NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 RAID Array Format Recovery: Steps to Retrieve Lost Data

Has your NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 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?

NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 RAID Array Format Recovery: Steps to Retrieve Lost Data

QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 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-h886. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 RAID Array Format Recovery: Steps to Retrieve Lost Data

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.

Are there any known issues with specific anti-virus software that can result in data loss on NAS QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 devices?

There have been reports of data loss on QNAP NAS devices, including the Turbo Station TS-h886, but it is not specifically related to any particular antivirus software. Data loss can occur due to various reasons such as hardware failures, software bugs, power outages, or improper configurations. It is always recommended to regularly backup your data to mitigate the risk of data loss. Additionally, keeping your antivirus software up to date and ensuring it is compatible with your NAS device can help protect against malware and other security threats.

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

Although the NAS Turbo Station TS-h886 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-h886. 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-h886 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-h886 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-h886, 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

  • How do I connect my digital camera to the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 to save photos directly?

    To connect your digital camera to the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 and save photos directly, you can follow these steps:

    1. Ensure that your digital camera has a USB port or supports wireless connectivity.
    2. If your camera has a USB port, use a USB cable to connect it to one of the USB ports on the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886. If your camera supports wireless connectivity, make sure it is connected to the same network as the Turbo Station.
    3. Access the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 web interface by typing its IP address into a web browser on your computer.
    4. Login to the Turbo Station with your username and password.
    5. Once logged in, navigate to the "Control Panel" and then go to "External Devices" or "External Storage."
    6. In the External Devices or External Storage settings, you should see your connected camera listed. Select it and configure the settings according to your preferences.
    7. Choose the destination folder on the Turbo Station where you want to save the photos from your camera.
    8. Save the settings, and the Turbo Station should now be ready to save photos directly from your digital camera.
    9. Depending on your camera's settings, you may need to manually initiate the transfer of photos from the camera to the Turbo Station, or it may happen automatically when the camera is connected or when new photos are taken.
    10. Once the photos are transferred, you can access them on the Turbo Station through the file explorer or any compatible media applications.

    Note: The steps above may vary slightly depending on the specific model and firmware version of your QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886. It is recommended to consult the user manual or QNAP's support documentation for more detailed instructions specific to your device.

  • What are the advantages of using a NAS like QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 to store and organize my photos compared to traditional methods?

    Using a NAS like the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 to store and organize your photos offers several advantages compared to traditional methods:

    1. Centralized storage: With a NAS, you can store all your photos in one central location. This eliminates the need to scatter your photos across multiple devices or external hard drives, making it easier to access and manage your photo library.
    2. Data redundancy: NAS devices often support RAID configurations, allowing you to set up data redundancy. This means that even if one hard drive fails, your photos will still be safe and accessible. Traditional methods like storing photos on a single external hard drive or computer can be risky as a single failure can result in permanent data loss.
    3. Easy access and sharing: NAS devices provide convenient remote access to your photo library. You can access and view your photos from anywhere using a web browser or dedicated mobile apps. Additionally, you can easily share specific photos or albums with others, making it ideal for collaborative projects or sharing memories with friends and family.
    4. Enhanced organization: NAS devices typically offer advanced file management features. You can easily create folders, subfolders, and tags to organize your photos efficiently. Some NAS devices even provide AI-powered image recognition and tagging, making it easier to search for specific photos based on objects, people, or locations.
    5. Scalability: NAS devices are designed to be scalable, allowing you to expand your storage capacity as your photo collection grows. You can add additional hard drives or expand existing ones without losing any data. Traditional methods often require purchasing new external hard drives or managing multiple devices, which can be cumbersome and less efficient.
    6. Backup and synchronization: NAS devices often come with built-in backup and synchronization tools. You can set up automatic backups of your photos to an external location or cloud storage, ensuring an extra layer of protection against data loss. Traditional methods usually require manual backups, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error.
    7. Multimedia features: Many NAS devices, including the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886, offer multimedia features like transcoding and streaming. You can access your photos on various devices, including TVs, media players, or smart home devices, without the need for additional software or conversions.

    Overall, using a NAS like the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 provides a reliable, secure, and efficient way to store, organize, and access your photo library compared to traditional methods.

  • Can the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 automatically back up my photos from the digital camera, and if so, how does it work?

    Yes, the QNAP Turbo Station TS-h886 can automatically back up your photos from a digital camera. It supports various methods to achieve this:

    1. USB Connection: You can connect your digital camera directly to the Turbo Station using a USB cable. The Turbo Station will recognize the camera as an external storage device and prompt you to back up the photos.
    2. SD Card Reader: If your digital camera uses an SD card, you can remove the card from the camera and insert it into the built-in SD card reader on the Turbo Station. It will detect the card and allow you to back up the photos.
    3. Wireless Transfer: Some digital cameras support wireless transfer of photos. In this case, you can connect the Turbo Station and the camera to the same Wi-Fi network. Using QNAP's mobile app (Qfile or QuMagie), you can initiate the transfer of photos wirelessly from the camera to the Turbo Station.

    Once the photos are backed up, you can choose to organize them into folders, apply tags, or even enable facial recognition to categorize them automatically. The Turbo Station provides various backup and synchronization options, such as real-time synchronization, scheduled backups, or incremental backups, ensuring that your photos are securely stored and protected.