex passwords that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  5. Limit access privileges: Assign appropriate access privileges to users and groups, granting only the necessary permissions. Restrict access to sensitive data and folders to authorized personnel.
  6. Enable firewall and network security features: QNAP NAS devices have built-in firewalls and network security features. Enable these features to protect against unauthorized access and network attacks.
  7. Disable unused services and ports: Disable any unnecessary services and ports to minimize the attack surface. Only enable the services you require for your specific use case.
  8. Regularly backup data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure you have copies of your data in case of data loss or ransomware attacks. Store backups on separate devices or off-site for added security.
  9. Enable network encryption: QNAP NAS devices support encrypted network connections using protocols like HTTPS, FTPS, or SFTP. Enable encryption for remote access and file transfers to protect data in transit.
  10. Monitor and review logs: Regularly review system logs and enable log notifications to detect any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Take appropriate actions if any security incidents are identified.

It is important to note that these guidelines are not exhaustive, and it is recommended to consult the official QNAP documentation and security resources for comprehensive instructions and additional security measures specific to your NAS model.

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

Although NAS ES2486dc 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 ES2486dc. 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

ES2486dc has 24 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 ES2486dc 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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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 ES2486dc, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Robin Mercer
    Robin Mercer 15.09.2023 01:41 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP ES2486dc device that has been affected by a hardware malfunction or component failure?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 02:59 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP ES2486dc device that has been affected by a hardware malfunction or component failure. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the specific issue causing the failure.

      In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service that specializes in NAS devices. They have the expertise and tools required to diagnose and repair the hardware issue, and if necessary, retrieve the data from the affected device.

      It's important to note that attempting to recover data on your own or through inexperienced methods may further damage the device and make data recovery more difficult or even impossible.

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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 necessary steps to connect an IP camera to a QNAP ES2486dc NAS system?

    To connect an IP camera to a QNAP ES2486dc NAS system, you need to follow these necessary steps:

    1. Ensure that your IP camera is compatible with the QNAP NAS system. Check the QNAP website or user manual for a list of supported IP camera models.
    2. Connect the IP camera to your local network using an Ethernet cable. Make sure the camera is powered on and properly configured with an IP address.
    3. Access the QNAP NAS system's web-based management interface by entering its IP address in a web browser. Login using your administrator credentials.
    4. In the management interface, navigate to the "Surveillance Station" application. If it's not installed, you may need to download and install it from the QNAP App Center.
    5. In the Surveillance Station application, go to the "Camera" section or the "Add Camera" option.
    6. Click on "Add" or "Add Camera" and select "IP Camera" as the camera type.
    7. Enter the necessary information, such as the camera's IP address, port number, username, and password. These details can usually be found in the camera's user manual or configuration settings.
    8. Configure additional settings, such as video resolution, frame rate, recording schedule, and motion detection, according to your requirements.
    9. Save the settings and exit the camera configuration window.
    10. The QNAP NAS system should now start connecting to the IP camera. You can monitor the connection status and view the camera's live feed through the Surveillance Station application.

    Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the specific model and firmware version of your QNAP NAS system. It's recommended to refer to the user manual or online documentation provided by QNAP for detailed instructions specific to your device.

  • What are the recommended settings and configurations for seamless integration between an IP camera and a QNAP ES2486dc NAS?

    To achieve seamless integration between an IP camera and a QNAP ES2486dc NAS, you need to ensure that the camera and NAS are properly configured. Here are the recommended settings and configurations:

    1. Connect the IP camera to the same network as the QNAP NAS.
    2. Configure the IP camera to use a static IP address to ensure it remains accessible on the network.
    3. Install the QVR Pro application on the QNAP NAS. This software provides advanced surveillance features and allows you to manage multiple IP cameras.
    4. Launch the QVR Pro application and follow the setup wizard to configure basic settings such as storage location, recording schedules, and camera settings.
    5. Add the IP camera to the QVR Pro application by entering the camera's IP address, port number, and login credentials. Make sure to select the appropriate camera model from the list if available.
    6. Set up recording schedules and motion detection settings based on your requirements. You can choose to continuously record, schedule specific recording times, or trigger recording when motion is detected.
    7. Configure the storage settings to ensure the recorded video files are stored on the QNAP ES2486dc NAS. You can select specific folders or utilize the NAS's storage pool for efficient data management.
    8. Enable remote access to the IP camera and QNAP NAS if required. This allows you to view live feeds and recorded footage from anywhere using a web browser or mobile app.
    9. Set up notifications and alerts for events such as motion detection, camera disconnection, or storage full. This ensures you are promptly informed of any security-related incidents.
    10. Regularly update the firmware of both the IP camera and QNAP NAS to ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.

    By following these recommended settings and configurations, you can seamlessly integrate an IP camera with a QNAP ES2486dc NAS for effective surveillance and storage management.

  • Are there any specific compatibility requirements or limitations when connecting certain IP camera models to a QNAP ES2486dc NAS?

    When connecting IP camera models to a QNAP ES2486dc NAS, there are a few compatibility requirements and limitations to consider:

    1. Supported Camera Models: QNAP NAS devices generally support a wide range of IP camera models from various manufacturers. However, it is always recommended to check the QNAP compatibility list or consult with QNAP support to ensure that the specific IP camera model you intend to use is officially supported.
    2. Camera License Limitations: QNAP NAS devices typically come with a limited number of free camera licenses (e.g., 2 or 4). Additional camera licenses may need to be purchased to connect more IP cameras to the NAS. The number of supported camera licenses varies depending on the NAS model and the license packs available.
    3. Camera Connection Methods: QNAP NAS supports different camera connection methods such as RTSP, ONVIF, and specific camera protocols. Ensure that the IP camera model you plan to connect supports at least one of these methods to establish a connection with the NAS.
    4. NAS Hardware Resources: The QNAP ES2486dc NAS is a high-performance model designed for demanding applications. However, the number of IP cameras that can be connected and the recording capabilities may depend on the NAS's CPU, memory, and available storage capacity. It is advisable to check the NAS specifications and consider the expected workload to ensure that it can handle the desired number of cameras and recording requirements.
    5. Firmware Updates: Regularly updating the firmware of both the IP cameras and the QNAP NAS is crucial to maintain compatibility and ensure optimal performance. It is recommended to check for firmware updates from both the camera manufacturer and QNAP to address any compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities.

    In summary, while QNAP NAS devices offer broad compatibility with IP camera models, it is essential to verify the specific camera's compatibility, consider license limitations, connection methods, hardware resources, and keep firmware up to date for smooth integration and operation.

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