RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro: What to Do When It Fails to Start

If your ⭐ NAS RAID array breaks, follow these steps to recover your data and get your system back up and running.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro: What to Do When It Fails to Start

QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from VS-12156U-RP Pro.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro: What to Do When It Fails to Start

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 deduplication or compression technologies impact data loss risks on NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro devices?

Yes, the use of deduplication or compression technologies can impact data loss risks on NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro devices.

Deduplication is a technique that eliminates duplicate copies of data, reducing storage space requirements. By eliminating redundant data, there is less data to store and manage, which can help reduce the risk of data loss. If data loss occurs, the impact may be minimized as only unique data needs to be recovered.

Compression, on the other hand, reduces the size of data by encoding it in a more efficient format. This can also help reduce storage space requirements and potentially decrease the risk of data loss. However, it's important to note that compression can introduce some level of data loss if the compression algorithm is lossy, meaning it discards some data during the compression process.

Both deduplication and compression technologies can improve storage efficiency and potentially reduce the risk of data loss. However, it's crucial to regularly backup data and ensure that proper backup strategies are in place to mitigate any potential risks.

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

Although NAS VS-12156U-RP Pro 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 VS-12156U-RP Pro. 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.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

VS-12156U-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);

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 VS-12156U-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.

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 VS-12156U-RP Pro, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Vince Woods
    Vince Woods 15.09.2023 16:39 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro device be done if the device is showing signs of excessive noise or vibration?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 17:59 #

      Data recovery from a NAS device can be a complex process, and the success of recovery depends on the specific issue causing the excessive noise or vibration. In some cases, excessive noise or vibration may indicate a mechanical failure of the hard drives in the NAS device, which can make data recovery more challenging.

      If the noise or vibration is caused by a failing hard drive, it is important to immediately stop using the device to prevent further damage and potential data loss. In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices.

      These professionals have the expertise and tools required to diagnose and repair the device, or extract the data from the faulty drives. They can also provide guidance on the best course of action based on the specific situation.

      It is worth noting that data recovery can be a time-consuming and costly process, especially if the drives are severely damaged. Therefore, it is always recommended to regularly backup important data to prevent potential data loss.

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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 QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro for supporting iTunes on a NAS?

    The QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro is a powerful network-attached storage (NAS) device that offers several key features and benefits for supporting iTunes:

    1. High performance: The VS-12156U-RP Pro is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon E3 processor and up to 64GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient performance when handling large iTunes libraries.
    2. Massive storage capacity: This NAS supports up to twelve 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, providing ample storage space for storing and organizing your iTunes media collection.
    3. Redundancy and data protection: The VS-12156U-RP Pro supports RAID configurations, including RAID 1, 5, 6, and 10, which offer data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that your iTunes library remains intact and accessible even if one or more hard drives fail.
    4. High-speed data transfer: With multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports and support for link aggregation, the VS-12156U-RP Pro allows for high-speed data transfers, ensuring quick access to your iTunes media files.
    5. Scalability: The NAS supports expansion units, allowing you to increase storage capacity as your iTunes library grows over time.
    6. Multimedia streaming: The VS-12156U-RP Pro supports multimedia streaming protocols like DLNA, AirPlay, and Chromecast, enabling you to stream your iTunes media to various devices such as smart TVs, media players, and mobile devices.
    7. Remote access and mobile apps: QNAP provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access and manage your iTunes library remotely. You can stream media, download files, and perform various administrative tasks on the go.
    8. Backup and synchronization: The NAS offers various backup options, including Apple Time Machine support for Mac users. It also supports QNAP's own backup solutions and synchronization with cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, ensuring data redundancy and protection.
    9. App ecosystem: QNAP's NAS devices come with a wide range of apps available through their app center. You can find apps specifically designed for iTunes management, such as music library organizers, metadata editors, and media server applications.

    Overall, the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro provides a robust and feature-rich solution for supporting iTunes on a NAS, offering high performance, scalability, data protection, and convenient remote access capabilities.

  • How does QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro compare to other NAS devices in terms of performance and compatibility with iTunes?

    The QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro is a high-end NAS device designed for professional users, particularly in the surveillance industry. In terms of performance, it offers excellent capabilities with a powerful Intel Xeon processor, up to 64GB of RAM, and support for high-speed network connectivity options such as 10GbE.

    When it comes to compatibility with iTunes, the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro is fully capable of serving as an iTunes server. It can store and organize your iTunes media library, allowing you to stream music and videos to your Apple devices or computers running iTunes. It also supports features like AirPlay and DLNA, enabling you to stream media to other devices on your network.

    Compared to other NAS devices, the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro offers competitive performance and features. However, it's important to note that its focus is primarily on surveillance applications, so if you're looking for a NAS device specifically for iTunes and media streaming, there may be other options available that are more tailored to those needs. It's always recommended to compare the specifications, features, and user reviews of different NAS devices to find the one that best suits your specific requirements.

  • Can QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro support multiple iTunes libraries and provide seamless synchronization across different devices?

    Yes, the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro can support multiple iTunes libraries and provide seamless synchronization across different devices. It has a built-in iTunes server feature that allows you to create multiple iTunes libraries on the NAS and easily manage them. You can access and stream your music, videos, and other media files from these libraries on various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. The synchronization is seamless, ensuring that any changes made to the libraries or media files are reflected across all connected devices.

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