- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
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.
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 take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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.
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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP Turbo Station TS-877 / TS-877XU. 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.
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);
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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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.
Where are user’s files 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.
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 |
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.