How to recover data from QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A

QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A 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-128 / TS-128A.

How to recover data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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.

Can device firmware rollback or downgrading impact data loss risks for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A devices?

Rolling back or downgrading the firmware on a NAS device like the QNAP Turbo Station TS-128/TS-128A can potentially introduce data loss risks. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Compatibility issues: The newer firmware versions often come with bug fixes, security patches, and improved compatibility with hardware and software. Rolling back to an older firmware version may lead to compatibility issues, causing data corruption or loss.
  2. Feature loss: Firmware updates often introduce new features, enhancements, and performance improvements. Reverting to an older firmware version may result in the loss of these features, which could impact data accessibility or functionality.
  3. Security vulnerabilities: Older firmware versions may have known security vulnerabilities that have been addressed in newer updates. By downgrading the firmware, you expose your NAS device to potential security risks, including data breaches or unauthorized access.
  4. Data migration issues: If the newer firmware version introduced changes to the file system or data structure, rolling back to an older version may cause compatibility issues during the migration process. This can lead to data corruption or loss during the transition.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is recommended to regularly back up your data before performing any firmware updates or downgrades. This way, if any issues arise during the process, you can restore your data from the backup. Additionally, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer's documentation or seek technical support before attempting any firmware rollback or downgrade.

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

Although NAS Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A 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-128 / TS-128A. 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.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A 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-128 / TS-128A 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

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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-128 / TS-128A, 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 and capabilities of the QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A that make it suitable for use as a database server?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that can be used as a database server. Some key features and capabilities that make it suitable for this purpose include:

    1. High-performance hardware: The TS-128 / TS-128A is equipped with a powerful ARM Cortex-A15 dual-core processor and 1GB/2GB DDR3 RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient database operations.
    2. Storage capacity: It supports a single 3.5-inch SATA hard drive, providing ample storage space for databases. Additionally, it supports hot-swapping, allowing for easy drive replacement and expansion.
    3. RAID support: The TS-128 / TS-128A supports various RAID configurations (including RAID 0, 1, and JBOD), providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the database.
    4. Multiple connectivity options: It offers Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast and reliable network connectivity. This enables seamless communication between the database server and other devices on the network.
    5. Virtualization support: The TS-128 / TS-128A is compatible with virtualization technologies like Virtualization Station and Container Station. This allows for the creation of virtual machines or containers to run different database instances, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing scalability.
    6. Backup and disaster recovery: QNAP NAS devices come with comprehensive backup solutions, including QNAP's own backup software (QTS Backup) and support for third-party backup applications. This ensures that databases can be easily backed up and restored, minimizing the risk of data loss.
    7. Security features: The Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A provides robust security measures, including AES 256-bit encryption, IP blocking, and antivirus protection. These features help safeguard the database from unauthorized access and potential threats.
    8. Scalability: The TS-128 / TS-128A supports QNAP's expansion enclosures, allowing for additional storage capacity as the database grows. This ensures that the database server can scale with the organization's needs.
    9. User-friendly interface: QNAP NAS devices feature a user-friendly web-based interface (QTS) that simplifies the management and administration of the database server. This interface provides easy access to various settings, monitoring tools, and applications.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A offers a combination of performance, storage capacity, data protection, and scalability features that make it suitable for use as a reliable and efficient database server.

  • How does the QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A ensure data security and integrity when used as a database server?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A ensures data security and integrity when used as a database server through various mechanisms:

    1. User Access Controls: The Turbo Station allows administrators to create multiple user accounts with different access rights and privileges. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access and modify the database, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or tampering.
    2. Data Encryption: The Turbo Station supports AES 256-bit encryption, which can be enabled for the entire database or specific folders. This ensures that data is encrypted at rest, protecting it from unauthorized access even if the physical storage drives are compromised.
    3. Network Security: The Turbo Station supports various network security protocols such as SSL/TLS encryption, VPN, and firewall settings. These measures protect data transmission between the database server and client devices, preventing interception or tampering of data during transit.
    4. Data Backup and Snapshot: The Turbo Station provides comprehensive backup solutions, including scheduled backups, real-time remote replication, and snapshot technology. These features allow users to create multiple copies of the database at different points in time, ensuring data integrity and providing a recovery option in case of data corruption or accidental deletion.
    5. RAID Protection: The Turbo Station supports RAID configurations, allowing for data redundancy and protection against drive failures. By using RAID technology, data is distributed across multiple drives, and in case of a drive failure, the system can automatically rebuild the data using the redundant information, ensuring data integrity and availability.
    6. Antivirus and Malware Protection: The Turbo Station integrates with various antivirus and anti-malware software, providing real-time scanning and protection against potential threats. This helps to prevent data corruption or loss caused by malicious software.
    7. Firmware Updates: QNAP regularly releases firmware updates to address security vulnerabilities and enhance system stability. Keeping the Turbo Station's firmware up to date ensures that the latest security patches and improvements are applied, reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.

    By implementing these security measures, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A provides a secure and reliable platform for hosting databases, ensuring data security, integrity, and availability.

  • Can the QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A handle the performance requirements of a database server, particularly for high-traffic or large-scale applications?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-128 / TS-128A is primarily designed as a network-attached storage (NAS) device for data storage and file sharing purposes. While it can handle basic database functions and small-scale applications, it may not be suitable for high-traffic or large-scale database server requirements.

    The TS-128 / TS-128A is powered by a low-power ARM processor and typically has limited RAM compared to dedicated database servers. It may struggle to handle the high number of concurrent connections and heavy data processing demands that come with high-traffic or large-scale applications.

    For demanding database server requirements, it is recommended to use dedicated servers or more powerful NAS devices specifically designed for database applications. These devices typically offer faster processors, more RAM, and optimized storage systems to handle the performance requirements of database servers.

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