Essential Features for Recovering Data from NAS QNAP QVP-63A at Home

Has your NAS QNAP QVP-63A 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?

Essential Features for Recovering Data from NAS QNAP QVP-63A at Home

QNAP QVP-63A 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 QVP-63A. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Essential Features for Recovering Data from NAS QNAP QVP-63A at Home

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.

How can RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS QNAP QVP-63A devices?

RAID configurations can have a significant impact on data loss in NAS QNAP QVP-63A devices. Here are a few ways RAID can affect data loss:

  1. Data redundancy: RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5, provide redundancy by distributing data across multiple disks. If one disk fails, the data can be recovered from the other disks. This reduces the risk of data loss due to disk failures.
  2. Hot spare: Some RAID configurations allow for a hot spare disk, which remains unused until another disk fails. When a failure occurs, the hot spare automatically replaces the failed disk, minimizing the downtime and reducing the risk of data loss.
  3. Data rebuild: When a disk fails in a RAID configuration, the data needs to be rebuilt or reconstructed on a new disk. During this process, the remaining disks are under increased stress, and if another disk fails before the rebuild completes, data loss can occur. It is crucial to monitor the RAID array and replace failed disks promptly to avoid such situations.
  4. RAID level selection: Different RAID levels offer varying levels of data protection and performance. For example, RAID 0 offers no redundancy and increases the risk of data loss if any disk fails. On the other hand, RAID 6 provides dual parity, allowing for the simultaneous failure of two disks without data loss. Choosing the appropriate RAID level based on your data protection needs is essential.
  5. Controller failure: RAID configurations rely on the RAID controller to manage the disks and ensure data integrity. If the RAID controller fails, it can lead to data loss or make it difficult to recover data from the disks. Regular backups and redundancy measures outside of the RAID configuration, such as off-site backups, can mitigate the impact of controller failures.

It is important to note that while RAID configurations can provide some level of data protection, they are not a substitute for regular backups. Backing up your data to external storage or cloud services is crucial to safeguard against accidental deletion, malware attacks, or catastrophic failures that may affect the entire NAS device.

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

Although the NAS QVP-63A 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 QVP-63A. 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

QVP-63A has 6 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.

    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 QVP-63A 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 QVP-63A, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Dennis Bellingham
    Dennis Bellingham 17.09.2023 13:57 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP QVP-63A device that has been physically damaged due to a power surge?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 17.09.2023 14:00 #

      Recovering data from a physically damaged device is challenging, and the success depends on the extent of the damage. In the case of a power surge damaging a NAS device like the QNAP QVP-63A, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service.

      These services have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from physically damaged devices. They can assess the damage, repair any components if possible, and attempt to retrieve the data from the device.

      It is important to note that there is no guarantee of success in data recovery from physically damaged devices. The extent of the damage and the condition of the storage media will determine the chances of 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 capabilities of the NAS QNAP QVP-63A that make it suitable for use as central storage?

    The QNAP QVP-63A is not a specific model or product from QNAP. As of my knowledge, there is no NAS model with that exact name. QNAP does offer a wide range of NAS models with various features and capabilities that make them suitable for use as central storage. Here are some key features and capabilities commonly found in QNAP NAS devices that make them suitable for central storage:

    1. High Storage Capacity: QNAP NAS devices come in various configurations, offering multiple drive bays that can accommodate a large number of hard drives or SSDs. This allows for high storage capacity, which is essential for central storage.
    2. RAID Support: QNAP NAS devices typically support various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10. RAID provides data redundancy and improves storage performance, ensuring data protection and availability.
    3. Scalability: QNAP NAS devices often support expansion units, allowing you to increase storage capacity as your needs grow. This scalability makes them suitable for central storage, where data requirements may increase over time.
    4. High-Speed Connectivity: QNAP NAS devices offer multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports and some models even support 10GbE connections. This enables fast data transfer speeds, ensuring efficient central storage access for multiple users.
    5. File Sharing and Collaboration: QNAP NAS devices provide advanced file sharing and collaboration features. They support various protocols like SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV, allowing users to access and share files seamlessly across different platforms and devices.
    6. Data Backup and Recovery: QNAP NAS devices offer comprehensive backup solutions, including scheduled backups, real-time synchronization, and cloud backup integration. These features ensure data protection and facilitate quick recovery in case of data loss.
    7. Security and Access Control: QNAP NAS devices provide robust security features like encryption, antivirus, IP blocking, and access control lists. These features help protect data stored in the central storage from unauthorized access and potential threats.
    8. Application Ecosystem: QNAP NAS devices support a wide range of applications through their app center. These applications include media servers, virtualization platforms, surveillance systems, and more, enhancing the functionality and versatility of the central storage.

    It's worth noting that the specific features and capabilities may vary depending on the model and configuration of the QNAP NAS device you choose for central storage.

  • How does the NAS QNAP QVP-63A ensure data security and backup reliability when used as central storage?

    The NAS QNAP QVP-63A ensures data security and backup reliability through several features and functionalities:

    1. RAID Configuration: The QVP-63A supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10. These configurations provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures, ensuring that data remains accessible even if one or more drives fail.
    2. Snapshot Technology: QNAP NAS devices support snapshot technology, which allows users to take point-in-time snapshots of their data. Snapshots provide a fast and efficient way to protect against accidental deletion, ransomware attacks, or data corruption. If any issues occur, users can easily restore their data to a previous snapshot.
    3. Encryption: The QVP-63A supports AES 256-bit encryption, which allows users to encrypt their data at rest. This ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the NAS or its drives, the data remains secure and unreadable without the encryption key.
    4. Network Security: QNAP NAS devices provide various network security features, including firewall settings, IP blocking, and access control lists (ACLs). These features help protect the NAS from unauthorized access and ensure that only authorized users can access the data stored on the device.
    5. Backup Solutions: QNAP NAS devices offer multiple backup solutions, including local backups to external drives or other NAS devices, remote backups to cloud storage providers, and synchronization with remote servers. These backup options provide additional redundancy and ensure that data is safely stored in multiple locations.
    6. Antivirus and Anti-Malware: QNAP NAS devices come with built-in antivirus and anti-malware solutions. These solutions regularly scan the NAS for potential threats and provide real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other malicious activities.
    7. Data Deduplication and Compression: The QVP-63A supports data deduplication and compression technologies, which help optimize storage capacity and reduce the amount of data transferred over the network. This improves backup efficiency and reduces storage costs.
    8. High Availability (HA): QNAP NAS devices can be configured in a High Availability (HA) setup, where two NAS devices are synchronized in real-time. In case of a hardware failure or downtime, the secondary NAS takes over seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted access to data.

    Overall, the QNAP QVP-63A combines various security and backup features to ensure data security, integrity, and reliability when used as central storage.

  • What are the advantages and potential drawbacks of using the NAS QNAP QVP-63A as central storage compared to other storage solutions?

    Advantages of using the NAS QNAP QVP-63A as central storage compared to other storage solutions:

    1. Scalability: The QNAP QVP-63A offers flexible scalability options, allowing you to easily expand storage capacity as your needs grow. It supports various drive configurations and can accommodate multiple hard drives or SSDs.
    2. Data protection: The QVP-63A supports RAID configurations, providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures. It also offers features like snapshot technology and data deduplication, enhancing data integrity and reducing the risk of data loss.
    3. High-performance: This NAS model is equipped with a powerful processor and ample memory, enabling fast data access and file transfers. It supports high-speed connectivity options like 10GbE and Thunderbolt, ensuring efficient data transmission.
    4. Versatility: The QVP-63A supports various file protocols, including SMB, NFS, and AFP, making it compatible with different operating systems and allowing easy sharing and collaboration across platforms. It also offers multimedia streaming capabilities and can function as a media server.
    5. Extensive features: QNAP NAS devices come with a wide range of built-in applications and features, such as backup and disaster recovery solutions, virtualization support, surveillance capabilities, and cloud integration. These features provide added functionality and convenience.

    Potential drawbacks of using the NAS QNAP QVP-63A as central storage:

    1. Cost: QNAP NAS devices tend to be more expensive compared to other storage solutions, especially when considering the initial investment, drives, and additional features. The QVP-63A, being a high-end model, may have a higher price point.
    2. Complexity: Setting up and configuring a NAS device like the QVP-63A may require some technical knowledge. The extensive features and customization options can be overwhelming for users without prior experience with NAS systems.
    3. Reliance on a single device: When using a NAS as central storage, the entire network's storage depends on the NAS device. If the device encounters hardware or software issues, it may lead to downtime or data unavailability until the problem is resolved.
    4. Limited storage capacity: Although the QVP-63A supports scalability, there is still a limit to the number of drives it can accommodate. If your storage requirements exceed the maximum capacity of the NAS, you may need to consider alternative storage solutions.
    5. Network dependency: The performance of a NAS device is influenced by the network infrastructure. If the network experiences congestion or slowdowns, it can impact the data transfer speeds and overall performance of the NAS.