Features of Home NAS QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP Data Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide

Has your NAS QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP 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?

Features of Home NAS QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP Data Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide

QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP 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 TL-R1220Sep-RP. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Features of Home NAS QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP Data Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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 encryption safeguard data stored on NAS QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP devices?

Yes, encryption can safeguard data stored on NAS QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP devices. QNAP NAS devices usually offer various encryption options, such as AES-256 encryption, to protect the data stored on the device. This encryption ensures that even if the physical device is stolen or accessed by unauthorized individuals, the data remains secure and cannot be easily accessed without the encryption key. It is always recommended to enable encryption on NAS devices to enhance data security and protect sensitive information.

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

Although the NAS TL-R1220Sep-RP 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 TL-R1220Sep-RP. 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

TL-R1220Sep-RP has 12 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 TL-R1220Sep-RP 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

Feedback

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 TL-R1220Sep-RP, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Elmer Hall
    Elmer Hall 16.09.2023 02:43 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP device if the device is experiencing slow performance or file access issues?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 16.09.2023 03:59 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP device even if the device is experiencing slow performance or file access issues. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and recover data:

      1. Check the network connection: Ensure that the NAS device is properly connected to the network and there are no issues with the network infrastructure. Slow performance or file access issues can sometimes be caused by network problems.
      2. Restart the device: Try restarting the NAS device to see if it resolves the performance issues. Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix temporary glitches or memory leaks that may be causing the problem.
      3. Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your QNAP NAS device. Updating the firmware can often improve performance and fix known issues.
      4. Check storage capacity: Make sure that the storage capacity of the NAS device is not full or nearing its capacity limit. If the storage is almost full, it can cause performance degradation. Free up some space by deleting unnecessary files or transferring them to another storage device.
      5. Check for disk errors: Use the QNAP NAS management interface to check for any disk errors or health issues. If there are any disk errors, it is recommended to replace the faulty disk(s) and rebuild the RAID array if applicable.
      6. Contact QNAP support: If none of the above steps resolve the performance or file access issues, it is advisable to contact QNAP support for further assistance. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps or guide you through the data recovery process.

      In case of severe hardware failures or data corruption, it may be necessary to consult professional data recovery services specialized in NAS devices.

Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and specifications of the QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP that make it suitable for use as a database server?

    The QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP is a rackmount NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that can be used as a database server. It offers several key features and specifications that make it suitable for this purpose:

    1. High-performance hardware: The TL-R1220Sep-RP is powered by a quad-core Intel Xeon processor, which provides excellent processing power for running database applications efficiently.
    2. Large storage capacity: It supports up to 12 SATA hard drives or SSDs, allowing for a significant amount of data storage. This is essential for hosting a database server that requires ample storage space.
    3. Redundant power supply: The device comes with a redundant power supply, ensuring high availability and minimizing the risk of downtime. This is crucial for a database server, as any interruption in power can result in data loss or service disruption.
    4. RAID support: The TL-R1220Sep-RP supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. RAID provides data redundancy and improves performance, ensuring the integrity and availability of the database server.
    5. Dual 10GbE ports: It includes dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed data transfer and reducing network latency. This is beneficial for database servers that require fast and responsive connections.
    6. Virtualization support: The device is compatible with virtualization technologies such as VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V. This enables the TL-R1220Sep-RP to be integrated into virtualized environments, making it easier to manage and allocate resources for the database server.
    7. Scalability: The TL-R1220Sep-RP supports expansion units, allowing for additional storage capacity to be added as the database grows. This scalability ensures that the server can accommodate increasing data requirements over time.
    8. Data protection and backup: The device offers various data protection features, including snapshot technology, backup solutions, and data encryption. These features help safeguard the database and ensure data integrity.

    Overall, the QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP provides a powerful and reliable platform for hosting a database server, with its high-performance hardware, large storage capacity, redundant power supply, network connectivity options, and data protection features.

  • How does the QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP ensure data security and reliability when used as a database server?

    The QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP ensures data security and reliability when used as a database server through several features and mechanisms:

    1. Redundant Power Supplies: The TL-R1220Sep-RP comes with dual power supplies, providing power redundancy. In case one power supply fails, the other one takes over, ensuring uninterrupted operation and preventing data loss.
    2. RAID Support: The server supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD. RAID offers data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, protecting against drive failures. If a drive fails, the data can be rebuilt from the remaining drives, ensuring data availability and reliability.
    3. Hot-swappable Drive Bays: The TL-R1220Sep-RP features hot-swappable drive bays, allowing for easy replacement of failed drives without shutting down the server. This ensures minimal downtime and reduces the risk of data loss.
    4. Snapshot and Backup: The server supports snapshot technology, which allows for point-in-time copies of the data. Snapshots can be taken regularly, providing a way to recover data in case of accidental deletion or corruption. Additionally, the TL-R1220Sep-RP supports various backup options, including local backups to external drives or remote backups to cloud storage, ensuring data redundancy and protection.
    5. Data Encryption: The TL-R1220Sep-RP supports AES 256-bit encryption, which ensures that data stored on the server is secure and protected from unauthorized access. Encryption adds an extra layer of security to sensitive databases, preventing data breaches.
    6. Access Control and User Management: The server offers comprehensive access control and user management features. Administrators can define user permissions, restrict access to specific databases or files, and implement strong password policies. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only authorized users can interact with the database server.
    7. Network Security: The TL-R1220Sep-RP supports various network security protocols, including firewall, VPN, and SSL/TLS encryption. These features protect the server from external threats, such as unauthorized access or data interception, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the data.

    By combining these features, the QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP provides a secure and reliable environment for hosting databases, minimizing the risk of data loss, and ensuring data availability and integrity.

  • Can the QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP handle high-performance database workloads, and what are some examples of databases that can be effectively hosted on this NAS?

    The QNAP TL-R1220Sep-RP is a rackmount NAS designed for small to medium-sized businesses. While it can handle moderate database workloads, it may not be suitable for high-performance database workloads that require extensive processing power and storage capabilities.

    However, the TL-R1220Sep-RP can effectively host databases that are not too resource-intensive. Some examples of databases that can be hosted on this NAS include:

    1. Small-scale business databases: The TL-R1220Sep-RP can handle databases used for basic business operations, such as customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, or project management.
    2. File-based databases: Databases that primarily store and manage file-based data, such as document management systems or content management systems, can be effectively hosted on this NAS.
    3. Web-based databases: Simple web applications that use databases for storing user data, such as user profiles or blog posts, can be hosted on the TL-R1220Sep-RP.

    It's important to note that the performance of the NAS will also depend on factors like the number of concurrent users, the complexity of database queries, and the size of the database. If you have a high-performance database workload or require advanced features like real-time analytics or high availability, it may be more appropriate to consider dedicated database servers or more powerful NAS solutions.