Recovery Steps for Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP RAID Arrays

Has your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-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?

Recovery Steps for Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP RAID Arrays

QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-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 Turbo Station TS-1231XU-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.

Recovery Steps for Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP RAID Arrays

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.

Are there any compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP devices to different operating systems or platforms?

When connecting NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP devices to different operating systems or platforms, there might be some compatibility issues or limitations to consider:

  1. File System Compatibility: QNAP NAS devices typically use the ext4 file system, which is compatible with most Linux-based operating systems. However, when connecting to Windows or macOS systems, the file system might need to be converted or accessed using compatible protocols like SMB or NFS.
  2. Network Protocol Compatibility: QNAP NAS devices support various network protocols such as SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, and more. While most operating systems and platforms can access these protocols, there might be limitations or differences in performance depending on the implementation and version of the protocol.
  3. Software and Application Compatibility: Some QNAP NAS features or applications might have specific compatibility requirements. For example, certain backup or synchronization applications provided by QNAP might have dedicated clients or agents for different operating systems, limiting their functionality or availability on specific platforms.
  4. Third-Party Software Compatibility: When using third-party software or applications to access the QNAP NAS, compatibility might vary based on the operating system or platform. For example, backup software might have different versions or features available for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  5. Hardware Compatibility: While the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP is compatible with various operating systems and platforms, it's essential to ensure that the hardware requirements are met. For example, some features like hardware encryption or transcoding might require specific hardware capabilities that could be limited on certain platforms.

To ensure compatibility and avoid limitations, it is recommended to check the QNAP website for the latest compatibility list and requirements for the TS-1231XU-RP model. Additionally, consulting the documentation or support resources for the specific operating systems or platforms being used can provide further insights into any potential compatibility issues or workarounds.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-1231XU-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 Turbo Station TS-1231XU-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

Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • 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 Turbo Station TS-1231XU-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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  • 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-1231XU-RP, feel free to leave a comment!
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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 key features of the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP that ensure file access security?

    The NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP has several key features that ensure file access security. Some of these features include:

    1. AES-256 Encryption: The NAS supports AES-256 encryption, which ensures that data stored on the device is protected and can only be accessed by authorized users.
    2. Access Control: The NAS offers comprehensive access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to set permissions and restrictions for different users or user groups. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific files or folders.
    3. IP Access Protection: The NAS provides IP access protection, allowing administrators to specify which IP addresses or ranges are allowed to access the device. This helps prevent unauthorized access from external networks.
    4. VPN Support: The NAS supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, allowing users to securely access files and data remotely over the internet. VPNs encrypt the connection, ensuring that data is transmitted securely.
    5. Antivirus Protection: The NAS comes with built-in antivirus software, which can scan files and folders on the device for malware or viruses. This helps prevent the spread of malicious software and protects the integrity of the stored data.
    6. Two-Factor Authentication: The NAS supports two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to the login process. Users are required to provide their password as well as a second form of authentication, such as a verification code sent to their mobile device.
    7. Network Share Encryption: The NAS supports network share encryption, allowing users to encrypt specific shared folders. This ensures that even if the physical device is compromised, the data within the encrypted folders remains secure.
    8. Data Backup and Snapshot: The NAS offers various data backup and snapshot features, allowing users to create regular backups of their files and folders. This ensures that even in the event of accidental deletion or data corruption, a previous version of the file can be restored.

    Overall, these features help ensure file access security on the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP, protecting data from unauthorized access, external threats, and potential data loss.

  • How does the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP protect against unauthorized access and data breaches?

    The NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP provides several features to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches:

    1. User Access Control: It offers comprehensive user access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to create user accounts with different privileges and permissions. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific files and folders.
    2. Secure Network Protocols: The Turbo Station supports various secure network protocols such as SSL/TLS encryption, SSH, and VPN. These protocols ensure secure communication between the NAS and client devices, protecting data from interception and unauthorized access.
    3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): QNAP NAS devices support 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security to the login process. Users need to provide a second authentication factor, such as a verification code from a mobile app or a hardware token, in addition to their password to access the NAS.
    4. IP Access Control: Administrators can restrict access to the Turbo Station based on IP addresses or IP ranges. This allows them to define a whitelist of trusted IP addresses and block access from unauthorized sources.
    5. Antivirus and Malware Protection: QNAP NAS devices come with built-in antivirus and malware scanning capabilities. They can regularly scan files and folders for potential threats, protecting data from malicious software and preventing data breaches.
    6. Data Encryption: The Turbo Station supports AES 256-bit encryption, allowing users to encrypt their sensitive data stored on the NAS. This ensures that even if the physical device is stolen or accessed without authorization, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible.
    7. Network Security: QNAP NAS devices offer various network security features, such as firewall settings, network access protection, and network traffic control. These features help prevent unauthorized access attempts and protect against network-based attacks.
    8. Regular Firmware Updates: QNAP regularly releases firmware updates that include security patches and bug fixes. Keeping the Turbo Station's firmware up to date helps protect against known vulnerabilities and ensures the latest security features are in place.

    It is important to note that while the Turbo Station provides several security features, it is also crucial for users to follow best practices such as using strong passwords, regularly backing up data, and educating users about potential security risks to further enhance the overall security of the NAS.

  • Can you explain the file access security options available on the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP and how they can be configured to meet specific security requirements?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP provides several file access security options that can be configured to meet specific security requirements. Here are some of the key options:

    1. User and Group Management: The NAS allows you to create and manage user accounts and groups. Users can be granted different access permissions, such as read-only or read-write, to specific folders or files. By assigning users to appropriate groups and setting permissions accordingly, you can control access to files and folders.
    2. Shared Folder Permissions: Shared folders on the NAS can have their own access permissions. You can specify which users or groups can access the folder and define their permissions. This allows you to restrict access to sensitive data or grant different levels of access to different users or groups.
    3. Access Control List (ACL): ACL provides more granular control over file and folder permissions. It allows you to define access permissions for individual users or groups, including read, write, execute, and delete permissions. ACL can be useful when you need to set specific permissions for a particular user or group on a file or folder.
    4. Windows Active Directory (AD) Integration: The NAS can be integrated with an existing Windows Active Directory domain. This enables you to leverage the user accounts and groups already defined in the AD domain for authentication and access control on the NAS. It simplifies user management and ensures consistent security policies across the network.
    5. IP Access Control: IP access control allows you to restrict access to the NAS based on IP addresses or IP ranges. You can define a whitelist or blacklist of IP addresses, ensuring that only authorized devices or networks can access the NAS.
    6. HTTPS and SSL/TLS Encryption: The NAS supports HTTPS, which encrypts the communication between the NAS and connected devices using SSL/TLS protocols. This ensures secure file transfers and remote access to the NAS.

    To configure these security options on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1231XU-RP, you can access the NAS administration interface through a web browser. From there, you can navigate to the appropriate settings sections, such as User & Group Management, Shared Folder Permissions, ACL, or Network Services, to configure the desired security options based on your specific requirements.