Recovering Data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP RAID Arrays: Mechanical and Logical Failures Explained

Has your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-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?

Recovering Data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP RAID Arrays: Mechanical and Logical Failures Explained

QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-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-1679U-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.

Recovering Data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP RAID Arrays: Mechanical and Logical Failures Explained

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 that can result in data loss for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP devices?

There can be compatibility issues that may result in data loss for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP devices. Some potential causes of data loss include:

  1. Incompatible hard drives: Using unsupported or incompatible hard drives can lead to data loss. It is important to ensure that the hard drives are compatible with the NAS device and are listed on the QNAP compatibility list.
  2. Firmware or software issues: Outdated firmware or software can cause compatibility problems and potentially result in data loss. It is crucial to keep the NAS device's firmware and software up to date to minimize the risk of compatibility issues.
  3. Power supply issues: Insufficient or unstable power supply can lead to data loss. It is recommended to use a reliable power source and ensure proper power management to avoid any compatibility-related power issues.
  4. Network connectivity problems: Network connectivity issues can interrupt data transfer and potentially result in data loss. It is important to maintain a stable and reliable network connection to prevent compatibility-related data loss.
  5. RAID configuration issues: Incorrect RAID configuration or changes to RAID settings can lead to data loss. It is essential to understand the RAID configuration and make any changes carefully to avoid potential data loss.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is recommended to regularly backup data from the NAS device to an external storage device or cloud storage. Additionally, following best practices such as using compatible hardware, keeping firmware up to date, and ensuring a stable power and network connection can help prevent compatibility-related data loss.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-1679U-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-1679U-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-1679U-RP has 16 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-1679U-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 Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Dave Roope
    Dave Roope 19.09.2023 08:56 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP device be done if the device is not powering on?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 19.09.2023 08:59 #

      If the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP device is not powering on, it may be difficult to recover data directly from the device. However, there are a few possible options you can try:

      1. Check the power supply: Ensure that the power supply is functioning correctly by testing it with a multimeter or trying a different power supply.
      2. Check the power cable and connections: Make sure the power cable is securely connected to both the device and the power source. Try using a different power cable to rule out any cable-related issues.
      3. Consult technical support: If the device is still under warranty, contact QNAP technical support for assistance. They may be able to provide troubleshooting steps or suggest a solution.
      4. Remove the hard drives: If the device itself is not powering on, you can try removing the hard drives from the NAS and connecting them to a different computer. This can be done using a USB adapter or by installing the drives in a different NAS device. Once connected, you may be able to access and recover the data from the hard drives.
      5. Professional data recovery service: If none of the above steps work or if the data is critical and cannot be lost, you can contact a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in recovering data from damaged or non-functional storage devices and may have the necessary tools and expertise to recover data from a non-powering NAS device.

      Remember, attempting data recovery on your own may void the warranty or further damage the device, so it's always recommended to consult with professionals or the device manufacturer before proceeding.

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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-1679U-RP function as an email server and what are its key features in this regard?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP can function as an email server by utilizing its built-in Mail Server application. Here are its key features in this regard:

    1. Mail Server Application: The TS-1679U-RP comes with a comprehensive Mail Server application that allows you to set up and manage your own email server.
    2. SMTP and POP3 Support: It supports both the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and the Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3), enabling you to send and receive emails using standard email clients.
    3. Webmail Access: The Mail Server application includes a web-based interface, allowing users to access their emails through a web browser from anywhere, without the need for a separate email client.
    4. Anti-Spam and Anti-Virus: The TS-1679U-RP's Mail Server application includes built-in anti-spam and anti-virus features. It can filter incoming emails for spam and scan attachments for viruses, ensuring a secure and clean email environment.
    5. User and Domain Management: You can create and manage multiple email accounts for different users and domains. The Mail Server application provides options to set up email aliases, forwarders, and distribution lists.
    6. Scheduling and Auto-reply: It supports scheduling features, allowing you to set up auto-replies for specific time periods. This is useful for out-of-office messages or automated responses.
    7. Backup and Restore: The TS-1679U-RP provides backup and restore options for the Mail Server application. You can schedule regular backups of your emails and settings to ensure data protection.
    8. Integration with Other Applications: The Mail Server application can be integrated with other QNAP applications, such as the Surveillance Station or QVR Pro, allowing you to receive email notifications for events or alerts.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP offers a robust email server solution with features like webmail access, anti-spam, anti-virus, user management, and integration capabilities, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses or organizations requiring an in-house email server.

  • What are the advantages and limitations of using the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP as an email server compared to dedicated email server solutions?

    Advantages of using the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP as an email server:

    1. Cost-effective: The QNAP Turbo Station is a multi-purpose device that can be used as an email server, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated server. This can result in cost savings, as you don't have to invest in additional hardware.
    2. Easy setup and management: The QNAP Turbo Station has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to set up and manage email accounts. It provides a web-based administration panel that allows you to configure and monitor email services without technical expertise.
    3. Integrated storage: The Turbo Station comes with built-in storage capacity, allowing you to store email data directly on the device. This eliminates the need for separate storage solutions and simplifies data management.
    4. Scalability: The Turbo Station supports multiple hard drives, allowing you to expand storage capacity as your email server requirements grow. You can easily add additional drives or upgrade existing ones to accommodate increasing email storage needs.

    Limitations of using the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP as an email server:

    1. Limited performance: While the Turbo Station is capable of serving as an email server, it may not offer the same level of performance as dedicated email server solutions. Its hardware specifications and processing power may be lower compared to high-end dedicated servers, which can affect email server performance, especially in high-traffic environments.
    2. Lack of specialized features: Dedicated email server solutions often provide advanced features and customization options specifically designed for email services. The Turbo Station may lack some of these specialized features, such as advanced spam filtering, integrated collaboration tools, or extensive email management capabilities.
    3. Reliability concerns: As the Turbo Station is a multi-purpose device, it may not provide the same level of reliability and uptime as dedicated email server solutions. If the device encounters issues or requires maintenance, it can impact email services along with other functions running on the device.
    4. Limited support options: Dedicated email server solutions typically come with dedicated technical support, ensuring prompt assistance in case of any issues. However, support options for the Turbo Station may be limited, and you may have to rely on general QNAP support or community forums for assistance.

    Overall, using the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP as an email server can be a cost-effective and convenient solution for small to medium-sized businesses or individuals who don't require advanced email server features and performance. However, for organizations with higher email server demands or specific requirements, dedicated email server solutions may be more suitable.

  • Can the QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP handle a large volume of emails and provide reliable email services for a business or organization? What are the scalability options available?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-1679U-RP is primarily a network-attached storage (NAS) device and not specifically designed for email services. While it can handle a certain volume of emails, it may not be the most suitable solution for providing reliable email services for a business or organization.

    However, QNAP NAS devices do offer some email-related features such as email backup, archiving, and synchronization. These features can be useful for managing and storing email data but may not provide the same level of functionality and reliability as dedicated email servers or services.

    If you require a scalable and reliable email solution, it is recommended to consider dedicated email servers or cloud-based email services such as Microsoft Exchange, Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), or other similar solutions. These services are designed specifically for email management and can handle large volumes of emails while providing robust features and scalability options.

    It is important to evaluate your specific requirements and consult with IT professionals to determine the most suitable email solution for your business or organization.