RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D: Data Recovery and Consequences Overview

Learn about the causes and consequences of RAID controller failure on ⭐ NAS.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D: Data Recovery and Consequences Overview

QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D 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-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D: Data Recovery and Consequences Overview

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

How can a NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D device's caching policy impact data loss risks?

The caching policy of a NAS device can impact data loss risks in several ways:

  1. Write caching: NAS devices often use write caching to improve performance by temporarily storing data in memory before writing it to the storage drives. However, if a power failure or system crash occurs before the data is written to the drives, there is a risk of data loss. To mitigate this risk, NAS devices usually have mechanisms like battery backup units or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to ensure that cached data is safely written to the drives during such events.
  2. Read caching: Read caching is used to accelerate data access by storing frequently accessed data in faster cache memory. While read caching does not pose a direct risk of data loss, it can lead to data inconsistency if the cached data becomes outdated or corrupted. To minimize this risk, NAS devices typically employ techniques like cache coherency algorithms to ensure that the cached data remains consistent with the actual data on the drives.
  3. Cache settings and configurations: The caching policy of a NAS device can also be influenced by various settings and configurations. For example, the size of the cache, the cache algorithm used, and the cache eviction policy can all impact the risk of data loss. Improperly configured caching settings or using inappropriate cache algorithms may increase the likelihood of data loss or corruption.

It is important to carefully configure and manage the caching policy of a NAS device to balance performance improvements with data integrity and reliability. Regularly backing up critical data and ensuring the NAS device has appropriate power backup solutions can further reduce the risks of data loss.

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

Although NAS Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D 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-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D. 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-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D 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-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D 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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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-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D, 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 of the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D NAS devices?

    The key features of the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D NAS devices are:

    1. Dual-core Intel Celeron processor: These NAS devices are powered by a dual-core Intel Celeron processor, which provides high performance and efficient data processing.
    2. Expandable RAM: The RAM on these devices can be expanded up to 8GB, allowing for smooth multitasking and improved overall performance.
    3. 2-bay design: The TS-251 series comes with a 2-bay design, allowing users to install up to two hard drives for storage. This provides flexibility in terms of storage capacity and data redundancy options.
    4. Multiple connectivity options: These NAS devices offer a range of connectivity options, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet ports. This enables easy connection to external devices and high-speed data transfer.
    5. QTS operating system: QNAP's QTS operating system is pre-installed on these devices, providing a user-friendly interface for easy management and configuration. It also offers a wide range of applications and features for data backup, sharing, and synchronization.
    6. Multimedia capabilities: The TS-251 series supports multimedia applications, allowing users to stream and transcode media files in real-time. It also supports 4K video playback, making it suitable for multimedia enthusiasts.
    7. Snapshot protection: These NAS devices come with snapshot protection, which allows users to create and restore snapshots of their data. This helps in protecting against accidental deletion or modification of files.
    8. Virtualization support: The TS-251 series supports virtualization technologies such as Virtualization Station and Container Station, allowing users to run multiple virtual machines and containers on a single NAS device.
    9. Surveillance station: These devices can be used as a surveillance station, supporting up to 40 IP cameras for video surveillance. They offer features like live view, recording, and playback for comprehensive security monitoring.
    10. Mobile apps: QNAP provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access and manage their NAS remotely. These apps provide features like file access, multimedia streaming, and backup options.

    Note: The specific features may vary slightly between different models within the TS-251 series (TS-251A, TS-251B, TS-251C, TS-251D), so it is recommended to refer to the product specifications for precise details.

  • How does the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D support data storage and backup solutions?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D supports data storage and backup solutions in several ways:

    1. Storage Capacity: The TS-251 series comes with two drive bays, allowing users to install two hard drives or SSDs for storage. This provides ample storage capacity for storing data, files, and media.
    2. RAID Support: The Turbo Station TS-251 series supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, and Single Disk. RAID allows for data redundancy and improved performance, ensuring that data is protected and accessible even in the event of a drive failure.
    3. File Sync and Sharing: The Turbo Station TS-251 series supports file syncing and sharing across multiple devices and platforms. Users can easily access and share files stored on the NAS, making it a convenient solution for collaborative work environments.
    4. Backup Solutions: QNAP provides various backup solutions to ensure data protection. The Turbo Station TS-251 series supports local backup to external drives, remote backup to other NAS devices or cloud storage services, and even real-time remote replication to another QNAP NAS.
    5. Snapshot Protection: The TS-251 series supports snapshot protection, allowing users to take snapshots of their data at specific points in time. This feature enables quick recovery of files or folders in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    6. Hybrid Backup Sync: QNAP's Hybrid Backup Sync software allows users to easily back up and synchronize their data to various destinations, including external drives, remote servers, and cloud storage services. It provides a comprehensive backup solution with flexible scheduling and restoration options.
    7. QNAP Cloud Backup: QNAP provides its own cloud backup service called QNAP Cloud Backup. It allows users to back up their data to QNAP's secure cloud storage, providing an off-site backup solution for added data protection.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D offers a range of features and backup solutions to support data storage, protection, and backup needs for both personal and business users.

  • Can you explain the multimedia capabilities and streaming options available on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D offers a range of multimedia capabilities and streaming options. Here are some of the key features:

    1. Multimedia Station: The Turbo Station comes with the Multimedia Station app, which allows you to organize and play your multimedia files such as photos, videos, and music. You can create playlists, view photos in a slideshow, and even stream multimedia content to DLNA-compatible devices.
    2. Video Station: The Video Station app enables you to manage and stream your video files. It supports a wide range of video formats and allows you to create libraries, add movie posters and subtitles, and even download metadata for your videos. You can stream videos to your TV or mobile devices using the Video Station app or DLNA.
    3. Music Station: With the Music Station app, you can manage and play your music collection. It supports various audio formats and provides features like playlist creation, lyrics display, and internet radio streaming. You can stream music to your devices or use Bluetooth connectivity to play music on compatible speakers.
    4. Photo Station: The Photo Station app helps you organize, share, and view your photos. You can create albums, add tags, and perform advanced searches. The app also offers features like photo editing, slideshow creation, and social media integration for easy sharing.
    5. Qmedia: Qmedia is a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices that allows you to stream multimedia content from your Turbo Station to your mobile devices. You can access your photos, videos, and music on the go and even download them for offline viewing.
    6. DLNA and AirPlay: The Turbo Station supports DLNA and AirPlay, which means you can stream multimedia content to DLNA-compatible devices like smart TVs, game consoles, and media players. You can also use AirPlay to stream content to Apple TV and other AirPlay-enabled devices.
    7. HDMI output: Some models of the Turbo Station, like the TS-251A and TS-251D, come with an HDMI output. This allows you to directly connect the Turbo Station to your TV or monitor and use it as a media player or a multimedia center. You can control the interface using a remote control or a keyboard and mouse.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-251A / TS-251B / TS-251C / TS-251D provides a comprehensive set of multimedia capabilities and streaming options, making it a versatile solution for managing and enjoying your multimedia content.

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