Recovering Data After Formatting a RAID Array on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU

Has your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU 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?

Recovering Data After Formatting a RAID Array on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU
Data Recovery Tool

QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU 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-1232XU. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Recovering Data After Formatting a RAID Array on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU

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 inadequate cooling or high ambient temperatures impact data loss risks for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU devices?

Yes, inadequate cooling or high ambient temperatures can indeed impact data loss risks for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU devices. NAS devices generate heat while operating, and if the cooling system is inadequate or the ambient temperature is high, it can lead to overheating of the device. Overheating can cause various issues, including:

  1. Hard Drive Failure: Excessive heat can lead to premature failure of the hard drives installed in the NAS device. This can result in data loss if the failed drive contains critical data.
  2. Data Corruption: High temperatures can cause data corruption on the hard drives, leading to data loss or data becoming inaccessible.
  3. Reduced Performance: Overheating can cause the NAS device to throttle its performance to prevent further heat buildup. This can result in slower data transfer speeds and reduced overall performance.
  4. System Instability: In extreme cases, overheating can cause the NAS device to become unstable and crash, potentially leading to data loss or corruption.

To mitigate these risks, it is important to ensure proper cooling for the NAS device. This can be achieved by providing adequate ventilation, ensuring proper airflow around the device, and using additional cooling solutions such as fans or cooling pads if necessary. Additionally, it is advisable to operate the NAS device within the recommended temperature range specified by the manufacturer.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-1232XU 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-1232XU. 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-1232XU 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-1232XU 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 (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-1232XU, 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

  • How does the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU simplify the process of centralized photo management?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU simplifies the process of centralized photo management in several ways:

    1. Large Storage Capacity: The TS-1232XU comes with ample storage capacity, allowing you to store a large number of photos in one centralized location. This eliminates the need to store photos on multiple devices or external hard drives, making it easier to manage and access your entire photo collection.
    2. Easy File Organization: The Turbo Station provides various file organization features, such as creating folders and sub-folders, tagging photos, and adding descriptions or metadata. These features help you categorize and organize your photos in a structured manner, making it easier to search and retrieve specific photos when needed.
    3. Remote Access and Sharing: The TS-1232XU allows you to access your centralized photo library remotely from any device with an internet connection. This means you can view, download, or share your photos with others even when you're away from your home or office. You can also create share links to specific albums or photos, making it convenient to share your memories with friends or family.
    4. Automatic Backup and Sync: The Turbo Station supports automatic backup and synchronization of your photos from various devices. You can set up scheduled backups or real-time synchronization to ensure that all your photos are safely stored in one place and are always up to date. This eliminates the risk of losing your precious memories due to device failure or accidental deletion.
    5. Photo Management Apps: QNAP provides photo management apps, such as Qphoto and Photo Station, that are specifically designed to enhance the photo management experience. These apps offer features like facial recognition, intelligent album creation, and advanced search capabilities, making it easier to organize and explore your photo collection.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU simplifies centralized photo management by providing a secure, organized, and accessible platform for storing, organizing, and sharing your photos.

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU that make it ideal for organizing and storing a large collection of photos?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU offers several key features and capabilities that make it ideal for organizing and storing a large collection of photos:

    1. High Storage Capacity: The TS-1232XU comes with a high storage capacity, allowing you to store a large number of photos. It supports up to 32 drive bays, providing ample space for your photo collection.
    2. Scalability: With its scalable design, the TS-1232XU allows for easy expansion of storage capacity as your photo collection grows. You can add additional drives or expand the storage pool to accommodate more photos.
    3. High Performance: The NAS is equipped with a powerful processor and ample memory, ensuring fast and efficient performance. This is crucial when dealing with a large number of photos, as it allows for quick access and organization.
    4. RAID Support: The TS-1232XU supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. This enables data redundancy and protection against drive failures, ensuring the safety of your photo collection.
    5. File Organization and Management: The NAS provides advanced file organization and management features. You can create folders, subfolders, and tags to categorize and organize your photos. Additionally, it supports file indexing and search capabilities, making it easy to locate specific photos.
    6. Backup and Sync: The TS-1232XU offers a range of backup and sync options to protect your photo collection. It supports scheduled backups to external drives, remote servers, or cloud storage services. You can also synchronize your photos across multiple devices for easy access.
    7. Multimedia Support: The NAS supports various multimedia applications, allowing you to view and share your photos conveniently. It offers photo album management features, slideshow creation, and even supports streaming photos to compatible devices.
    8. Security and Access Control: The TS-1232XU provides robust security features to protect your photo collection. It supports AES 256-bit encryption for data security, and you can set up user access controls and permissions to ensure only authorized users can access and manage the photos.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU offers a combination of high storage capacity, performance, scalability, and advanced features that make it an ideal choice for organizing and storing a large collection of photos.

  • How does the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU ensure the security and accessibility of photos stored on the NAS, especially in terms of data backup and remote access?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU provides several features to ensure the security and accessibility of photos stored on the NAS, including data backup and remote access. Here's how it achieves these:

    Data Backup:

    • RAID Protection: The TS-1232XU supports RAID configurations, allowing you to set up redundant storage to protect against data loss in case of a hard drive failure.
    • Snapshot Protection: It supports the creation of snapshots, which are point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots can be used to quickly restore files or folders to a previous state in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    • Hybrid Backup Sync: This feature allows you to back up your data to other QNAP NAS devices, remote servers, or cloud storage services. It provides flexible backup options to ensure data redundancy and protection.

    Remote Access:

    • myQNAPcloud Service: QNAP offers a service called myQNAPcloud, which allows you to access your NAS remotely over the internet. It provides a secure connection and enables you to access your photos and other files from anywhere using a web browser or dedicated mobile apps.
    • VPN Support: The TS-1232XU supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, allowing you to establish a secure and encrypted connection to your NAS from remote locations. This ensures that your data remains protected while accessing it remotely.
    • Two-Factor Authentication: QNAP NAS devices support two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to remote access. This requires users to provide a second verification method, such as a one-time password generated by a mobile app, along with their username and password.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1232XU combines various security and accessibility features like RAID protection, snapshot protection, remote access via myQNAPcloud or VPN, and two-factor authentication to ensure the security and availability of photos stored on the NAS.
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