- 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 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- Firmware or software compatibility: Using outdated firmware or incompatible software versions can also result in compatibility issues and potential data loss.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 take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TVS-473 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 TVS-473. 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.
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);
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 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.
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 |
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.