How to recover data from QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3

QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 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-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3.

How to recover data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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.

Can the type of file system used on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 devices affect data loss risks?

Yes, the type of file system used on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 devices can affect data loss risks. The file system is responsible for organizing and managing data on the storage devices, and different file systems have varying levels of robustness and reliability.

Some file systems, such as NTFS (Windows) or ext4 (Linux), are known for their stability and data protection features. These file systems have built-in mechanisms to prevent data corruption and ensure data integrity. They also support features like journaling, which helps recover data in case of unexpected power loss or system crashes.

On the other hand, some file systems may have limitations or less robust data protection mechanisms. For example, FAT32, which is commonly used in older devices, does not provide advanced data protection features like journaling. It is more prone to data corruption and can result in data loss if not handled properly.

Therefore, choosing a reliable and robust file system for your NAS device is crucial in minimizing data loss risks. It is recommended to use file systems like NTFS or ext4 that provide better data protection features and have a proven track record of stability and reliability.

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

Although NAS Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 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-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3. 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-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 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-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 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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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-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3, 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

  • How do I set up the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 for the first time?

    To set up the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 for the first time, follow these steps:

    1. Unbox the QNAP Turbo Station and ensure all the necessary components are present.
    2. Connect the power adapter to the Turbo Station and plug it into a power outlet.
    3. Connect the LAN cable to the Ethernet port on the Turbo Station and connect the other end to your router or switch.
    4. Turn on the Turbo Station by pressing the power button.
    5. Wait for the Turbo Station to boot up. This process may take a few minutes.
    6. Once the Turbo Station is booted up, open a web browser on your computer and enter the default IP address of the Turbo Station (usually 169.254.100.100) in the address bar.
    7. You will be directed to the QNAP Turbo Station setup page. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the basic settings, such as language, time zone, and administrator password.
    8. After configuring the basic settings, you can choose to set up RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) for data protection and storage efficiency. You can select the RAID mode that suits your needs, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 5.
    9. Once the RAID setup is complete, you can create shared folders and set up user accounts to manage access to the Turbo Station.
    10. You can also configure network settings, such as DHCP or static IP, to ensure proper connectivity.
    11. Additionally, you can install various applications and services from the QNAP App Center to enhance the functionality of your Turbo Station.
    12. Once you have completed the initial setup, you can start using the QNAP Turbo Station for file storage, backups, media streaming, and other tasks.

    It's important to refer to the user manual provided with your specific model for detailed instructions and any specific setup requirements.

  • What are the recommended network settings for optimal performance on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3?

    To optimize the performance of the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3, the following network settings are recommended:

    1. Network Interface: Connect the Turbo Station to your network using a Gigabit Ethernet interface for maximum performance.
    2. Link Aggregation: If your network infrastructure supports it, consider using link aggregation to combine multiple network interfaces for increased bandwidth and fault tolerance. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where you have multiple clients accessing the Turbo Station simultaneously.
    3. Jumbo Frames: Enable Jumbo Frames on both the Turbo Station and your network switch/router if supported. Jumbo Frames increase the maximum Ethernet frame size, reducing overhead and improving data transfer efficiency. However, ensure that all devices in your network support Jumbo Frames before enabling it.
    4. Port Trunking: If you have multiple network interfaces on the Turbo Station, you can configure port trunking to increase network bandwidth. This can be done by creating a bond between the interfaces using a supported network mode (e.g., Balance-rr, Balance-xor, etc.).
    5. Network Quality of Service (QoS): Enable QoS on the Turbo Station to prioritize network traffic and allocate bandwidth based on your specific needs. This can help ensure that critical applications or services receive sufficient network resources.
    6. IP Configuration: Configure the Turbo Station with a static IP address rather than relying on DHCP. This ensures that the Turbo Station always has a consistent IP address, making it easier to access and manage.
    7. DNS Settings: Set up proper DNS servers on the Turbo Station to ensure reliable name resolution. This is especially important when accessing the Turbo Station using its hostname or domain name.
    8. Firewall and Security: Configure the Turbo Station's firewall settings to allow necessary network traffic while blocking unauthorized access. Regularly update the firmware and enable security features to protect against potential vulnerabilities.
    9. Network Cables: Use high-quality Ethernet cables to ensure stable and reliable connections between the Turbo Station and your network devices. Poor-quality cables can lead to performance issues and network instability.
    10. Network Switch/Router: Ensure that your network switch/router is capable of handling the desired network speeds and has sufficient bandwidth to accommodate the Turbo Station's data transfer requirements.

    It is important to note that the optimal network settings may vary depending on your specific network environment and requirements. It is recommended to consult the QNAP documentation or contact their support for further assistance in configuring the network settings for your Turbo Station model.

  • How can I configure the security settings on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 to protect my data and ensure privacy?

    To configure the security settings on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 and protect your data, follow these steps:

    1. Enable Firewall: Go to "Control Panel" > "System" > "Security" > "Firewall" and enable the firewall. Configure the firewall rules to allow only necessary services and block any unauthorized access.
    2. Update Firmware: Regularly update the firmware to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Go to "Control Panel" > "System" > "Firmware Update" to check for updates.
    3. Enable Network Access Protection: Go to "Control Panel" > "System" > "Security" > "Network Access Protection" and enable it. This feature helps prevent unauthorized access attempts by temporarily blocking IP addresses with multiple failed login attempts.
    4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Go to "Control Panel" > "System" > "Security" > "Two-Step Verification" and enable 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to the password during login.
    5. Create Strong User Passwords: Ensure that all user accounts have strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Avoid using common passwords and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
    6. Disable Unnecessary Services: Review the list of services running on your TS-431P and disable any unnecessary ones. Only enable the services you actually need to minimize potential vulnerabilities.
    7. Enable Network Encryption: If you access your TS-431P remotely, enable SSL/TLS encryption to secure the connection. Go to "Control Panel" > "System" > "Security" > "General Settings" and enable "Enable SSL/TLS encryption".
    8. Enable IP Access Protection: Go to "Control Panel" > "System" > "Security" > "IP Access Protection" and configure it to block suspicious IP addresses or limit access to specific IP ranges.
    9. Enable Antivirus and Malware Scanning: Install and regularly update an antivirus and malware scanning application on your TS-431P. QNAP provides the "Malware Remover" app that can be installed from the App Center.
    10. Regularly Backup Your Data: Implement a backup strategy to regularly backup your important data to an external storage device or cloud service. This ensures that even if your TS-431P is compromised, you can still recover your data.
    11. Disable Default Ports: Change the default ports used by services such as SSH, FTP, and HTTP to non-standard ports. This helps minimize the risk of automated attacks targeting default ports.
    12. Enable Account Lockout: Go to "Control Panel" > "System" > "Security" > "Account" and enable account lockout after a specified number of failed login attempts. This helps protect against brute-force attacks.
    13. Regularly Monitor Logs: Review the system logs for any suspicious activities or login attempts. Enable email notifications for critical events to stay informed about potential security issues.

    By following these steps, you can enhance the security of your QNAP Turbo Station TS-431P / TS-431P2 / TS-431P3 and protect your data and privacy.

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