Recovering Data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-409 / TS-409 Pro / TS-409U RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Consequences

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-409 / TS-409 Pro / TS-409U
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 specific precautions to take while migrating data between NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-409 / TS-409 Pro / TS-409U devices?

Yes, there are some precautions you should take when migrating data between NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-409 / TS-409 Pro / TS-409U devices. Here are some recommendations:

1. Backup your data: Before starting the migration process, it is crucial to create a backup of all your important data. This will ensure that you have a copy of your files in case anything goes wrong during the migration.
2. Check compatibility: Ensure that the target device (the new NAS) is compatible with the source device (the old NAS). Check the specifications and supported models to confirm compatibility.
3. Update firmware: Make sure that both the source and target devices are running the latest firmware versions. Updating the firmware can help avoid any compatibility issues and ensure a smooth migration process.
4. Plan the migration: Plan the migration process carefully, considering factors like the amount of data, available storage space, and network bandwidth. It is recommended to perform the migration during a low-usage period to minimize disruptions.
5. Transfer method: Decide on the method you will use to transfer the data. QNAP provides various methods such as using the QNAP NAS data migration tool, network transfer, or external USB/eSATA devices. Choose the method that suits your requirements and follow the recommended steps provided by QNAP.
6. Verify data integrity: After the migration is complete, verify the integrity of the transferred data. Check if all files and folders are intact and accessible on the new NAS. Compare checksums or perform sample checks to ensure data integrity.
7. Test functionality: Test the functionality of the new NAS after the migration. Ensure that all services, applications, and features are working as expected. This will help identify any issues or configuration changes that need to be addressed.

By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss or errors during the migration process and ensure a successful transition to the new NAS device.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-409 / TS-409 Pro / TS-409U 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP Turbo Station TS-409 / TS-409 Pro / TS-409U. 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.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

Turbo Station TS-409 / TS-409 Pro / TS-409U has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 10;
• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• ZFS;
• 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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The QNAP Turbo Station TS-409 / TS-409 Pro / TS-409U 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