NAS QNAP TAS-168 RAID Arrays: Mechanical vs Logical Failures and Recovery Strategies

Identify and recover from mechanical and logical failures in ⭐ NAS RAID arrays using appropriate methods.

NAS QNAP TAS-168 RAID Arrays: Mechanical vs Logical Failures and Recovery Strategies

QNAP TAS-168 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from TAS-168.

NAS QNAP TAS-168 RAID Arrays: Mechanical vs Logical Failures and Recovery Strategies

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 known issues or limitations when using NAS QNAP TAS-168 devices with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V?

Yes, there are some known issues and limitations when using NAS QNAP TAS-168 devices with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V. Here are a few:

  1. Limited CPU and RAM: The QNAP TAS-168 is equipped with a dual-core ARM processor and only 2GB of RAM, which may limit its performance when running virtual machines (VMs) on virtualization platforms that require more resources.
  2. Limited VM Support: The TAS-168 may not support all the features and capabilities of advanced virtualization platforms like VMware or Hyper-V. For example, it may not support features like live migration, high availability, or advanced networking options.
  3. Limited Storage Performance: The storage performance of the TAS-168 may not be as high as dedicated storage solutions designed for virtualization platforms. This can result in slower VM performance and longer load times.
  4. Limited Scalability: The TAS-168 has a limited number of drive bays and limited expansion options, which may restrict the number of VMs that can be hosted on the device. This can be a limitation for businesses that require a larger number of VMs to run their applications.
  5. Compatibility Issues: There may be compatibility issues between the TAS-168 and certain virtualization platforms. It is important to check the compatibility list provided by the NAS manufacturer to ensure that the device is certified to work with the specific virtualization platform.

It is recommended to thoroughly review the specifications and limitations of the QNAP TAS-168 and consult with QNAP support or the virtualization platform vendor to ensure compatibility and optimal performance when using this device for virtualization purposes.

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

Although NAS TAS-168 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 TAS-168. 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.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

TAS-168 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Q-RAID 1;

NAS supports:

  • 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 TAS-168 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 TAS-168, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Porter Nethersole
    Porter Nethersole 18.09.2023 23:39 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS QNAP TAS-168 device be done if the device is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 19.09.2023 00:00 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS QNAP TAS-168 device can still be possible even if the device is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure. However, it is important to address the overheating or fan failure issue first to prevent further damage to the device and potential data loss.

      If the device is overheating, you should immediately shut it down and allow it to cool down before attempting any data recovery. It is recommended to check the cooling fan and ensure it is functioning properly. If the fan is not working, you may need to replace it.

      Once the overheating or cooling fan issue is resolved, you can try accessing the device and recovering the data. If the device is still functional, you can connect it to a computer and try accessing the data through the network or USB connection. However, if the device is not accessible, you may need to seek professional data recovery services.

      In cases of severe damage or if you are unable to recover the data yourself, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged NAS devices, even in cases of overheating or cooling fan failure.

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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 TAS-168 NAS device?

    To connect an IP camera to a QNAP TAS-168 NAS device, you can follow these steps:

    1. Ensure that your IP camera and QNAP TAS-168 NAS device are connected to the same network.
    2. Log in to the QNAP TAS-168 NAS device's web interface using the administrator credentials.
    3. Go to the "Control Panel" and select "Camera" or "Surveillance Station" (depending on the firmware version).
    4. Click on "Add" or "Add Camera" to start the camera setup process.
    5. Select the camera brand and model from the list. If your camera is not listed, choose "Generic" or "ONVIF" (if supported).
    6. Enter the camera's IP address, username, and password. These credentials are typically provided by the camera manufacturer.
    7. Configure the camera settings such as video resolution, frame rate, and recording options according to your preferences.
    8. Save the settings and wait for the QNAP TAS-168 NAS device to establish a connection with the IP camera.
    9. Once the connection is established, you can access the camera's live feed, configure recording schedules, and manage other surveillance settings through the QNAP NAS interface.

    It is important to note that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of your QNAP TAS-168 NAS device. Additionally, make sure to consult the device's user manual or QNAP's support documentation for detailed instructions specific to your device.

  • Can any IP camera be connected to a QNAP TAS-168 NAS, or are there specific compatibility requirements?

    The QNAP TAS-168 NAS supports a wide range of IP cameras, but there are some compatibility requirements that need to be considered. The NAS uses Surveillance Station, which is a software application that manages and records footage from IP cameras.

    To connect an IP camera to the QNAP TAS-168 NAS, the camera must be compatible with Surveillance Station. QNAP provides a list of supported cameras on their website, and it is recommended to check this list to ensure compatibility.

    Additionally, the camera should support standard protocols such as ONVIF or RTSP, as these are commonly used for integration with NAS devices. By supporting these protocols, the camera can be easily added to the Surveillance Station software and accessed through the NAS.

    In summary, while the QNAP TAS-168 NAS supports a wide range of IP cameras, it is important to check the compatibility list provided by QNAP and ensure that the camera supports standard protocols like ONVIF or RTSP.

  • Are there any specific settings or configurations that need to be done on the QNAP TAS-168 NAS to ensure successful connection and recording from an IP camera?

    Yes, there are specific settings and configurations that need to be done on the QNAP TAS-168 NAS to ensure successful connection and recording from an IP camera. Here are the steps to set it up:

    1. Connect the IP camera to your network and make sure it has a valid IP address.
    2. Log in to the QNAP TAS-168 NAS web interface.
    3. Go to the "Control Panel" and open the "Surveillance Station" app.
    4. Click on the "Camera" tab and then click "Add".
    5. Select your IP camera brand and model from the list or choose "Generic" if your camera is not listed.
    6. Enter the IP address, port number, and login credentials for your IP camera.
    7. Click "Test Connection" to verify if the NAS can successfully connect to the IP camera.
    8. Adjust the camera settings like resolution, frame rate, and recording schedule according to your requirements.
    9. Configure the storage settings by selecting the destination folder for recorded videos.
    10. Set up motion detection or other event triggers if needed.
    11. Save the settings and start recording.

    These steps may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of your QNAP NAS and the specific IP camera model you are using. It is recommended to refer to the QNAP user manual or support documentation for detailed instructions specific to your device.

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