How to Recover Data After Formatting Your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X RAID Array: Best Practices

Accidentally formatted your ⭐ NAS RAID array? Here’s a detailed recovery plan to restore your data.

How to Recover Data After Formatting Your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X RAID Array: Best Practices

QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X 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-531P / TS-531X.

How to Recover Data After Formatting Your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X RAID Array: Best Practices

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.

Can malware or ransomware attacks lead to data loss in NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X devices?

Yes, malware or ransomware attacks can lead to data loss in NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X devices. Just like any other network-attached storage (NAS) devices, QNAP Turbo Station devices are vulnerable to malware and ransomware attacks. If a device is infected with malware or targeted by ransomware, it can encrypt or delete the data stored on the device, resulting in data loss. It is important to take proper security measures, such as regularly updating the firmware, using strong passwords, enabling firewall settings, and implementing security software to protect against such attacks. Additionally, having regular backups of the data stored on the NAS device can help mitigate the impact of data loss in case of an attack.

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

Although NAS Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X 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-531P / TS-531X. 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-531P / TS-531X has 5 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-531P / TS-531X 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-531P / TS-531X, 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 key features and capabilities of the QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X for data backup purposes?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X offers several key features and capabilities for data backup purposes:

    1. High storage capacity: The TS-531P / TS-531X can accommodate up to five hard drives, providing ample storage space for backups.
    2. RAID support: It supports various RAID configurations (including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD), allowing users to choose the desired level of data protection and performance.
    3. Backup options: The device offers multiple backup options, including local backup to external drives or other QNAP NAS devices, remote backup to other NAS devices or cloud storage providers, and cloud backup to services like Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Storage.
    4. Snapshot protection: The TS-531P / TS-531X supports snapshot technology, allowing users to take point-in-time snapshots of their data for quick recovery in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    5. Disaster recovery: It supports disaster recovery solutions like RTRR (Real-Time Remote Replication) and rsync, enabling users to replicate their data to remote locations for off-site backup and recovery.
    6. Data deduplication and compression: The device employs data deduplication and compression techniques to optimize storage efficiency and reduce backup storage requirements.
    7. Backup scheduling and automation: Users can schedule regular backups and automate the backup process, ensuring that their data is protected without manual intervention.
    8. Backup versioning: The TS-531P / TS-531X keeps multiple versions of backed-up files, allowing users to restore previous versions if needed.
    9. Backup encryption: It supports AES 256-bit encryption for backup data, ensuring data security during transmission and storage.
    10. Backup management software: QNAP provides QNAP NetBak Replicator software for Windows and Time Machine support for Mac users, making it easy to back up data from computers to the Turbo Station.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X offers a comprehensive set of features and capabilities for data backup purposes, providing users with flexible and reliable backup solutions.

  • How does the QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X ensure data integrity and reliability during the backup process?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X ensures data integrity and reliability during the backup process through several methods:

    1. RAID Protection: The Turbo Station supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD) which provide redundancy and data protection. RAID technology allows for data to be distributed across multiple hard drives, ensuring that in case of a drive failure, data can be recovered from the remaining drives.
    2. Snapshot Technology: QNAP's snapshot technology creates point-in-time copies of data, which allows for quick recovery in case of accidental deletion or modification. Snapshots are stored separately from the original data, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
    3. Data Scrubbing: The Turbo Station performs regular data scrubbing on the hard drives to detect and correct any errors or inconsistencies. This process helps maintain the integrity of the stored data and ensures that any potential issues are addressed proactively.
    4. Network Backup: The Turbo Station supports various backup methods, including network backup. This allows users to back up their data to remote locations or other NAS devices, providing an additional layer of data protection and redundancy.
    5. Data Encryption: The Turbo Station supports AES 256-bit encryption for data stored on the device. This ensures that sensitive data is protected and inaccessible to unauthorized users, enhancing data integrity and security.
    6. UPS Support: The Turbo Station can be connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent data loss in case of power outages. This ensures that the backup process is not interrupted and data integrity is maintained.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X employs various technologies and features to ensure data integrity and reliability during the backup process, providing users with peace of mind and protection against data loss.

  • Can you explain the different backup options and strategies available on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X, such as local, remote, and cloud backups?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X offers various backup options and strategies, including local, remote, and cloud backups. Here's an explanation of each:

    1. Local Backup: This option allows you to create backups on local storage devices connected to the Turbo Station. You can use external USB drives, eSATA devices, or even internal drives within the Turbo Station itself. Local backups are useful for quick and easy access to your data in case of data loss or system failure.
    2. Remote Backup: With remote backup, you can create backups of your data on another QNAP NAS or remote servers. This option provides an additional layer of protection by storing your data in a different location. You can schedule automatic backups to remote devices or perform manual backups as needed.
    3. Cloud Backup: QNAP Turbo Station supports various cloud backup services, such as Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Storage, and more. Cloud backup allows you to store your data securely on remote servers maintained by these cloud service providers. You can schedule regular backups to the cloud or perform manual backups when required. Cloud backups are beneficial for off-site storage and disaster recovery purposes.
    4. Hybrid Backup Sync: The Turbo Station also offers a feature called Hybrid Backup Sync, which combines local, remote, and cloud backups into a single comprehensive solution. This feature allows you to create backup jobs that include multiple destinations, such as local storage, remote servers, and cloud services. You can schedule automatic backups and choose different destinations for different types of data.
    5. Snapshot: The Turbo Station supports snapshot technology, which takes point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots allow you to restore files or folders to previous versions quickly. This feature is useful for recovering from accidental file deletions or modifications.

    By utilizing a combination of these backup options and strategies, you can ensure the safety and availability of your data on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-531P / TS-531X.

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