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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS QNAP ES2486dc
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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.

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

Although the NAS ES2486dc 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP ES2486dc. 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.

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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);

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison