Data Recovery After RAID Array Format on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-873U-RP: Steps and Techniques

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-873U-RP
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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.

Are there any recommended steps to take after detecting or suspecting data loss on a NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-873U-RP device?

Yes, there are several recommended steps to take after detecting or suspecting data loss on a QNAP Turbo Station TS-873U-RP NAS device. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Stop using the NAS: As soon as you suspect data loss, it's crucial to stop using the NAS immediately. Continuing to use the device may overwrite the lost data, making it harder or impossible to recover.
2. Disconnect from the network: Disconnect the NAS from the network to prevent any further data loss or corruption. This will help ensure that no automatic synchronization or backup processes overwrite the lost data.
3. Contact QNAP support: Reach out to QNAP support for assistance. They can provide guidance specific to your device and help you troubleshoot the issue. QNAP's support team may be able to guide you through recovery steps or recommend professional data recovery services.
4. Check hardware and connections: Ensure that all hardware components are properly connected and functioning. Check cables, power supply, and any storage drives for any signs of damage or failure.
5. Perform basic troubleshooting: Follow any troubleshooting steps recommended by QNAP support. This may include restarting the device, updating firmware, or performing a system reset.
6. Attempt data recovery: If you have backups, restore the data from the backup source. If you don't have backups, and the data is critical, consider seeking professional data recovery services. QNAP may be able to recommend trusted data recovery providers.
7. Review and improve backup strategy: After recovering the data or setting up the NAS again, review your backup strategy. Ensure that you have regular backups in place to prevent future data loss incidents. Consider using multiple backup methods, such as off-site backups or cloud storage, for added redundancy.

Remember, data recovery success depends on various factors, including the nature of the data loss and the actions taken after detection. It's always recommended to consult with professionals or follow QNAP's guidance for the best chance of recovering your lost data.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-873U-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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP Turbo Station TS-873U-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.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

Turbo Station TS-873U-RP 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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The QNAP Turbo Station TS-873U-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