RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP TVS-h1688X: Tips for Recovery When It Breaks

Dealing with a broken ⭐ NAS RAID array? Here’s a guide to recover your data and get your system back.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP TVS-h1688X: Tips for Recovery When It Breaks

QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from TVS-h1688X.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP TVS-h1688X: Tips for Recovery When It Breaks

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

Can the use of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) help minimize data loss risks during power outages or disruptions for NAS QNAP TVS-h1688X devices?

Yes, the use of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can help minimize data loss risks during power outages or disruptions for NAS QNAP TVS-h1688X devices. A UPS provides backup power to the NAS device when the main power source fails. It allows the NAS to continue running for a certain period, giving you enough time to properly shut down the device or wait for the power to be restored. This helps prevent sudden power loss and potential data corruption or loss that can occur during unexpected shutdowns. Additionally, a UPS also protects the NAS from power surges and voltage fluctuations, which can further safeguard your data.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS TVS-h1688X 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP TVS-h1688X. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

TVS-h1688X has 16 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);

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:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The QNAP TVS-h1688X 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

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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-h1688X, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Alec Mileham
    Alec Mileham 15.09.2023 06:47 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP TVS-h1688X device that has undergone a file system conversion or re-partitioning?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 06:59 #

      It is possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP TVS-h1688X device that has undergone a file system conversion or re-partitioning, but it can be a complex and challenging process. Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery:

      1. Consult a professional: It is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional data recovery service that specializes in NAS devices. They have the expertise and tools to handle complex recovery scenarios.
      2. Stop using the device: Once you realize data loss has occurred, it is crucial to stop using the device immediately. Continued use can overwrite the lost data, making it harder or impossible to recover.
      3. Create a disk image: If possible, create a disk image of the NAS device or the affected partition. This image will be used for the recovery process, ensuring that no further changes are made to the original data.
      4. Analyze the disk image: Using specialized data recovery software, analyze the disk image to identify the file system, partitions, and any potential data remnants. The software will help in identifying and recovering lost files and folders.
      5. Seek professional help: If the above steps seem too complex or if you are not confident in performing the recovery yourself, it is advisable to contact a professional data recovery service. They have the necessary tools, expertise, and cleanroom facilities to maximize the chances of successful recovery.

      Remember, data recovery from a NAS device that has undergone file system conversion or re-partitioning can be a complex task. It is always recommended to have regular backups to avoid such situations and to consult professionals for the best chance of recovering your valuable data.

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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

  • What are the key features and benefits of using a QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS for data backup?

    The QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS offers several key features and benefits for data backup:

    1. High storage capacity: The TVS-h1688X NAS supports up to 16 hard drives, allowing for a large storage capacity. This is crucial for backing up and storing large amounts of data.
    2. High-speed data transfer: The NAS is equipped with 10GbE connectivity, enabling fast data transfer speeds. This ensures that the backup process is quick and efficient, reducing the time required for data backup.
    3. RAID support: The TVS-h1688X supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD. RAID provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures, ensuring that your data is safe and accessible even if a drive fails.
    4. Snapshot protection: The NAS supports snapshot technology, allowing you to take point-in-time snapshots of your data. This feature enables you to quickly recover files or revert to previous versions in case of accidental deletions, data corruption, or ransomware attacks.
    5. Flexible backup options: The TVS-h1688X NAS supports multiple backup options, including local backup, remote replication, and cloud backup. You can easily configure scheduled backups to external drives or remote NAS devices, ensuring that your data is securely stored in multiple locations.
    6. Data deduplication and compression: The NAS utilizes data deduplication and compression technologies to optimize storage space. This feature reduces the amount of storage required for backups, maximizing storage efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
    7. Disaster recovery solutions: QNAP provides various disaster recovery solutions, such as QNAP Cloud Backup Sync and Hybrid Backup Sync. These tools allow you to easily back up your data to cloud storage services or create off-site backups for added protection against natural disasters or physical damage.
    8. User-friendly interface: The TVS-h1688X NAS comes with QTS, QNAP's intuitive operating system. The user-friendly interface simplifies the backup process, making it easy for both novice and experienced users to set up and manage their backup tasks.

    Overall, the QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS offers high storage capacity, fast data transfer speeds, data protection features, flexible backup options, and user-friendly management tools. These features make it an excellent choice for data backup, ensuring the safety and availability of your important files and data.

  • How does the QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS ensure data integrity and reliability during backup processes?

    The QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS ensures data integrity and reliability during backup processes through various mechanisms:

    1. RAID Protection: The NAS supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. These RAID levels provide data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives and allowing for the reconstruction of data in case of drive failures.
    2. Snapshot Technology: The NAS utilizes snapshot technology to create point-in-time copies of data. Snapshots capture the state of files and folders at a specific moment, ensuring data integrity and allowing for quick recovery in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    3. Data Scrubbing: The NAS performs regular data scrubbing, which involves checking and repairing data inconsistencies on the storage drives. This process helps to identify and correct errors or inconsistencies in stored data, ensuring data reliability and integrity.
    4. Data Deduplication and Compression: The NAS employs data deduplication and compression techniques to optimize storage utilization. By eliminating duplicate data and compressing files, it reduces the storage footprint, enhances backup efficiency, and minimizes the chances of data corruption.
    5. Error Correction: The NAS uses error correction algorithms, such as cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and checksum, to detect and correct data errors. These algorithms verify data integrity by comparing the calculated checksum or CRC value with the original value, ensuring the accuracy of the backup data.
    6. Multiple Backup Options: The NAS offers various backup options, including local backup, remote replication, cloud backup, and snapshot replication. These options allow users to create redundant copies of their data in different locations or on different storage media, enhancing data reliability and availability.
    7. Hot Spare and Global Hot Spare: The NAS supports hot spare and global hot spare features, where spare drives are kept ready to replace failed drives automatically. This ensures continuous operation and minimizes the risk of data loss during the backup process.

    Overall, by combining RAID protection, snapshot technology, data scrubbing, error correction, backup options, and hot spare capabilities, the QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS ensures data integrity and reliability during backup processes.

  • What are the recommended backup strategies and best practices when using the QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS for data backup?

    When using the QNAP TVS-h1688X NAS for data backup, here are some recommended backup strategies and best practices:

    1. RAID Configuration: Configure the NAS with a suitable RAID level (e.g., RAID 5, RAID 6) to provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    2. Regular Backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is backed up consistently. This can be done daily, weekly, or as per your specific requirements.
    3. Multiple Backup Locations: Store backups in multiple locations to protect against physical damage or disasters. Consider using offsite backups or cloud storage services for added redundancy.
    4. Snapshot Technology: Utilize the snapshot feature offered by the QNAP NAS to create point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots allow you to restore files to a previous state in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
    5. Incremental Backups: Perform incremental backups to save time and storage space. This method only backs up the changes made since the last backup, reducing the backup time and storage requirements.
    6. Versioning: Enable versioning to keep multiple versions of files. This allows you to recover earlier versions of files if needed, especially in cases of accidental modifications or ransomware attacks.
    7. Data Encryption: Enable encryption for your backups to ensure data security. QNAP NAS supports various encryption methods, including AES-256 encryption, to protect your data during storage and transmission.
    8. Test Restores: Periodically test the restore process to ensure that your backups are valid and can be successfully restored. This helps identify any issues with the backup or recovery process before an actual data loss event occurs.
    9. Monitoring and Notifications: Set up monitoring and notification systems to alert you of any backup failures or issues. This allows you to take prompt action and ensure the integrity of your backups.
    10. Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your QNAP NAS firmware up to date to benefit from the latest security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

    Remember, it is essential to tailor your backup strategy to your specific needs and consider factors like data size, retention periods, and recovery time objectives.

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