Recovering Data After Formatting a RAID Array on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-RP: Essential Steps

Has your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-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 Data After Formatting a RAID Array on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-RP: Essential Steps
Data Recovery Tool

QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-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-463XU / TS-463XU-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 Data After Formatting a RAID Array on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-RP: Essential Steps

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.

Can excessive drive spin-down or power-saving settings impact data retrieval in case of failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-RP devices?

Excessive drive spin-down or power-saving settings can potentially impact data retrieval in case of failure on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-RP devices.

When drives are set to spin down or power-saving modes, they may take longer to respond or wake up when a request is made to access data. In the event of a failure or an issue with the NAS device, this delay can further complicate the data retrieval process.

If the drives are not spinning or are in a low-power state, it may take additional time for them to start up and become accessible. This delay can be critical when trying to recover data from a failed NAS device, as every second counts in minimizing potential data loss.

To ensure better data retrieval in case of failure, it is recommended to balance power-saving settings with the need for quick access to data. Adjusting the power-saving settings to a more moderate level, where drives do not spin down too frequently or remain in a low-power state for extended periods, can help mitigate potential delays in data retrieval.

Additionally, implementing regular backups, both onsite and offsite, can provide an extra layer of protection and help minimize the impact of any data retrieval challenges that may arise.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-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-463XU / TS-463XU-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-463XU / TS-463XU-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-463XU / TS-463XU-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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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-463XU / TS-463XU-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 is DLNA and how does it work?

    DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance. It is a set of guidelines and standards that enable the sharing and streaming of media content between different devices within a home network. DLNA allows devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles to communicate and share media files like photos, videos, and music seamlessly.

    DLNA works by establishing a local network connection between DLNA-certified devices. The devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or Ethernet network. Once connected, DLNA uses a protocol called Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) to discover and identify compatible devices on the network.

    Once the devices are discovered, DLNA allows users to browse and access media content stored on one device from another device. For example, you can stream a video from your smartphone to your smart TV or access music stored on your computer from your tablet. DLNA also supports functionalities like controlling playback, creating playlists, and accessing metadata information.

    DLNA uses various media formats and codecs, ensuring compatibility between different devices. It supports popular file formats like MP3, JPEG, MPEG, AVI, and more. DLNA also supports transcoding, which means it can convert media files into a compatible format on-the-fly, allowing playback on devices that may not natively support a particular file format.

    Overall, DLNA simplifies the process of sharing and streaming media content within a home network, providing a seamless and convenient media sharing experience across different devices.

  • How does a NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-RP utilize DLNA protocol for media streaming and sharing?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-RP is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that supports the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) protocol for media streaming and sharing. Here's how it utilizes DLNA:

    1. DLNA Server: The NAS acts as a DLNA server, which means it stores and manages media files such as photos, videos, and music. It indexes these files and makes them available for streaming and sharing across DLNA-certified devices on the same network.
    2. Media Indexing: The NAS scans and indexes the media files stored on its storage drives. It creates a media library with information about the files, including metadata like titles, artists, genres, and thumbnails. This indexing process helps in organizing and categorizing the media files for easier browsing and searching.
    3. Media Streaming: DLNA-certified devices, such as smart TVs, media players, gaming consoles, or mobile devices, can discover and connect to the NAS on the network. Users can then browse the media library and stream the content directly to their devices. For example, you can stream a movie stored on the NAS to your smart TV without the need for additional cables or transferring the file to the TV.
    4. Transcoding: The NAS supports on-the-fly transcoding of media files. This means that if a device doesn't support the format or codec of a particular media file, the NAS can convert it into a compatible format while streaming. This ensures that the media can be played on devices with different capabilities, providing seamless playback across various DLNA-certified devices.
    5. Remote Access: The NAS also allows remote access to the DLNA server. By configuring the appropriate settings, users can access their media files stored on the NAS from outside their home network. This enables streaming and sharing of media even when away from home, using DLNA-compatible devices and applications.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-463XU / TS-463XU-RP utilizes the DLNA protocol to provide a convenient and efficient way to stream and share media files across different devices on the network, enhancing the multimedia experience for users.

  • Can you explain the benefits and features of DLNA in the context of a QNAP Turbo Station NAS?

    DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a technology standard that allows devices to connect and share media content over a local network. When it comes to a QNAP Turbo Station NAS, DLNA provides several benefits and features:

    1. Media Server: The QNAP Turbo Station NAS acts as a DLNA media server, allowing you to store and organize your media files such as photos, videos, and music in one centralized location. It indexes and catalogs the media content, making it easily accessible for streaming to DLNA-certified devices.
    2. Seamless Streaming: DLNA enables seamless streaming of media content from the Turbo Station NAS to DLNA-compatible devices like smart TVs, game consoles, media players, and mobile devices. You can enjoy your media files on different screens without the need for complicated setups or transferring files to individual devices.
    3. Cross-platform Compatibility: DLNA ensures compatibility across various operating systems and devices. Whether you have Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS devices, you can stream media from the Turbo Station NAS to any DLNA-enabled device, regardless of the manufacturer or platform.
    4. Remote Access: QNAP Turbo Station NAS supports DLNA over the internet, allowing you to access and stream your media content remotely. You can enjoy your media files while away from home, as long as you have an internet connection and a DLNA-compatible device.
    5. Transcoding and Conversion: The Turbo Station NAS may offer transcoding capabilities, converting media files to a compatible format on-the-fly. This feature ensures smooth playback on devices that might not natively support certain file formats or codecs.
    6. Multi-zone Streaming: DLNA on the Turbo Station NAS supports multi-zone streaming, allowing you to stream different media content simultaneously to multiple DLNA-certified devices. This feature is beneficial for households or offices where multiple users want to access and enjoy media files independently.
    7. Easy Setup and Configuration: QNAP Turbo Station NAS provides an intuitive web-based interface for setting up and configuring the DLNA media server. You can easily manage media libraries, create playlists, and customize settings to suit your preferences.
    8. Additional Features: Depending on the specific Turbo Station NAS model, you may have additional DLNA-related features such as offline transcoding, media indexing, automatic metadata retrieval, and more. These features enhance the overall media streaming experience and make it easier to organize and access your media library.

    Overall, DLNA on a QNAP Turbo Station NAS simplifies media sharing and streaming, making it a convenient solution for enjoying your media content across multiple devices and platforms.
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