RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-421 / TS-421U: Recovery Strategies and Consequences

Data recovery after RAID controller failure on ⭐ NAS: what you need to know.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-421 / TS-421U: Recovery Strategies and Consequences

QNAP Turbo Station TS-421 / TS-421U 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-421 / TS-421U.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-421 / TS-421U: Recovery Strategies and Consequences

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-421 / TS-421U device's cache settings impact data loss risks?

The cache settings on a QNAP Turbo Station TS-421 / TS-421U device can impact data loss risks in the following ways:

  1. Write Cache: The write cache is a temporary storage area where data is written before being permanently stored on the hard drives. Enabling write cache can improve write performance, but it also increases the risk of data loss in case of a power outage or system failure. If the cache hasn't been flushed to the hard drives, the data in the cache may be lost.
  2. Read Cache: The read cache stores frequently accessed data, allowing for faster access times. However, if the read cache becomes corrupted or fails, it can result in data loss or data inconsistency.
  3. RAID Rebuild: In case of a hard drive failure in a RAID configuration, the NAS device needs to rebuild the data from the remaining drives onto a replacement drive. During this process, the cache settings can impact the risk of data loss. If write cache is enabled, the rebuild process may be faster, but there is a higher risk of data loss if there is a power outage or system failure during the rebuild.

It is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of cache settings on a NAS device. If data integrity and safety are a priority, it may be advisable to disable write cache or use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect against power outages. Regular backups are also crucial to mitigate the risk of data loss.

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

Although NAS Turbo Station TS-421 / TS-421U 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-421 / TS-421U. 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-421 / TS-421U 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);

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-421 / TS-421U 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.

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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  • 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-421 / TS-421U, 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 different ways to connect a QNAP Turbo Station TS-421/TS-421U to a home network?

    There are several ways to connect a QNAP Turbo Station TS-421/TS-421U to a home network:

    1. Ethernet Connection: The most common and recommended method is to connect the Turbo Station to your home network using an Ethernet cable. Simply connect one end of the cable to the LAN port of the Turbo Station and the other end to an available LAN port on your router or switch.
    2. Wi-Fi Connection: Some QNAP Turbo Stations, including the TS-421U, have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. You can connect the Turbo Station to your home network wirelessly by configuring the Wi-Fi settings on the device and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network.
    3. Powerline Adapter: If running an Ethernet cable from your router to the Turbo Station is not feasible, you can use powerline adapters. Powerline adapters use your home's electrical wiring to transmit network signals. Connect one adapter to your router and plug it into a power outlet, then connect the other adapter to the Turbo Station and plug it into a power outlet near the device. The adapters will establish a network connection between the two devices.
    4. USB Wi-Fi Adapter: If your Turbo Station does not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, you can use a USB Wi-Fi adapter to connect it to your home network wirelessly. Simply plug the USB Wi-Fi adapter into one of the USB ports on the Turbo Station and configure the Wi-Fi settings to connect to your network.
    5. Direct Connection: If you only need to access the Turbo Station locally without connecting it to your home network, you can use a direct connection. Connect an Ethernet cable directly between your computer and the Turbo Station's LAN port. Configure the network settings on your computer to establish a direct connection with the Turbo Station.

    Note: The availability of certain connection methods may vary depending on the specific model of the QNAP Turbo Station.

  • Can the QNAP Turbo Station TS-421/TS-421U be connected wirelessly to a home network, or does it require a wired connection?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-421/TS-421U does not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, so it requires a wired connection to the home network. You can connect it to your router or switch using an Ethernet cable for network access.

  • Are there any specific router or network requirements for connecting the QNAP Turbo Station TS-421/TS-421U to a home network?

    To connect the QNAP Turbo Station TS-421/TS-421U to a home network, you will need the following:

    1. Router: You will need a router to connect the Turbo Station to your home network. Any standard router should work fine.
    2. Ethernet Cable: You will need an Ethernet cable to connect the Turbo Station to your router. Ensure that the cable is long enough to reach from the Turbo Station to your router.
    3. Network Configuration: The Turbo Station supports both DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and static IP address configurations. You can choose to let your router assign an IP address automatically (DHCP) or manually set a static IP address for the Turbo Station.
    4. Internet Connection: For remote access and online services, you will need an active internet connection. Ensure that your router is connected to the internet.

    Overall, there are no specific router or network requirements for connecting the QNAP Turbo Station TS-421/TS-421U to a home network. As long as you have a router, an Ethernet cable, and an active internet connection, you should be able to connect the Turbo Station to your home network without any issues.

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