RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3: Causes, Consequences, and Recovery Solutions

Has your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 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?

RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3: Causes, Consequences, and Recovery Solutions
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QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 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-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3: Causes, Consequences, and Recovery Solutions

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.

What data recovery services or software options are available for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 devices?

There are several data recovery services and software options available for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 devices. Some of the popular options include:

  1. QNAP Data Recovery Service: QNAP provides its own data recovery service specifically designed for QNAP NAS devices. They have a team of experts who can help recover lost data from your TS-231P series NAS.
  2. Stellar Data Recovery for NAS: Stellar Data Recovery offers a software solution that can recover data from QNAP NAS devices, including the TS-231P series. It supports various file systems and can recover deleted or lost files, folders, and volumes.
  3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a popular data recovery software that supports QNAP NAS devices. It can recover deleted, formatted, or lost data from the TS-231P series NAS, including files, photos, videos, and more.
  4. R-Studio: R-Studio is a comprehensive data recovery software that supports QNAP NAS devices. It can recover data from various file systems and can handle complex data loss scenarios on the TS-231P series NAS.
  5. Ontrack Data Recovery: Ontrack is a well-known data recovery service provider that offers services for QNAP NAS devices. They have a team of experts who specialize in recovering data from NAS devices, including the TS-231P series.

It is important to note that data recovery success depends on the specific circumstances of data loss and the condition of the NAS device. In some cases, it may be necessary to contact professional data recovery services for the best chance of recovering lost data.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 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-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3. 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-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • EXT4;
  • EXT3;
  • 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-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 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.

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-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3, 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 settings available on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 NAS?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 NAS offers several key features and settings, including:

    1. Hardware: These NAS models come with a powerful AnnapurnaLabs, an Amazon company (AL-212) 1.7 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB/2GB/4GB DDR3 RAM, and two drive bays for 3.5" or 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD.
    2. File Storage and Sharing: The NAS supports various file systems (EXT4, NTFS, etc.) and provides a centralized storage solution for files, allowing users to access and share them across multiple devices and platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux).
    3. RAID Support: The TS-231P series supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, JBOD) to enhance data protection and storage efficiency.
    4. Backup and Recovery: It offers comprehensive backup solutions, including scheduled backups, real-time remote replication, and cloud storage backup (to services like Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, etc.). It also supports QNAP's NetBak Replicator for Windows and Time Machine for Mac.
    5. Multimedia Applications: The NAS supports media streaming, allowing users to stream videos, music, and photos to DLNA/UPnP devices or through QNAP's own media server apps. It also supports 4K video playback and transcoding.
    6. Surveillance Station: The NAS can be used as a surveillance solution with the Surveillance Station app, supporting up to 40 IP cameras. It provides live monitoring, recording, and playback options, along with motion detection and alert notifications.
    7. Virtualization Support: The NAS supports virtualization technologies like Virtualization Station and Container Station, allowing users to run multiple virtual machines and containerized applications on a single NAS.
    8. App Center: The NAS has an App Center with a wide range of applications, including productivity tools, multimedia apps, backup solutions, security tools, and more. Users can install and manage these apps easily.
    9. Remote Access: QNAP's myQNAPcloud service enables users to access their NAS remotely from anywhere using a web browser or mobile app. It also supports VPN connections for secure remote access.
    10. Security and User Management: The NAS offers various security features like AES 256-bit encryption, SSL/TLS support, IP blocking, and antivirus protection. It also provides flexible user management options, including user quotas, access controls, and Active Directory/LDAP integration.

    These are just some of the key features and settings available on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 NAS. The actual feature set may vary depending on the specific model and firmware version.

  • How can I configure the network settings on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 NAS for optimal performance and security?

    To configure the network settings on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 NAS for optimal performance and security, follow these steps:

    1. Connect the NAS to your network: Ensure that the NAS is connected to your network using an Ethernet cable. Make sure the cable is securely plugged into the NAS and your router.
    2. Access the NAS web interface: Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network and enter the NAS IP address in the address bar. The default IP address is usually "192.168.1.100" or "192.168.1.101." Press Enter to access the NAS web interface.
    3. Login to the NAS: Enter your username and password to log in to the NAS web interface. The default username is "admin," and the default password is "admin" or "password." If you have changed the credentials, use the updated username and password.
    4. Configure network settings:
    • Go to "Control Panel" > "Network & File Services" > "Network" to access the network settings.
    • Set a static IP address: It is recommended to set a static IP address for the NAS to avoid any conflicts. Choose "Static" under "IP Configuration" and enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.
    • Enable Jumbo Frame: If your network supports Jumbo Frames, enable it for improved performance. Set the MTU value to the appropriate size supported by your network infrastructure.
    • Enable Link Aggregation: If you have multiple network ports on your NAS and your network infrastructure supports link aggregation, enable it for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
    • Enable VLAN: If you want to segregate your network traffic using VLANs, you can enable VLAN settings and configure the appropriate VLAN ID.
    • Enable Firewall: QNAP NAS provides a built-in firewall to enhance security. Enable the firewall and configure the necessary rules to allow or block specific traffic.
    1. Apply the changes: Once you have configured the network settings, click on the "Apply" or "Save" button to save the changes.
    2. Test the network performance: After configuring the network settings, perform a network speed test to ensure optimal performance. You can use tools like iPerf or LAN Speed Test to measure the network speed between your NAS and other devices on the network.

    By following these steps, you can configure the network settings on your QNAP Turbo Station NAS for optimal performance and security.

  • What are the recommended settings for data backup and synchronization on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 NAS?

    The recommended settings for data backup and synchronization on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-231P / TS-231P2 / TS-231P3 NAS are as follows:

    1. RAID Configuration: Set up a RAID configuration (e.g., RAID 1) to ensure data redundancy and protection against drive failure.
    2. Backup Schedule: Create a backup schedule to automatically backup your data at regular intervals. This can be done using the built-in backup applications on the NAS, such as QNAP NetBak Replicator or Hybrid Backup Sync.
    3. Multiple Backup Locations: It is recommended to have multiple backup locations for added data security. This can include external USB drives, remote servers, or cloud storage services like Amazon S3, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
    4. Snapshot Replication: Enable snapshot replication on the NAS to create point-in-time copies of your data. This allows you to easily restore files or folders to a previous state in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    5. Rsync or RTRR: Utilize the Rsync or Real-Time Remote Replication (RTRR) features to synchronize data between the NAS and remote servers or other QNAP NAS devices. This ensures that your data is always up to date and available in multiple locations.
    6. Encryption: Enable encryption for your backup and synchronization tasks to protect your data during transfer and storage. QNAP NAS devices support various encryption protocols, such as SSL/TLS and AES 256-bit encryption.
    7. Email Notifications: Configure email notifications to receive alerts about the status of your backup and synchronization tasks. This allows you to stay informed about any potential issues or failures.
    8. Regular Testing and Verification: Periodically test and verify your backup and synchronization processes to ensure that your data is being properly backed up and synchronized. This can involve restoring files from backups or checking the integrity of synchronized files.

    Remember to regularly update the firmware and backup applications on your QNAP NAS to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements.
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