Steps to Recover Your NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) RAID Array: What to Do If It Breaks Down

Has your NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) 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?

Steps to Recover Your NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) RAID Array: What to Do If It Breaks Down

QNAP TES-1885U(QES) 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 TES-1885U(QES). We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Steps to Recover Your NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) RAID Array: What to Do If It Breaks Down

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 the use of specific data recovery software or services impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) devices?

Yes, the use of specific data recovery software or services can impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) devices. The success rate depends on various factors such as the quality and effectiveness of the software or service, the nature and extent of data loss or damage, and the specific capabilities and compatibility of the software or service with the QNAP NAS device.

Using reliable and reputable data recovery software or services specifically designed for NAS devices can significantly increase the chances of successful data retrieval. These specialized tools often have advanced algorithms and features tailored for NAS systems, allowing them to effectively recover data from QNAP NAS devices.

It's important to note that the success rate of data recovery also depends on the state of the NAS device and the extent of data damage. If the NAS device is physically damaged or the data is severely corrupted, the success rate may be lower regardless of the software or service used.

To maximize the success rate, it is recommended to consult with professional data recovery services or use trusted data recovery software that has a proven track record with QNAP NAS devices.

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

Although the NAS TES-1885U(QES) 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 TES-1885U(QES). 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

TES-1885U(QES) has 18 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.

    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 TES-1885U(QES) 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 TES-1885U(QES), feel free to leave a comment!
  • Ryder Bellhouse
    Ryder Bellhouse 15.09.2023 02:45 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) device be performed if there are issues with the network protocols or settings?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 04:00 #

      Data recovery from a NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) device can still be possible even if there are issues with the network protocols or settings.

      Typically, NAS devices like QNAP provide multiple methods for data recovery, including direct access to the storage drives. If there are network issues preventing access to the NAS, you can try the following steps:

      1. Physical access: Gain physical access to the NAS device and locate the hard drives.
      2. Remove the drives: Carefully remove the hard drives from the NAS enclosure.
      3. Connect to a computer: Connect the drives to a computer using a SATA to USB adapter or by installing them directly into the computer.
      4. Data recovery software: Use data recovery software on the computer to scan and recover the data from the NAS drives. There are several reliable data recovery software options available, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or R-Studio.
      5. Scan and recover: Run the data recovery software and select the NAS drives as the target for scanning. The software will analyze the drives and attempt to recover the lost data.

      Note: It's important to avoid writing any new data to the NAS drives to prevent overwriting the existing data and potentially causing permanent data loss.

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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 virtualization features offered by the NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES)?

    The NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) offers several virtualization features, including:

    1. Virtualization Station: This feature allows you to create and manage multiple virtual machines (VMs) on the NAS. You can run various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and UNIX within the VMs, and access them remotely using a web browser or virtual machine console.
    2. Container Station: It enables you to run and manage lightweight virtualization instances known as containers. Containers provide a more efficient and scalable way to deploy applications and services, as they share the same OS kernel while isolating the application processes.
    3. Linux Station: This feature allows you to use the NAS as a Linux-based computer by installing a Linux distribution within a virtual machine. You can access the Linux desktop environment directly through HDMI or by using a web browser.
    4. Virtual Switch: It provides network virtualization capabilities, allowing you to create and manage virtual networks on the NAS. You can define network settings, such as VLANs and DHCP servers, to isolate and control network traffic between different virtual machines.
    5. Snapshots for Virtual Machines: You can take snapshots of your virtual machines at specific points in time, allowing you to easily revert to a previous state if needed. Snapshots provide data protection and allow for quick recovery from software or user errors.
    6. Virtualization Station API: QNAP provides an API for developers to integrate and manage virtual machines programmatically. This allows for automation and customization of virtualization tasks and workflows.

    These virtualization features enhance the flexibility, scalability, and efficiency of the NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES), making it suitable for various virtualization and cloud computing scenarios.

  • How does the virtualization feature of the NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) enhance its performance and functionality?

    The virtualization feature of the NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) enhances its performance and functionality in several ways:

    1. Consolidation of resources: Virtualization allows you to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server. This enables you to consolidate your resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage, and maximize their utilization. With the TES-1885U(QES), you can create and manage multiple VMs, each running different operating systems and applications, all on a single device.
    2. Increased flexibility: By virtualizing your environment, you gain flexibility in deploying and managing different applications and services. You can easily create, clone, and migrate VMs, allowing for quick provisioning and scalability. This flexibility enables you to adapt to changing business requirements and optimize resource allocation.
    3. Improved performance: The TES-1885U(QES) NAS is equipped with powerful hardware, including high-performance processors and ample memory. By virtualizing your applications and services, you can leverage this hardware to improve overall performance. Each VM can be allocated specific resources, such as CPU cores and memory, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary resources for optimal performance.
    4. Isolation and security: Virtualization provides a level of isolation between VMs, ensuring that applications and services running on one VM do not interfere with others. This isolation enhances security by preventing potential vulnerabilities from spreading across the entire system. Additionally, QNAP provides security features such as antivirus, firewall, and encryption to further protect your virtualized environment.
    5. Disaster recovery and high availability: The TES-1885U(QES) supports features like snapshots, backup, and replication, which are crucial for disaster recovery and high availability. By taking snapshots of VMs, you can easily revert to a previous state in case of data corruption or system failure. Replication allows you to create copies of VMs on separate NAS devices, ensuring that your services remain available even if one NAS fails.

    Overall, the virtualization feature of the QNAP TES-1885U(QES) NAS enhances its performance and functionality by consolidating resources, increasing flexibility, improving performance, providing isolation and security, and enabling disaster recovery and high availability.

  • Can you provide examples of how the virtualization features of the NAS QNAP TES-1885U(QES) can be utilized in a business or enterprise environment?

    Certainly! The virtualization features of the QNAP TES-1885U(QES) NAS can be utilized in various ways in a business or enterprise environment. Here are a few examples:

    1. Virtualized Server Consolidation: The NAS can act as a host for multiple virtual machines (VMs), allowing businesses to consolidate their servers onto a single hardware platform. This helps save space, power, and maintenance costs.
    2. Disaster Recovery: By creating VMs on the NAS, businesses can easily replicate their critical servers and data to a secondary location. In the event of a disaster, the VMs can be quickly activated, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.
    3. Testing and Development: The NAS can provide a sandbox environment for testing and developing new applications or software updates. VMs can be created and isolated, allowing developers to experiment without impacting the production environment.
    4. Desktop Virtualization: With the NAS, businesses can deploy virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions. This allows employees to access their desktops and applications from any device, providing flexibility and remote working capabilities.
    5. Resource Optimization: The NAS's virtualization features allow for efficient resource allocation. Businesses can dynamically allocate CPU, memory, and storage resources to different VMs based on their needs, optimizing resource utilization and improving overall performance.
    6. Multi-tenancy: In an enterprise environment, the NAS can be used to provide virtualization services to multiple departments or clients. Each department or client can have their own isolated VMs, ensuring data privacy and security.
    7. Backup and Recovery: The NAS can be utilized as a backup target for VMs running on other servers. By utilizing features like snapshotting and deduplication, businesses can efficiently backup and recover VMs, reducing storage requirements and backup windows.

    These are just a few examples of how the virtualization features of the QNAP TES-1885U(QES) NAS can be utilized in a business or enterprise environment. The flexibility and scalability of virtualization can greatly enhance IT infrastructure and operations.