Recovering from RAID Array Format on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP: Data Recovery Essentials

Has your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Recovering from RAID Array Format on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP: Data Recovery Essentials

QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Recovering from RAID Array Format on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP: Data Recovery Essentials

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

How can regular performance monitoring and optimization help in preventing data loss on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP devices?

Regular performance monitoring and optimization can help in preventing data loss on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP devices in the following ways:

  1. Early detection of hardware failures: Regular monitoring of system performance metrics like CPU usage, memory usage, and disk health can help identify any potential hardware failures or issues before they cause data loss. For example, if a hard drive starts showing signs of impending failure, such as high error rates or excessive bad sectors, it can be replaced proactively to prevent data loss.
  2. RAID monitoring and maintenance: QNAP Turbo Station devices support various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection. Regular monitoring of RAID status and performance can help identify any issues with the RAID array, such as degraded or failed disks, and take appropriate actions like rebuilding the array or replacing faulty disks to prevent data loss.
  3. Backup monitoring: QNAP NAS devices provide built-in backup solutions like QNAP Hybrid Backup Sync, which allows users to schedule and automate backups to external storage or cloud services. Regular monitoring of backup jobs ensures that backups are running successfully and that data is being properly backed up, reducing the risk of data loss in case of device failure or accidental deletion.
  4. Performance optimization: Monitoring system performance metrics can help identify any performance bottlenecks or issues that could potentially lead to data loss. For example, if the NAS device is experiencing high CPU or memory usage, it may impact the overall system performance and increase the risk of data loss. Optimizing system resources, such as closing unnecessary applications or services, can help maintain optimal performance and reduce the chances of data loss.
  5. Firmware and software updates: Regularly updating the firmware and software on the NAS device is essential for keeping it secure and up to date with the latest bug fixes and performance improvements. These updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities that could be exploited to cause data loss. Monitoring for firmware and software updates and applying them in a timely manner can help prevent data loss due to security breaches or software-related issues.

In summary, regular performance monitoring and optimization of NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP devices can help in early detection of hardware failures, monitoring and maintaining RAID configurations, ensuring successful backups, optimizing system performance, and staying up to date with firmware and software updates, all of which contribute to preventing data loss.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows 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-432XU / TS-432XU-RP, 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 file access levels available on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS supports various file access levels, including:

    1. Public Access: This level allows anyone on the network to access and read/write files stored on the NAS without any authentication.
    2. User Access: Users with valid credentials (username and password) can access files and folders based on their assigned permissions. Administrators can create multiple user accounts and assign different levels of access rights.
    3. Group Access: Users can be grouped together, and access rights can be assigned to the entire group. This simplifies permission management for multiple users with similar access requirements.
    4. Shared Folder Access: Shared folders can be created on the NAS, and access rights can be set for individual users or groups. This allows for granular control over who can access specific folders and what actions they can perform (read, write, delete, etc.).
    5. Domain Access: The NAS can be integrated into an existing Windows Active Directory (AD) or LDAP directory service. This enables centralized user authentication and access control based on existing domain user accounts and groups.
    6. FTP Access: The NAS supports FTP (File Transfer Protocol) access, allowing users to connect remotely and transfer files to/from the NAS using FTP clients. FTP access rights can be set separately from other file access levels.
    7. Web File Manager: The NAS provides a web-based file manager interface that allows users to access and manage files through a web browser. Access rights can be set for individual users or groups, controlling what operations they can perform through the web interface.

    These file access levels provide flexibility and security options for managing file access on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS.

  • How can you configure and manage file access levels on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS?

    To configure and manage file access levels on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS, you can follow these steps:

    1. Log in to the QNAP Turbo Station administration interface using your web browser. Enter the IP address of the NAS in the address bar and press Enter.
    2. Enter your username and password to log in.
    3. Once logged in, navigate to the "Control Panel" and click on "Privilege Settings" or "Access Rights Management".
    4. In the Privilege Settings or Access Rights Management section, you will find options to manage user accounts, groups, and shared folders.
    5. To configure file access levels for a specific user or group, click on "Users" or "Groups" and select the user or group you want to manage.
    6. In the user or group settings, you can assign different access levels such as read-only, read-write, or deny access to specific shared folders.
    7. You can also create new shared folders by clicking on "Shared Folders" and then "Create".
    8. When creating a new shared folder, you can specify the access control settings for the folder, including user and group permissions.
    9. Additionally, you can enable advanced features like Access Control List (ACL) and Windows ACL to provide more granular control over file access.
    10. Once you have configured the file access levels, click on "Apply" or "Save" to save the changes.

    By following these steps, you can configure and manage file access levels on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS.

  • What are the security implications and best practices for setting file access levels on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS?

    Setting file access levels on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS is crucial for maintaining the security of your data. Here are the security implications and best practices for configuring file access levels:

    1. Security Implications:

    a. Unauthorized Access: If file access levels are not properly set, unauthorized users may gain access to sensitive data, leading to data breaches or leaks.

    b. Data Loss: Incorrect access levels can result in accidental deletion, modification, or overwriting of critical files, leading to data loss.

    c. Malware and Ransomware: Inadequate access controls can make your NAS vulnerable to malware attacks, including ransomware, which can encrypt your files and demand a ransom for their release.

    1. Best Practices for File Access Levels:

    a. Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks. Avoid giving unnecessary administrative privileges to users.

    b. User Groups: Create user groups based on roles or departments and assign appropriate access levels to each group. This simplifies management and ensures consistent access controls.

    c. Strong Passwords: Enforce strong password policies to prevent unauthorized access. Encourage users to use unique and complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

    d. Regular Auditing: Periodically review and audit file access permissions to identify any discrepancies or unauthorized access. Remove unnecessary permissions and ensure that access levels align with business requirements.

    e. Encryption: Enable encryption for sensitive files and folders. QNAP NAS devices offer encryption options such as AES-256, ensuring data confidentiality even if unauthorized access occurs.

    f. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Regularly back up your data to an offsite location or cloud storage. This helps mitigate the impact of data loss due to security breaches or hardware failures.

    g. Firmware Updates: Keep your NAS firmware up to date to ensure that security patches and fixes are applied promptly, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.

    h. Network Segmentation: Separate your NAS from other network devices using VLANs or dedicated subnets. This limits the potential attack surface and helps contain any security breaches.

    By following these best practices, you can enhance the security of your QNAP Turbo Station TS-432XU / TS-432XU-RP NAS and protect your data from unauthorized access or loss.