NAS QNAP HS-453DX RAID Arrays: Mechanical and Logical Failures Explained

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS QNAP HS-453DX
• 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 precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS QNAP HS-453DX devices?

Yes, there are several precautions to consider while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS QNAP HS-453DX devices:

1. Backup your data: Before replacing or upgrading hard drives, it is essential to back up all your data to an external storage device or another NAS. This ensures that you don't lose any important files during the process.
2. Power off the NAS: Make sure to power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source before replacing or upgrading the hard drives. This prevents any electrical damage or data corruption.
3. Use compatible hard drives: Check the compatibility list provided by QNAP to ensure that the new hard drives you are installing are supported by your NAS model. Using incompatible drives may cause compatibility issues or performance problems.
4. Handle drives with care: When handling the hard drives, avoid dropping them or subjecting them to excessive force. Hard drives are sensitive to physical shock, and mishandling can lead to data loss or drive failure.
5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Read the user manual or any documentation provided by QNAP for specific instructions on how to replace or upgrade hard drives in your particular NAS model. Following the manufacturer's guidelines ensures a smooth and safe process.
6. Label and record drive information: Before removing any hard drives, label them with their respective slot numbers and record their serial numbers. This helps in identifying and organizing the drives correctly during the replacement or upgrade process.
7. Take antistatic precautions: To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the hard drives, use an antistatic wrist strap or mat while handling them. ESD can cause severe damage to the sensitive electronic components of the drives.
8. Replace drives one at a time: If you are upgrading multiple hard drives, it is recommended to replace them one at a time. This allows the NAS to rebuild the RAID array or synchronize the data between the old and new drives more efficiently.
9. Verify the RAID configuration: After replacing or upgrading the hard drives, check the RAID configuration in the NAS settings to ensure that it recognizes the new drives correctly. If necessary, reconfigure the RAID array according to your requirements.
10. Monitor the NAS after the upgrade: Once the hard drives have been replaced or upgraded, monitor the NAS for any errors or issues. Check the system logs and perform regular data integrity checks to ensure everything is functioning properly.

It is always advisable to consult the official documentation or reach out to QNAP support for any specific guidelines or recommendations related to your NAS model.

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

Although the NAS HS-453DX 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 HS-453DX. 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

HS-453DX has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• 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 HS-453DX 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