- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS QNAP TVS-473
- 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 compatibility issues that can result in data loss for NAS QNAP TVS-473 devices?
Yes, there can be compatibility issues that can result in data loss for NAS QNAP TVS-473 devices. Some potential causes include:
- Incompatible hard drives: If you use incompatible hard drives with your QNAP TVS-473, it can lead to data loss. It is recommended to use hard drives that are listed on the QNAP compatibility list to ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of data loss.
- Firmware or software compatibility: Using outdated firmware or incompatible software versions can also result in compatibility issues and potential data loss. It is important to keep the firmware and software up to date to avoid such issues.
- RAID configuration issues: If the RAID configuration is not properly set up or if there are issues with the RAID array, it can lead to data loss. It is crucial to follow the recommended RAID configuration guidelines and regularly check the health of the RAID array to prevent data loss.
- Power supply problems: Inadequate power supply or power surges can cause compatibility issues and potentially damage the NAS device, leading to data loss. It is recommended to use a stable power source and consider using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect against power-related issues.
- Network connectivity issues: Problems with the network connection, such as unstable or slow connections, can result in data loss during file transfers or when accessing data from the NAS. It is important to ensure a stable and reliable network connection to minimize the risk of data loss.
To minimize the chances of compatibility issues and data loss, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's guidelines, keep the device and software up to date, use compatible hardware components, and regularly backup important data.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS TVS-473 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
-
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
Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP TVS-473. 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
TVS-473 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 6;
- RAID 5;
- 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:
-
Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
-
In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
-
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.
-
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 TVS-473 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 |
The NAS QNAP TVS-473 device uses a Linux-based operating system and supports various data storage configurations such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). The specific data structures used in these devices are typically related to the file system and the RAID configuration.
QNAP NAS devices commonly use the ext4 file system, which is a widely-used Linux file system. It utilizes data structures like inodes, superblocks, and block allocation bitmaps to manage file metadata, file data, and disk space allocation.
Regarding RAID configurations, the TVS-473 supports various RAID levels such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10. Each RAID level has its own specific data organization and redundancy mechanisms. For example, RAID 5 uses block-level striping with distributed parity, while RAID 1 mirrors data across multiple drives.
When it comes to data recovery, the specific data structures used in the TVS-473 can affect the recovery process. In the case of file system corruption or accidental deletion, data recovery tools or services may need to understand the ext4 file system and its data structures to locate and recover the lost files.
In the case of RAID configurations, data recovery becomes more complex. The specific RAID level and configuration used in the TVS-473 can impact the recovery process. RAID data recovery often requires specialized knowledge and tools to reconstruct the data from multiple drives and handle potential issues like failed drives or degraded arrays.
It is important to note that data recovery from NAS devices can be a complex and delicate process. If you encounter data loss or data recovery needs, it is recommended to consult with professional data recovery services experienced in handling NAS devices and their specific data structures.