Identifying Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP TBS-453DX RAID Arrays: Recovery Tips

Has your NAS QNAP TBS-453DX 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?

Identifying Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP TBS-453DX RAID Arrays: Recovery Tips
Data Recovery Tool

QNAP TBS-453DX 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 TBS-453DX. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Identifying Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP TBS-453DX RAID Arrays: Recovery Tips

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.

Can hardware upgrades or modifications lead to data loss if not properly executed on NAS QNAP TBS-453DX devices?

Yes, hardware upgrades or modifications can potentially lead to data loss if not properly executed on NAS QNAP TBS-453DX devices. This is because any mishandling or improper installation of hardware components can cause damage to the device or its storage drives, resulting in data corruption or loss.

It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines while performing any hardware upgrades or modifications on the NAS device. This may involve ensuring compatibility of the hardware components, taking necessary precautions to avoid static electricity discharge, and properly connecting and securing the components.

Additionally, it is highly recommended to have a backup of all important data before attempting any hardware modifications. This way, even if data loss occurs, you can restore the data from the backup.

If you are unsure about performing hardware upgrades or modifications yourself, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to minimize the risks of data loss.

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

Although the NAS TBS-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.

    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 TBS-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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

TBS-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.

    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 TBS-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

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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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 TBS-453DX, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Kane Tinsley
    Kane Tinsley 18.09.2023 06:46 #
    Are there any specific encryption methods used in NAS QNAP TBS-453DX devices that may affect data recovery?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 18.09.2023 07:00 #

      The QNAP TBS-453DX is a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that supports various encryption methods to ensure data security. These encryption methods include:

      1. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): AES is a widely used symmetric encryption algorithm that provides strong encryption for data stored on the NAS. It uses a 256-bit key size, which makes it highly secure.
      2. SSL/TLS: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols are used to encrypt data during network communication. They ensure that data transmitted between the NAS and other devices is protected from eavesdropping and tampering.
      3. Encrypted File System: QNAP NAS devices also support encrypted file systems, such as QNAP's own QTS encryption or the Linux-based LUKS encryption. These file-level encryption methods encrypt individual files or folders, adding an extra layer of security to the data stored on the NAS.

      While these encryption methods enhance data security, they may affect data recovery in certain situations. If you forget the encryption password or lose the encryption key, it can be extremely challenging to recover the encrypted data. QNAP provides recovery methods, such as using a recovery key or contacting their support, but these methods may not always guarantee successful data recovery.

      It is important to keep your encryption password and keys secure and backed up in multiple locations to avoid potential data loss or recovery difficulties.

      Reply
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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 security features and protocols available on the QNAP TBS-453DX to ensure file access security?

    The QNAP TBS-453DX offers several security features and protocols to ensure file access security. Some of the key features include:

    1. Access Control List (ACL): ACL allows administrators to define granular access permissions for individual users or user groups. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific files or folders.
    2. File-level encryption: The TBS-453DX supports AES 256-bit encryption for files and folders. This ensures that even if unauthorized users gain access to the storage device, they cannot read or modify the encrypted files without the encryption key.
    3. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS): These protocols provide secure communication channels between the TBS-453DX and connected devices, preventing eavesdropping or data interception.
    4. Two-factor authentication (2FA): The TBS-453DX supports 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two forms of authentication, such as a password and a unique code generated by a mobile app.
    5. IP blocking and access control: Administrators can configure IP blocking rules to prevent unauthorized access attempts from specific IP addresses or IP ranges. Access control lists can also be used to restrict access based on IP addresses.
    6. Antivirus and malware protection: The TBS-453DX includes built-in antivirus and malware scanning capabilities to detect and prevent the spread of malicious files. It can also be configured to automatically scan files upon upload or download.
    7. Network protocols and encryption: The TBS-453DX supports various network protocols such as SMB, AFP, FTP, and WebDAV, all of which can be encrypted using SSL/TLS to ensure secure data transfer over the network.
    8. Data backup and snapshots: The TBS-453DX offers various data backup options, including scheduled backups, remote replication, and snapshot technology. Snapshots allow users to quickly restore previous versions of files in case of accidental deletion or modification.

    These security features and protocols help ensure that file access on the QNAP TBS-453DX is secure and protected from unauthorized access or data breaches.

  • How does the QNAP TBS-453DX handle user authentication and access control for files stored on the NAS?

    The QNAP TBS-453DX offers several methods for user authentication and access control for files stored on the NAS. Here are some of the key features:

    1. User Accounts: The NAS supports creating multiple user accounts with different access privileges. Each user can have their own login credentials and access permissions.
    2. User Groups: Users can be organized into groups, allowing for easier management of access control. Permissions can be set at the group level, making it efficient to grant or deny access to multiple users at once.
    3. Access Control Lists (ACL): ACLs provide granular control over file and folder permissions. You can assign specific permissions (read, write, execute) to individual users or groups for each file or folder.
    4. Windows Active Directory (AD) Integration: The NAS can integrate with an existing Windows AD domain, allowing users to log in using their AD credentials. This simplifies user management and ensures consistency with the organization's existing authentication infrastructure.
    5. LDAP Server: The NAS can function as an LDAP server, enabling centralized user authentication and access control across multiple devices and services within the network.
    6. 2-step Verification: To enhance security, the NAS supports two-step verification using Google Authenticator or other compatible apps. This adds an extra layer of protection to user accounts.
    7. File-level Encryption: The NAS supports AES-256 encryption for individual files or folders. This ensures that sensitive data remains secure even if unauthorized access to the NAS occurs.
    8. IP Access Control: You can restrict access to the NAS based on IP addresses or IP ranges. This allows you to specify which devices or networks are allowed to connect to the NAS.

    These features provide a comprehensive set of tools to manage user authentication and access control for files stored on the QNAP TBS-453DX NAS, ensuring data security and privacy.

  • Can the QNAP TBS-453DX integrate with existing security systems or protocols to enhance file access security?

    Yes, the QNAP TBS-453DX can integrate with existing security systems or protocols to enhance file access security. It supports various security features and protocols such as LDAP, Active Directory, and Windows ACL. By integrating with these systems, the NAS can enforce user authentication and access control based on existing security policies. This ensures that only authorized users can access the files and enhances the overall security of file access on the NAS.
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