Recovering Data After NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Consequences

RAID controller failure on ⭐ NAS: causes, consequences, and how to recover your data.

Recovering Data After NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Consequences

QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ 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-251 / TS-251+.

Recovering Data After NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Consequences

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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.

Are there any specific file system repair or recovery tools recommended for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ devices?

Yes, QNAP recommends using the following file system repair and recovery tools for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ devices:

  1. QNAP NAS Data Recovery: This tool is specifically designed for QNAP NAS devices and can recover accidentally deleted, formatted, or corrupted data from the NAS drives. It supports various file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, EXT3, and EXT4.
  2. TestDisk: TestDisk is a powerful open-source data recovery tool that can be used to recover lost partitions and repair damaged file systems. It supports a wide range of file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, EXT2/EXT3/EXT4, and HFS+.
  3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a popular data recovery software that can recover lost, deleted, or formatted data from various storage devices, including NAS drives. It supports a wide range of file systems and offers a user-friendly interface.
  4. GetDataBack: GetDataBack is a data recovery software that specializes in recovering data from NAS devices. It supports various file systems, including NTFS, FAT, EXT, and HFS+. It offers advanced scanning options and can recover data from damaged or formatted drives.

It is important to note that before attempting any data recovery or repair operations, it is recommended to consult with QNAP support or a professional data recovery service to ensure the best possible outcome and to avoid further data loss.

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

Although NAS Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ 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-251 / TS-251+. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ 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);

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-251 / TS-251+ 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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

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-251 / TS-251+, feel free to leave a comment!
Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • How does the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ support Wi-Fi connectivity, and what Wi-Fi standards does it operate with?

    The NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 and TS-251+ do not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. However, they do support Wi-Fi connectivity through the use of a compatible Wi-Fi dongle.

    To enable Wi-Fi connectivity on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+, you need to connect a USB Wi-Fi dongle to one of the available USB ports on the device. The dongle should be compatible with the NAS and support the required Wi-Fi standards.

    The specific Wi-Fi standards supported by the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ depend on the compatibility of the USB Wi-Fi dongle you choose to use. Different Wi-Fi dongles may support different standards, such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax.

    It is recommended to refer to the QNAP compatibility list or consult the user manual to ensure compatibility between the NAS and the USB Wi-Fi dongle, as well as to determine the supported Wi-Fi standards.

  • Can the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ be used as a wireless access point, allowing devices to connect to it via Wi-Fi?

    No, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ cannot be used as a wireless access point. These NAS devices do not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, so they cannot create a wireless network for devices to connect to. However, you can connect the NAS to your existing Wi-Fi network using an Ethernet cable and access it over the network.

  • What are the advantages and limitations of using Wi-Fi connectivity with the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ compared to traditional wired connections?

    Advantages of using Wi-Fi connectivity with the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ compared to traditional wired connections:

    1. Mobility: Wi-Fi allows for wireless connectivity, enabling you to place the NAS anywhere within the Wi-Fi range. This flexibility is particularly useful if you need to move the NAS frequently or in environments where running Ethernet cables is not feasible.
    2. Easy setup: Setting up a Wi-Fi connection is generally easier and quicker compared to running Ethernet cables. It eliminates the need for drilling holes, managing cable lengths, and dealing with complex wiring setups.
    3. Cost-effective: Wi-Fi connectivity eliminates the need for additional Ethernet cables and related accessories, potentially reducing the overall cost of installation.
    4. Convenience: Wi-Fi connectivity enables you to access the NAS wirelessly from multiple devices simultaneously. This convenience is especially beneficial when using smartphones, tablets, or laptops that do not have Ethernet ports.
    5. Scalability: Wi-Fi networks can be easily expanded by adding additional access points, allowing you to extend the coverage area without the need for additional wiring.

    Limitations of using Wi-Fi connectivity with the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251 / TS-251+ compared to traditional wired connections:

    1. Speed: Wired connections typically offer faster and more stable data transfer rates compared to Wi-Fi. If you require high-speed data transfer, a wired connection may be more suitable.
    2. Interference: Wi-Fi signals can be affected by various sources of interference, such as other Wi-Fi networks, microwave ovens, cordless phones, or physical obstructions. This interference can degrade the signal quality and affect the performance of the NAS.
    3. Security: Wired connections are generally considered more secure than Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi networks can be susceptible to unauthorized access if not properly secured, potentially compromising the data stored on the NAS.
    4. Range limitations: Wi-Fi signals have limited range, and the performance can degrade as you move further away from the access point. If you require a larger coverage area, wired connections may be more suitable.
    5. Reliability: Wired connections are generally more reliable and less prone to dropouts or signal fluctuations compared to Wi-Fi. In environments where a stable and consistent connection is critical, a wired connection is often preferred.
Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat