Recovering Data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Effects

Learn about RAID controller failure on ⭐ NAS and its impact on data recovery.

Recovering Data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Effects

QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from Turbo Station TS-121.

Recovering Data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Effects

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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 compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 devices to specific switches or routers?

There are no specific compatibility issues or limitations when connecting QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 devices to switches or routers. The QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 supports standard networking protocols and interfaces like Ethernet, TCP/IP, and DHCP, making it compatible with most switches and routers available in the market.

However, it is always recommended to check the specifications and compatibility requirements of both the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 and the switch/router you are planning to use. Ensure that they support the same networking standards (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet) and have compatible ports (e.g., RJ-45 Ethernet ports). Additionally, consider factors like network speed, bandwidth requirements, and any specific features or protocols you might need for your setup.

In general, as long as both the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 and the switch/router meet the necessary networking standards and have compatible interfaces, they should be able to connect and communicate without any major compatibility issues.

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

Although NAS Turbo Station TS-121 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 Turbo Station TS-121. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

Turbo Station TS-121 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Q-RAID 1;

NAS supports:

  • EXT4;
  • EXT3;
  • 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 Turbo Station TS-121 network-attached storage keeps QTS 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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • 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 Turbo Station TS-121, feel free to leave a comment!
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

  • How does RAID technology enhance the performance and data protection capabilities of the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 NAS?

    RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology enhances the performance and data protection capabilities of the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 NAS in the following ways:

    1. Data Protection: RAID technology allows for data redundancy and protection against disk failure. The TS-121 NAS supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, and JBOD. RAID 1, for example, mirrors data across two drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the data is still accessible from the other drive. This redundancy helps safeguard against data loss.
    2. Improved Performance: By using multiple drives in a RAID configuration, the TS-121 NAS can distribute data across the drives and perform simultaneous read and write operations. This parallel processing improves overall performance, allowing for faster data access and transfer speeds.
    3. Hot-Swapping: The TS-121 NAS supports hot-swapping, which means that failed drives can be replaced without shutting down the system. This feature minimizes downtime and ensures continuous operation.
    4. Capacity Expansion: RAID technology allows for capacity expansion by adding additional drives to the NAS. The TS-121 NAS supports RAID expansion and migration, enabling users to add more drives or switch to a different RAID level without losing data.
    5. Data Integrity: RAID technology includes features such as data scrubbing and error correction to maintain data integrity. The NAS regularly checks and repairs data inconsistencies to prevent data corruption.

    Overall, RAID technology enhances the performance and data protection capabilities of the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 NAS by providing data redundancy, improved performance, hot-swapping, capacity expansion, and data integrity features. These benefits make the NAS more reliable, efficient, and secure for storing and accessing data.

  • What RAID configurations are supported by the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121, and how do they affect data storage, redundancy, and performance?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 supports the following RAID configurations:

    1. RAID 0 (Striping): This configuration provides maximum storage capacity and performance by striping data across multiple drives. However, there is no redundancy, so if one drive fails, all data is lost.
    2. RAID 1 (Mirroring): This configuration involves mirroring data across two drives. It provides data redundancy, meaning that if one drive fails, the other drive contains an exact copy of the data. However, it reduces storage capacity to half and does not improve performance.
    3. JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks): This configuration allows you to combine multiple drives into a single logical volume without any data striping or redundancy. Each drive operates independently, providing maximum storage capacity but no data protection or performance improvement.
    4. Single Disk: This configuration uses a single drive without any RAID functionality. It provides maximum storage capacity but lacks redundancy and performance improvement.

    The choice of RAID configuration affects data storage, redundancy, and performance as follows:

    • Data Storage: RAID 0 and JBOD configurations offer maximum storage capacity as they combine all drives into a single volume. RAID 1 reduces storage capacity to half as it mirrors data across two drives. Single Disk configuration uses only one drive's storage capacity.
    • Redundancy: RAID 1 provides data redundancy by maintaining an exact copy of data on two drives. If one drive fails, the other drive still contains all data. RAID 0, JBOD, and Single Disk configurations lack redundancy, so if a drive fails, data loss occurs.
    • Performance: RAID 0 improves performance by striping data across multiple drives, allowing for faster data access and transfer speeds. RAID 1, JBOD, and Single Disk configurations do not provide performance improvements as they do not involve data striping.

    It's important to consider your requirements for storage capacity, data redundancy, and performance when choosing a RAID configuration for the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121.

  • Can the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 NAS be used without RAID, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using RAID versus non-RAID configurations with this device?

    Yes, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-121 NAS can be used without RAID. It supports both RAID and non-RAID configurations.

    Advantages of using RAID:

    1. Data protection: RAID configurations offer various levels of data redundancy, which helps protect against data loss in case of a hard drive failure. This is especially important for critical data and businesses.
    2. Improved performance: Some RAID levels, such as RAID 0, can improve read and write speeds by striping data across multiple drives.
    3. Increased storage capacity: RAID configurations can combine multiple drives into a single logical volume, allowing for increased storage capacity.

    Disadvantages of using RAID:

    1. Cost: RAID configurations require multiple hard drives, which can increase the overall cost of the NAS setup.
    2. Complexity: Setting up and managing RAID configurations can be more complex than using a single drive. It may require additional knowledge and expertise.
    3. Reduced usable storage: Depending on the RAID level, a portion of the total storage capacity is used for redundancy, resulting in reduced usable storage space.

    Non-RAID configurations, on the other hand, offer simplicity and cost-effectiveness. They are suitable for users who do not require data redundancy or increased performance. However, non-RAID configurations lack the data protection and performance benefits provided by RAID.

Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat