How to recover data from QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U 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-431U

QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U 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-431U.

How to recover data from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U

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 use of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) help minimize data loss risks during power outages or disruptions for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U devices?

Yes, the use of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can help minimize data loss risks during power outages or disruptions for NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U devices. A UPS provides backup power to the NAS device, allowing it to continue operating even when the main power source is unavailable. This ensures that the NAS can gracefully shut down or continue running until power is restored, reducing the risk of data loss or corruption. Additionally, a UPS can also protect the NAS from power surges or fluctuations, which can damage the device or its components.

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

Although NAS Turbo Station TS-431U 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-431U. 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-431U 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-431U 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-431U, 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 steps to access files on the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U from a remote location?

    To access files on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U from a remote location, you can follow these steps:

    1. Set up the NAS: Connect the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U to your network and configure it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure it has internet connectivity.
    2. Enable remote access: Log in to the NAS web interface using the administrator account. Go to "Control Panel" > "System Settings" > "General Settings" > "Network Services" and enable services like FTP, SFTP, or WebDAV for remote file access. Make sure to configure appropriate security settings.
    3. Configure port forwarding: If your NAS is behind a router, you may need to set up port forwarding to allow remote access. Access your router's administration panel and forward the necessary ports (e.g., FTP port 21, SFTP port 22, or WebDAV port 5005) to the NAS's local IP address.
    4. Set up dynamic DNS (optional): If your internet service provider assigns you a dynamic IP address, consider setting up a dynamic DNS service. This allows you to access your NAS using a domain name instead of the changing IP address.
    5. Configure firewall settings: Ensure that your NAS's firewall allows incoming connections on the necessary ports for remote access. You may need to add specific rules to allow traffic from your remote location.
    6. Secure remote access: It is recommended to use secure protocols like SFTP or VPN to access your files remotely. Enable encryption and strong passwords to protect your data during transmission.
    7. Access files remotely: From your remote location, open a file browser or FTP client and enter the public IP address or dynamic DNS domain name of your NAS. Use the appropriate protocol (e.g., FTP, SFTP, or WebDAV) and enter your NAS login credentials to access your files.

    Note: The exact steps may vary depending on the specific configuration of your NAS and network environment. It is recommended to refer to the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U's user manual or consult the QNAP support website for detailed instructions.

  • Are there any specific security measures or settings that need to be configured to ensure secure remote access to files on the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U?

    Yes, there are several security measures and settings that you can configure to ensure secure remote access to files on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U NAS. Here are some important ones:

    1. Enable HTTPS: Use HTTPS (HTTP over SSL/TLS) instead of HTTP for secure communication. Go to "Control Panel" > "System Settings" > "General Settings" > "Security" and enable HTTPS.
    2. Set Strong Passwords: Ensure that you have a strong password for your NAS admin account and any other user accounts. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
    3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for an additional layer of security. It requires users to provide a second verification factor, such as a code from a mobile app, along with their password.
    4. Configure Firewall: Set up a firewall on your NAS to block unauthorized access. Go to "Control Panel" > "System Settings" > "Security" > "Firewall" to configure firewall settings.
    5. Use VPN for Remote Access: Set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your NAS to establish a secure connection when accessing files remotely. This ensures that your data is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping.
    6. Enable Network Access Protection: Go to "Control Panel" > "System Settings" > "Security" > "Network Access Protection" and configure settings to limit access to your NAS based on IP addresses or subnets.
    7. Regularly Update Firmware: Keep your NAS firmware up to date to ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Check for updates regularly and install them when available.
    8. Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable any unnecessary services or features on your NAS that you do not use. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of vulnerabilities.
    9. Enable Network Recycle Bin: Enable the Network Recycle Bin feature to prevent accidental deletion of files and provide an additional layer of data protection.
    10. Regularly Backup Data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your files are protected in case of any unforeseen events or security breaches.

    Remember to review the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U user manual and consult the QNAP support website for detailed instructions on configuring these security measures and settings specific to your NAS model.

  • Are there any limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U from a remote location, such as file size or transfer speed?

    When accessing files on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-431U from a remote location, there may be some limitations or restrictions to consider. Here are a few:

    1. Bandwidth: The speed of file transfers will depend on the available bandwidth of the remote location and the NAS itself. If the remote location has limited upload or download speeds, it may affect the transfer speed.
    2. Internet Connection: The stability and quality of the internet connection at both the remote location and the NAS will impact the file transfer process. If the connection is unstable or intermittent, it may affect the transfer speed and reliability.
    3. File Size: There is typically no inherent file size limitation when accessing files on the NAS from a remote location. However, the transfer speed may be affected if you are transferring large files due to the bandwidth limitations mentioned earlier.
    4. Network Configuration: The network configuration and settings of the NAS and the remote location's network infrastructure may affect remote file access. Firewalls, port forwarding, or VPN configurations may need to be properly set up to enable remote access.
    5. User Permissions: The NAS may have user permission settings that restrict or limit access to certain files or folders. Ensure that the appropriate permissions are set to allow remote access to the desired files.

    It is important to note that these limitations or restrictions may vary depending on the specific configuration and settings of the NAS, the remote location's network, and the internet connection quality.

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