What to Do When Your NAS QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Strategies

Has your NAS QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ 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?

What to Do When Your NAS QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Strategies

QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ 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 VS-12140U-RP Pro+. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

What to Do When Your NAS QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Strategies

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.

Can excessive drive spin-down or power-saving settings impact data retrieval in case of failure on NAS QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ devices?

Excessive drive spin-down or power-saving settings can potentially impact data retrieval in case of failure on NAS QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ devices.

When drives are set to spin down frequently or power-saving settings are enabled, they may take longer to respond when accessed. In the event of a failure or error, this delay can further complicate the data retrieval process.

Additionally, if the drives are set to spin down too frequently, it can increase wear and tear on the drives as they constantly start and stop, potentially leading to premature drive failure.

It is recommended to strike a balance between power-saving settings and data accessibility, ensuring that the drives do not spin down excessively and are readily available when needed. Regular backups and monitoring the health of the drives can also help mitigate the risks associated with power-saving settings.

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

Although the NAS VS-12140U-RP Pro+ 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 VS-12140U-RP Pro+. 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

VS-12140U-RP Pro+ has 12 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 VS-12140U-RP Pro+ 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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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 VS-12140U-RP Pro+, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Wyndham Brunton
    Wyndham Brunton 15.09.2023 15:41 #
    How does data recovery from NAS QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ differ from other storage devices?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 16:00 #

      Data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ can differ from other storage devices in a few ways:

      1. RAID Configuration: NAS devices often use RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations for data redundancy and performance. The QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ supports various RAID levels like RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, etc. Data recovery from a NAS involves understanding the specific RAID configuration used and its impact on data recovery procedures.
      2. Network Connectivity: NAS devices are connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access and store data simultaneously. Data recovery from a NAS may require network access and understanding of the NAS's network settings, such as IP addresses, protocols, and permissions.
      3. File System: NAS devices usually use specific file systems like ext3, ext4, or Btrfs. Data recovery professionals need to be familiar with these file systems to effectively recover data from a NAS. They may use specialized tools and techniques to handle these file systems during the recovery process.
      4. Storage Volume Management: NAS devices often provide advanced storage management features like thin provisioning, snapshots, or storage pools. These features can affect data recovery procedures, requiring specialized knowledge and tools to handle them properly.
      5. Firmware and Hardware Dependencies: NAS devices have their own firmware and hardware components, which can impact the data recovery process. Recovery professionals may need to work closely with the NAS manufacturer or have access to specific firmware versions or hardware components to ensure successful data recovery.

      Overall, data recovery from a NAS like the QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ requires expertise in RAID configurations, network settings, file systems, storage volume management, and understanding of the specific NAS device's firmware and hardware dependencies.

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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 steps to access files on the NAS QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ from a remote location?

    To access files on the QNAP VS-12140U-RP Pro+ NAS from a remote location, you can follow these steps:

    1. Set up the NAS: Connect the NAS to your network and ensure it has a valid IP address. Make sure you have created shared folders and assigned appropriate permissions for remote access.
    2. Configure port forwarding: Access your router's settings and set up port forwarding to forward the necessary ports to the NAS. By default, QNAP NAS uses port 8080 for HTTP and port 443 for HTTPS. You may also need to enable UPnP on your router to simplify the process.
    3. Enable remote access: Access the QNAP NAS web interface by entering its IP address in a web browser. Log in with your admin credentials. Navigate to "Control Panel" > "System Settings" > "Network" > "Remote Access" and enable "Allow connections from the Internet."
    4. Configure DDNS (Dynamic DNS): If your ISP assigns a dynamic IP address, consider setting up a DDNS service to assign a domain name to your NAS. This ensures you can always access the NAS even if the IP address changes. QNAP provides a built-in DDNS service, or you can use third-party services like No-IP or DynDNS.
    5. Set up SSL certificate (optional): For secure remote access, you can obtain and install an SSL certificate on your NAS. This encrypts the connection between your remote device and the NAS, ensuring data security. QNAP provides options to generate a self-signed certificate or use a third-party certificate.
    6. Configure VPN (optional): If you prefer a more secure connection, you can set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your NAS. This allows you to establish a secure tunnel between your remote device and the NAS, providing access to the files as if you were on the local network.
    7. Access the NAS remotely: Once the above steps are completed, you can access the files on your QNAP NAS from a remote location. Open a web browser and enter the DDNS domain name or the public IP address of your router, followed by the port number (e.g., http://yourdomain.com:8080). Log in with your NAS credentials, and you should be able to browse and manage your files remotely.

    Note: It's important to ensure your network and NAS are properly secured with strong passwords, firewall settings, and regular firmware updates to protect against unauthorized access.

  • Are there any security measures in place to ensure the safety of files accessed remotely on the QNAP NAS VS-12140U-RP Pro+?

    Yes, there are several security measures in place to ensure the safety of files accessed remotely on the QNAP NAS VS-12140U-RP Pro+.

    1. Secure Socket Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS): The QNAP NAS supports SSL/TLS encryption for secure remote access. This ensures that the data transmitted between the NAS and remote devices is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.
    2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): QNAP NAS supports 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security to remote access. Users need to provide a second form of authentication, typically a one-time password generated on their mobile device, in addition to their regular login credentials.
    3. IP Access Control: Administrators can configure IP access control lists to restrict remote access to specific IP addresses or IP ranges. This helps prevent unauthorized access from unknown or suspicious IP addresses.
    4. Network Access Protection: The QNAP NAS supports various network access protection mechanisms, including firewall settings, network isolation, and VPN (Virtual Private Network) connectivity. These features help secure remote access by controlling network traffic and providing secure connections.
    5. Data Encryption: QNAP NAS provides options for encrypting data stored on the NAS. Users can encrypt individual folders or entire volumes using encryption algorithms like AES-256. This ensures that even if the NAS is compromised, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized users.
    6. Audit Logs and Alerts: The QNAP NAS logs all remote access activities, including login attempts, file access, and configuration changes. Administrators can review these logs to monitor and identify any suspicious activities. The NAS can also send alerts or notifications in case of any security-related events.

    It is important to note that while QNAP provides several security measures, it is equally important for users to follow best practices such as using strong passwords, regularly updating firmware, and keeping backups of critical data to ensure the overall security of the NAS.

  • Can multiple users access files simultaneously from different remote locations on the QNAP NAS VS-12140U-RP Pro+?

    Yes, multiple users can access files simultaneously from different remote locations on the QNAP NAS VS-12140U-RP Pro+. The QNAP NAS supports multiple user access and provides features like file sharing, remote access, and collaboration tools to enable multiple users to work on files simultaneously from different locations. Users can access files through various methods such as web browsers, mobile apps, or dedicated client software provided by QNAP.