RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP: How to Recover Data When It Fails

Has your NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-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?

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP: How to Recover Data When It Fails
Data Recovery Tool

QNAP TL-R1620Sep-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-R1620Sep-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.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP: How to Recover Data When It Fails

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.

What are the common causes of data loss in NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP devices?

There are several common causes of data loss in NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP devices. Some of these causes include:

  1. Hardware failure: This can occur due to issues with the hard drives, power supply, or other components of the NAS device. Hardware failures can lead to data corruption or complete loss of data.
  2. Power surges or outages: Sudden power surges or outages can cause the NAS device to shut down improperly, leading to data loss or corruption.
  3. Accidental file deletion: Users may accidentally delete files or folders from the NAS, resulting in permanent data loss if there are no backups available.
  4. Viruses and malware: If the NAS device gets infected with viruses or malware, it can lead to data loss or corruption.
  5. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as formatting the wrong drive or performing incorrect configurations, can result in data loss.
  6. Natural disasters: Events like floods, fires, or earthquakes can damage the NAS device and cause data loss if proper precautions are not taken.
  7. Theft or physical damage: If the NAS device is stolen or physically damaged, it can result in the loss of data stored on it.

To prevent data loss, it is essential to regularly backup data, implement RAID configurations, use surge protectors, keep the NAS device in a secure location, and install antivirus software to protect against malware.

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

Although the NAS TL-R1620Sep-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-R1620Sep-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-R1620Sep-RP has 16 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-R1620Sep-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

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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 TL-R1620Sep-RP, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Bradley Abbitt
    Bradley Abbitt 15.09.2023 08:47 #
    What are the steps involved in data recovery from NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 10:00 #

      The steps involved in data recovery from a QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP NAS are as follows:

      1. Identify the issue: Determine the cause of the data loss, such as accidental deletion, hardware failure, or software corruption.
      2. Assess the damage: Evaluate the extent of the data loss and determine if it is a logical or physical issue. Logical issues involve software or file system errors, while physical issues involve hardware failure.
      3. Make necessary preparations: Ensure you have a suitable recovery environment, including a separate storage device to store recovered data. It is also crucial to have the necessary tools and software for data recovery.
      4. Repair any hardware issues: If there are any hardware problems with the NAS, such as a failed hard drive or power supply, these issues need to be resolved before attempting data recovery. This may involve replacing faulty components or seeking professional assistance.
      5. Connect the NAS to a computer: Connect the QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP NAS to a computer using a network cable or directly via USB, depending on the available connection options.
      6. Use data recovery software: Utilize data recovery software that is compatible with QNAP NAS systems to scan for and recover lost or deleted data. There are several software options available, such as R-Studio, GetDataBack, or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, which can be used to recover data from QNAP NAS devices.
      7. Select the target drive: Choose the specific NAS drive or volume that you want to recover data from within the data recovery software.
      8. Scan for lost data: Initiate a deep scan of the selected drive to search for lost or deleted files and folders. The scanning process may take some time, depending on the size and complexity of the NAS.
      9. Preview and recover data: Once the scanning process is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Preview the files to ensure their integrity and select the ones you want to recover. Save the recovered data to a separate storage device to avoid overwriting any existing data on the NAS.
      10. Verify recovered data: After the recovery process is complete, verify the recovered data to ensure its integrity and usability. Open the recovered files and check if they are complete and accessible.

      It is important to note that data recovery from a NAS can be a complex process, and it is recommended to seek professional assistance if you are not familiar with the procedures involved or if the data is critical and valuable.

      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 advantages of using a NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP over regular external hard drives in terms of storage capacity and scalability?

    The advantages of using a NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP over regular external hard drives in terms of storage capacity and scalability are:

    1. Increased storage capacity: NAS devices typically offer multiple drive bays, allowing you to install multiple hard drives. This means you can have a larger storage capacity compared to a single external hard drive.
    2. RAID support: NAS devices like QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP often support RAID configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. RAID allows you to combine multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, increasing both storage capacity and data reliability.
    3. Scalability: NAS devices are designed to be easily expandable. You can start with a few hard drives and add more as your storage needs grow. This scalability allows you to increase storage capacity without having to replace or upgrade the entire system.
    4. Centralized storage and file sharing: A NAS device acts as a centralized storage solution that can be accessed by multiple users or devices on the same network. This makes it easier to share files, collaborate, and access data from different devices simultaneously.
    5. Advanced features: NAS devices often come with advanced features like remote access, data backup and synchronization, media streaming, and support for various applications and services. These additional features enhance the functionality and usability of the NAS device compared to regular external hard drives.
    6. Better performance: NAS devices are designed to handle multiple simultaneous connections and data transfers. They often have faster processors, more RAM, and dedicated network interfaces, resulting in improved performance compared to regular external hard drives.
    7. Data protection and security: NAS devices offer various data protection mechanisms like RAID, snapshot backups, and encryption. They also provide advanced security features like user access controls, firewall settings, and antivirus integration, ensuring the safety and integrity of your data.

    Overall, using a NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP provides you with higher storage capacity, scalability, advanced features, better performance, and improved data protection compared to regular external hard drives.

  • How does a NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP provide better data protection and security compared to regular external hard drives?

    The NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP provides better data protection and security compared to regular external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Redundancy: The NAS (Network Attached Storage) device supports RAID configurations, allowing you to set up multiple hard drives in an array. This redundancy ensures that even if one drive fails, your data remains accessible and protected. Regular external hard drives typically do not offer this level of redundancy.
    2. Data Backup: The QNAP NAS supports scheduled and automatic backups, allowing you to create multiple copies of your data on different drives or locations. This feature ensures that your data is protected against accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other data loss scenarios. Regular external hard drives may require manual backups, making them more prone to data loss if not regularly updated.
    3. Data Encryption: QNAP NAS devices often provide built-in encryption capabilities, allowing you to encrypt your data before storing it. This feature ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the physical drives, they cannot access the encrypted data without the encryption key. Regular external hard drives may lack this level of encryption, making your data more vulnerable to unauthorized access.
    4. Access Control: QNAP NAS devices offer advanced access control mechanisms, allowing you to set user permissions, create user accounts, and restrict access to specific files or folders. This feature ensures that only authorized individuals can access and modify your data. Regular external hard drives typically lack such access control mechanisms, making them more susceptible to unauthorized access.
    5. Network Integration: The QNAP NAS can be integrated into your existing network infrastructure, allowing multiple users to access and share data simultaneously. It offers features like user authentication, file-level permissions, and remote access, providing a more secure and efficient way to collaborate and share data. Regular external hard drives are generally designed for individual use and lack such network integration capabilities.

    Overall, the QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP NAS provides better data protection and security through features like redundancy, backup options, encryption, access control, and network integration. These features make it a more reliable and secure storage solution compared to regular external hard drives.

  • What additional features and functionalities does a NAS QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP offer that make it a more efficient and convenient storage solution compared to regular external hard drives?

    The QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP NAS offers several additional features and functionalities that make it a more efficient and convenient storage solution compared to regular external hard drives:

    1. Network Access: The NAS connects to your network, allowing multiple users to access and share files simultaneously. This is particularly useful for businesses or households with multiple devices.
    2. Centralized Storage: With a NAS, you can consolidate all your data in one central location. This makes it easier to organize and access files from any connected device on the network.
    3. Data Redundancy and Protection: QNAP NAS devices often support RAID configurations, which provide data redundancy. If one drive fails, the data can be recovered from the other drives in the array. This ensures data integrity and reduces the risk of data loss.
    4. Scalability: NAS devices offer the ability to expand storage capacity by adding more hard drives or upgrading existing ones. This scalability makes it easy to accommodate growing storage needs without the need to purchase additional external hard drives.
    5. Remote Access: Many QNAP NAS models provide remote access capabilities, allowing you to access your files from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly useful for remote workers or when you need to access files while on the go.
    6. Media Streaming: QNAP NAS devices often come with built-in media server capabilities. You can stream media files directly from the NAS to compatible devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or mobile devices, eliminating the need for additional media players.
    7. Backup and Sync: QNAP NAS devices offer various backup and synchronization options, allowing you to automate the process of backing up your data. You can schedule regular backups or sync files between multiple devices to ensure data consistency.
    8. App Ecosystem: QNAP NAS devices have an extensive app ecosystem, offering a wide range of additional functionalities. These apps include options for multimedia management, surveillance, virtualization, cloud integration, and more, making the NAS a versatile and customizable solution.

    Overall, the QNAP TL-R1620Sep-RP NAS provides a more robust and feature-rich storage solution compared to regular external hard drives, catering to the needs of businesses and individuals who require efficient and convenient storage options.
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