Key Features of Recovering Data from NAS QNAP TVS-972XU-RP Storage at Home

Has your NAS QNAP TVS-972XU-RP 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?

Key Features of Recovering Data from NAS QNAP TVS-972XU-RP Storage at Home

QNAP TVS-972XU-RP 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 TVS-972XU-RP. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Key Features of Recovering Data from NAS QNAP TVS-972XU-RP Storage at Home

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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 recommended practices for protecting NAS QNAP TVS-972XU-RP devices against physical theft or unauthorized access that can lead to data loss?

Yes, there are several recommended practices to protect QNAP TVS-972XU-RP devices against physical theft or unauthorized access:

  1. Secure physical location: Place the NAS device in a secure and locked room or cabinet to prevent unauthorized physical access.
  2. Strong passwords: Set strong and unique passwords for all user accounts, including the administrator account. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords.
  3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for all user accounts to add an extra layer of security. This ensures that even if someone obtains the password, they would still need the second factor (e.g., a mobile app or SMS code) to access the device.
  4. Regular firmware updates: Keep the NAS firmware up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. QNAP regularly releases firmware updates that address vulnerabilities and enhance security.
  5. Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or features on the NAS device to reduce the attack surface. Only enable the services that are required for your specific needs.
  6. Network segregation: Place the NAS device on a separate network or VLAN to isolate it from other devices. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the NAS through compromised devices on the network.
  7. Firewall and network security: Configure a firewall to restrict access to the NAS, allowing only necessary ports and protocols. Additionally, consider implementing network security measures like intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) or network access control (NAC) solutions.
  8. Data encryption: Enable encryption for sensitive data stored on the NAS. QNAP provides options for encrypting shared folders or using full-disk encryption to protect data at rest.
  9. Regular backups: Implement a robust backup strategy to ensure data can be restored in case of theft or data loss. Regularly backup data to an offsite location or cloud storage to minimize the impact of physical theft.
  10. Physical security measures: Use physical security measures like surveillance cameras, alarms, and access control systems to protect the physical environment where the NAS is located.

By following these recommended practices, you can significantly enhance the security of your QNAP TVS-972XU-RP device and protect it against physical theft or unauthorized access.

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

Although the NAS TVS-972XU-RP 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 TVS-972XU-RP. 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

TVS-972XU-RP has 9 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • 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:

  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 TVS-972XU-RP 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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • 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 TVS-972XU-RP, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Edwin Eady
    Edwin Eady 16.09.2023 06:57 #
    Is it necessary to have a backup of the NAS QNAP TVS-972XU-RP data before attempting data recovery?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 16.09.2023 08:00 #

      Yes, it is highly recommended to have a backup of the data on your QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS before attempting any data recovery. This is because the data recovery process itself can be complex and there is always a risk of further data loss or damage to the existing data. Having a backup ensures that you have a copy of your important data that can be easily restored in case anything goes wrong during the recovery process.

Post comment
User
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What are the different security features available in the QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device to ensure file access security?

    The QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device offers several security features to ensure file access security. Some of these features include:

    1. Access Control List (ACL): This feature allows administrators to control and restrict access to files and folders based on user permissions. It provides granular control over who can read, write, or execute specific files.
    2. User and Group Management: The NAS device allows administrators to create and manage user accounts and groups. This helps in organizing users and assigning appropriate access permissions to different files and folders.
    3. Folder Encryption: The NAS device supports folder-level encryption, allowing users to encrypt specific folders and their contents. This ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the NAS, they cannot access the encrypted files without the encryption key.
    4. IP Access Control: Administrators can restrict access to the NAS based on IP addresses or IP ranges. This helps in preventing unauthorized access from specific networks or locations.
    5. Network Share Encryption: The NAS device supports network share encryption using protocols like SMB and AFP. This ensures that data transferred between the NAS and connected devices is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping or interception.
    6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The NAS device supports 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security during login. Users need to provide a second verification factor, such as a unique code generated by a mobile app, in addition to their password.
    7. Antivirus Protection: The NAS device comes with built-in antivirus software that can scan files and folders for malware and viruses. It helps in preventing the spread of infected files and protects the data stored on the NAS.
    8. Network Security: The NAS device supports various network security protocols, including SSL/TLS encryption for secure data transfer, firewall settings, and network access protection mechanisms like IP blocking and brute-force attack protection.
    9. Audit Logs: The NAS device maintains detailed logs of user activities, including file access, modifications, and system changes. These logs can be reviewed by administrators to monitor and track any suspicious or unauthorized activities.

    These security features help ensure that file access to the QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device is controlled, encrypted, and protected from unauthorized access or malicious activities.

  • How does the QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device provide secure remote access to files and folders?

    The QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device provides secure remote access to files and folders through several mechanisms:

    1. Virtual Private Network (VPN): The device supports VPN connections, allowing users to establish a secure and encrypted connection to the NAS over the internet. This ensures that data transmitted between the remote user and the NAS is protected from unauthorized access.
    2. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption: The NAS device utilizes SSL encryption to secure remote access connections. SSL ensures that data transmitted between the user's device and the NAS is encrypted, preventing eavesdropping and tampering.
    3. Two-factor authentication (2FA): The TVS-972XU-RP supports 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security to remote access. Users are required to provide a second form of authentication, such as a unique code generated by a mobile app, in addition to their password.
    4. Access control and permissions: The NAS device allows administrators to set access control and permissions for individual users or user groups. This ensures that only authorized users have remote access to specific files and folders, adding an additional layer of security.
    5. Firewall and IP blocking: The NAS device includes a built-in firewall that can be configured to block unauthorized access attempts. It also supports IP blocking, allowing administrators to restrict access from specific IP addresses or IP ranges.

    By combining these features, the QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device provides a secure remote access solution that protects files and folders from unauthorized access and ensures data integrity.

  • Can you explain the role of user permissions and access control lists (ACLs) in maintaining file access security on the QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device?

    User permissions and access control lists (ACLs) play a crucial role in maintaining file access security on the QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device.

    User permissions refer to the specific rights and privileges assigned to individual users or user groups. These permissions determine what actions a user can perform on files and folders stored on the NAS device. By assigning appropriate permissions, administrators can control who can view, modify, delete, or execute files.

    Access control lists (ACLs) provide a more granular level of control by allowing administrators to define access permissions for specific users or groups on individual files or folders. ACLs enable administrators to set permissions for multiple users or groups simultaneously, making it easier to manage access control for large-scale deployments.

    On the QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device, administrators can create user accounts and user groups, and assign permissions to these entities. User accounts can be assigned specific roles (e.g., administrator, user, guest) with predefined permissions, or custom permissions can be set for each user. User groups can be created to simplify permission management, as permissions can be assigned to groups rather than individual users.

    The NAS device also supports the use of ACLs to define access permissions. ACLs allow administrators to set permissions for specific users or groups on individual files or folders. This level of granularity ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive files or folders.

    By properly configuring user permissions and ACLs on the QNAP TVS-972XU-RP NAS device, administrators can maintain file access security, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure that users have appropriate levels of access to files and folders stored on the NAS device.