
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU devices?
Yes, there are several common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU devices. Some of these include:
- Lack of regular backups: Users often overlook the importance of regular backups, assuming that their data is safe on the NAS device. However, hardware failures, accidental deletions, or other issues can still result in data loss. It is crucial to have a proper backup strategy in place to ensure data protection.
- Failure to update firmware: QNAP regularly releases firmware updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. Neglecting to update the firmware can leave the device vulnerable to security threats or software bugs that may result in data loss.
- Inadequate RAID configuration: The TS-877 / TS-877XU devices support various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection. Users may incorrectly configure or set up RAID, leading to data loss in case of a hard drive failure. It is essential to understand the RAID options and choose the appropriate configuration based on your needs.
- Improper shutdown or power loss: Abruptly powering off the NAS device or experiencing a power outage while data is being written or accessed can result in data corruption or loss. Users should ensure a proper shutdown procedure and consider using battery backup solutions to prevent sudden power loss.
- Insufficient security measures: Weak or easily guessable passwords, lack of two-factor authentication, or failure to implement proper network security measures can make the NAS device vulnerable to unauthorized access or data breaches. It is crucial to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly review and update security settings.
- Neglecting hard drive health monitoring: The NAS device provides tools to monitor the health and status of hard drives. Ignoring these monitoring tools can lead to undetected drive failures or errors, potentially resulting in data loss. Regularly check the health of your hard drives and replace any failing drives promptly.
To minimize the risk of data loss, it is recommended to follow best practices such as regular backups, firmware updates, proper RAID configuration, secure authentication, and monitoring hardware health.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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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-877 / TS-877XU. 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.
How to recover data from a QNAP
Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU 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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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-877 / TS-877XU 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 |


Yes, there are firmware updates and patches recommended for data recovery from QNAP Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU devices. QNAP regularly releases firmware updates to address security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features. It is always recommended to keep your NAS firmware up to date to ensure the best possible data recovery experience.
To check for and download the latest firmware updates for your QNAP Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU, you can visit the QNAP website or use the QTS firmware update feature within the NAS administration interface.
In addition to firmware updates, QNAP also provides data recovery tools and services. If you encounter any data recovery issues, it is recommended to contact QNAP support for assistance. They can guide you through the recovery process and provide specific patches or tools if needed.