Recovering Data After Formatting a RAID Array on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U: Tips

Has your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U 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-863U: Tips

QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U 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-863U. 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-863U: Tips

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 the use of specific data recovery software or services impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U devices?

Yes, the use of specific data recovery software or services can impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U devices. The success rate depends on various factors such as the quality and effectiveness of the software or service being used, the type and severity of the data loss situation, and the condition of the NAS device itself.

Using reliable and reputable data recovery software or services specifically designed for NAS devices, such as those that support QNAP Turbo Station models, can increase the chances of successful data retrieval. These software or services are often equipped with advanced algorithms and techniques to handle NAS-specific file systems and storage configurations.

However, it is important to note that not all data loss scenarios can be recovered successfully. Factors like physical damage to the storage media, overwritten data, or severe corruption may limit the success rate regardless of the software or service used. In such cases, professional data recovery services may be necessary, as they have specialized equipment and expertise to handle complex data loss situations.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-863U 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-863U. 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-863U has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 10;
  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • ZFS;
  • EXT4;
  • EXT3;
  • exFAT;
  • 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-863U 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-863U, 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 advantages of using the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U as a central storage solution for businesses or organizations?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U offers several key features and advantages that make it an ideal central storage solution for businesses or organizations:

    1. High storage capacity: The TS-863U supports up to 8 hard drives, providing ample storage space for large amounts of data. It can be expanded further by connecting additional storage units.
    2. High-performance hardware: It is equipped with a powerful quad-core AMD processor and up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring fast and efficient data processing and access.
    3. Scalability: The TS-863U supports QNAP's Virtual JBOD technology, which allows users to utilize unused space from other QNAP NAS units to expand storage capacity without disrupting existing data.
    4. Data protection and security: It offers various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD) to protect against data loss. Additionally, it supports AES 256-bit encryption for secure data transmission and storage.
    5. Versatile connectivity options: The TS-863U provides multiple connectivity options, including four Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. This allows for easy integration into existing network infrastructures.
    6. Advanced data management features: It offers a range of data management features, such as snapshot protection, which allows for quick and easy data recovery in the event of accidental deletion or file corruption.
    7. Virtualization support: The TS-863U supports various virtualization technologies, including VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V, allowing businesses to consolidate their IT infrastructure and reduce costs.
    8. Centralized file sharing and collaboration: It supports various file-sharing protocols (SMB/CIFS, FTP, and more) and offers advanced collaboration features, such as shared folders, file versioning, and remote access, facilitating efficient teamwork and document management.
    9. Backup and disaster recovery: The TS-863U provides comprehensive backup solutions, including QNAP's NetBak Replicator for Windows and Time Machine for Mac. It also supports remote replication to another QNAP NAS or external storage device for off-site backup.
    10. App ecosystem: QNAP's App Center offers a wide range of applications that can be installed on the TS-863U, expanding its functionality and meeting various business needs.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U combines high storage capacity, performance, data protection, and a range of advanced features, making it an efficient and reliable central storage solution for businesses or organizations.

  • How does the QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U ensure data security and protection, especially when used as a central storage system?

    The QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U incorporates several features to ensure data security and protection when used as a central storage system. Here are some key aspects:

    1. RAID Configuration: The TS-863U supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD) to provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. By distributing data across multiple drives, it ensures that even if one drive fails, the data remains accessible.
    2. Snapshot Technology: QNAP's snapshot technology allows the TS-863U to take snapshots of the file system at a specific point in time. These snapshots can be used to quickly recover data in case of accidental deletion, malware attacks, or other data corruption issues.
    3. AES 256-bit Encryption: The Turbo Station supports AES 256-bit encryption, which ensures that data stored on the device is securely encrypted and can only be accessed with the correct encryption key. This protects sensitive data from unauthorized access, even if the physical drives are stolen.
    4. Access Control and User Management: The TS-863U provides comprehensive access control and user management features. Administrators can create multiple user accounts with different levels of access permissions, ensuring that only authorized users can access specific files and folders.
    5. IP Access Control: The Turbo Station allows administrators to define IP access control lists, specifying which IP addresses or IP ranges are allowed or denied access to the system. This helps protect against unauthorized access attempts from specific IP addresses.
    6. Antivirus Protection: QNAP's antivirus solution can be installed on the TS-863U to scan files and folders for malware and viruses. This helps prevent the storage system from becoming a source of infected files and ensures the safety of the data stored on it.
    7. Network Security: The Turbo Station supports various network security protocols, including SSL/TLS encryption for secure data transmission, IP blocking to prevent brute-force attacks, and network access protection against unauthorized access attempts.
    8. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The TS-863U offers multiple backup options, including local backup to external drives, remote replication to another QNAP NAS or FTP server, and cloud backup to popular cloud storage providers. These backup options help protect against data loss and provide disaster recovery capabilities.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U incorporates a range of features and technologies to ensure data security and protection when used as a central storage system.

  • Can you provide some examples of how businesses or organizations can benefit from using the QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U as their central storage solution, in terms of data management, collaboration, and accessibility?

    Certainly! Here are some examples of how businesses or organizations can benefit from using the QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U as their central storage solution:

    Data Management:

    • Centralized Storage: The TS-863U provides a large storage capacity, allowing businesses to store all their data in one place. This makes it easier to manage and organize files, reducing the chance of data loss or duplication.
    • RAID Support: The TS-863U supports various RAID configurations, ensuring data redundancy and protection against disk failure.
    • Backup and Recovery: Businesses can schedule automatic backups of critical data to the TS-863U, ensuring that important information is always protected. In case of data loss, the NAS offers recovery options to restore data quickly.

    Collaboration:

    • File Sharing: The TS-863U enables seamless file sharing among team members, whether they are in the same office or working remotely. It supports multiple file sharing protocols and provides access controls to ensure data security.
    • Versioning and Collaboration Tools: With the NAS's versioning feature, businesses can keep track of file changes and revert to previous versions if needed. Collaboration tools like Qsync allow real-time file synchronization across devices, enabling efficient teamwork.

    Accessibility:

    • Remote Access: The TS-863U allows businesses to access their data from anywhere using various methods like web browsers, mobile apps, or VPN connections. This ensures employees can work remotely without any limitations.
    • Mobile Apps: QNAP provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access, manage, and share files on the go.
    • Cloud Integration: The NAS supports cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, enabling businesses to integrate their existing cloud accounts for seamless data management.

    Overall, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-863U offers businesses a reliable, scalable, and feature-rich central storage solution that enhances data management, collaboration, and accessibility.