What to Do When Your NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ RAID Array Breaks: Steps for Data Recovery

Has your NAS QNAP VS-12156U-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-12156U-RP Pro+ RAID Array Breaks: Steps for Data Recovery
Data Recovery Tool

QNAP VS-12156U-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-12156U-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-12156U-RP Pro+ RAID Array Breaks: Steps for Data Recovery

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 regular data integrity checks help prevent data loss in NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ devices?

Yes, regular data integrity checks can help prevent data loss in NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ devices. Data integrity checks ensure that the data stored on the device is accurate and has not been corrupted or modified unintentionally.

QNAP NAS devices usually offer built-in data integrity features such as checksums and RAID configurations. Checksums verify the integrity of data by generating a unique hash value for each file, and this value is checked periodically to ensure that the data has not been altered.

RAID configurations, on the other hand, provide redundancy by distributing data across multiple hard drives. This redundancy helps in protecting against data loss in case of drive failures.

Additionally, regular backups of the data stored on the NAS device are crucial for preventing data loss. Backing up the data to an external storage device or to the cloud ensures that even if the NAS device fails or experiences data corruption, a copy of the data is available for recovery.

It is important to note that while data integrity checks and backups can help prevent data loss, they do not guarantee 100% protection. It is always recommended to have a comprehensive data protection strategy that includes multiple layers of redundancy and regular testing of backups to ensure their integrity.

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

Although the NAS VS-12156U-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-12156U-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-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);

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-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.

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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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!
    Reply
  • Karl Travis
    Karl Travis 15.09.2023 17:57 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ device that has been physically damaged by a fall or impact?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 15.09.2023 18:00 #

      Recovering data from a physically damaged NAS device can be challenging, but it is not impossible. If the internal components of the NAS, such as the hard drives, are still intact, there is a chance to recover the data.

      Here are a few steps you can take:

      1. Assess the damage: Examine the NAS device and check for any visible physical damage. If the hard drives or other internal components are visibly damaged, it may require professional data recovery services.
      2. Remove the hard drives: If the hard drives are undamaged, remove them from the NAS enclosure carefully. Handle them with caution to prevent further damage.
      3. Connect the hard drives: Connect the undamaged hard drives to a computer using a SATA-to-USB adapter or by installing them directly into a computer. Ensure that you have the necessary cables and connectors.
      4. Data recovery software: Use data recovery software like Recuva, TestDisk, or GetDataBack to attempt to recover the data from the connected hard drives. These tools can scan the drives for recoverable files and allow you to restore them to another storage device.
      5. Professional data recovery services: If the above steps do not work or the hard drives are physically damaged, consider contacting professional data recovery services. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from physically damaged devices. However, note that professional data recovery can be expensive.

      Remember, data recovery from physically damaged devices is not guaranteed, and there is always a risk of further damage. It is advisable to consult with a professional data recovery service for the best chance of recovering your data.

      Reply
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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 capabilities of the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS for data backup?

    The QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS offers several key features and capabilities for data backup:

    1. High storage capacity: It supports up to 12 hard drives, allowing for large amounts of data to be stored and backed up.
    2. Redundant power supply: The NAS comes with dual power supplies, ensuring that the system remains operational even if one power supply fails.
    3. RAID support: It supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD), providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    4. Snapshot technology: The NAS uses snapshot technology to capture the state of the system at a specific point in time, allowing for easy recovery of files or folders.
    5. Remote replication: It supports remote replication, which enables the NAS to back up data to another QNAP NAS or an external server, providing an additional layer of data protection.
    6. Backup to cloud storage: The NAS can also back up data to popular cloud storage services such as Amazon S3, Azure, and Google Cloud Storage, ensuring data availability even in the event of a local disaster.
    7. Backup scheduling: Users can set up scheduled backups to automatically back up specific files or folders at regular intervals, reducing the risk of data loss.
    8. Data deduplication and compression: The NAS includes data deduplication and compression technologies to optimize storage space and reduce backup times.
    9. Flexible backup options: It supports various backup methods, including local backup, remote backup, cloud backup, and third-party backup software integration, providing flexibility to meet different backup requirements.
    10. Easy-to-use interface: The NAS comes with QNAP's user-friendly web-based interface, making it easy to set up and manage data backups.

    Overall, the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a reliable and efficient solution for data backup.

  • How does the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS ensure data reliability and security during the backup process?

    The QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS ensures data reliability and security during the backup process through several features and mechanisms:

    1. RAID Protection: The NAS supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD), which allow for data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that even if one or more drives fail, the data remains intact and accessible.
    2. Snapshot Technology: The NAS supports snapshot technology, which captures the state of the system and data at a specific point in time. This allows for quick and easy recovery in case of accidental file deletion, malware attacks, or other data corruption issues.
    3. Data Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit encryption, which ensures that all data stored on the device is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access. This is particularly important when backing up sensitive or confidential data.
    4. Network Security: The NAS provides various network security features such as firewall, IP blocking, and access control lists (ACL) to prevent unauthorized access to the device and data. It also supports secure communication protocols like SSL/TLS for data transfer.
    5. Backup and Replication Options: The NAS offers a range of backup and replication options, including local backup to external drives, remote backup to another NAS or cloud storage, and real-time remote replication to another QNAP NAS. These options provide additional layers of data protection and ensure that data is securely stored in multiple locations.
    6. Data Integrity Checks: The NAS performs regular data integrity checks to detect and correct any errors or inconsistencies in the stored data. This helps to ensure that the backup data remains reliable and accurate over time.
    7. User Access Control: The NAS allows administrators to set up user accounts and access permissions, ensuring that only authorized users can access and modify the backup data. This helps to prevent accidental or malicious changes to the backup files.

    Overall, the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS employs a combination of hardware and software features to ensure data reliability and security during the backup process, protecting against drive failures, data corruption, unauthorized access, and other potential risks.

  • How does the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS compare to other NAS devices in terms of data backup performance and scalability?

    The QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS is a high-end network-attached storage (NAS) device that offers excellent data backup performance and scalability compared to other NAS devices. Here are some key points to consider:

    1. Data Backup Performance: The VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon E3 quad-core processor and up to 32GB DDR3 ECC RAM, allowing it to handle demanding backup tasks efficiently. It supports various backup methods, including RTRR (Real-Time Remote Replication), rsync, and cloud backup, ensuring reliable and fast data backup operations.
    2. Scalability: The NAS supports up to 12 hard drives, providing ample storage capacity for data backup. It also offers flexible storage expansion options, including QNAP expansion enclosures, allowing you to easily increase storage capacity as your backup needs grow. Additionally, the NAS supports RAID configurations for data protection and performance optimization.
    3. High Availability: The VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS supports high availability (HA) clustering, which enables two NAS devices to work together as a high-availability solution. This ensures continuous data availability and minimizes downtime in case of hardware failure or maintenance.
    4. Advanced Backup Features: QNAP NAS devices come with a wide range of advanced backup features, such as snapshot technology, which allows you to take point-in-time snapshots of your data for quick recovery. The NAS also supports deduplication and compression, reducing storage space requirements and optimizing backup performance.
    5. Backup Software Compatibility: QNAP NAS devices are compatible with popular backup software like Acronis True Image, Symantec Backup Exec, and Veeam Backup & Replication. This ensures seamless integration with existing backup infrastructure and simplifies the backup process.

    Overall, the QNAP VS-12156U-RP Pro+ NAS excels in data backup performance and scalability compared to other NAS devices. Its powerful hardware, advanced features, and compatibility with backup software make it a reliable and efficient solution for data backup and storage.
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