How to Recover Data from NAS QNAP VS-2004 Pro RAID Arrays: Mechanical and Logical Failures

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS QNAP VS-2004 Pro
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some of them:

1. Regularly backup your data: Ensure that you have a scheduled backup plan in place to regularly back up your data. The frequency of backups will depend on the criticality of your data and how frequently it changes.
2. Use multiple backup locations: Instead of relying on a single off-site backup location, consider using multiple locations. This can include cloud storage providers, remote data centers, or even physical backups stored in a different geographical location.
3. Encryption and security: Implement strong encryption measures to protect your data during transit and storage. This ensures that even if your backups are compromised, the data remains secure.
4. Test your backups: Regularly test your backup and recovery processes to ensure that your data can be successfully restored. This helps identify any issues or gaps in your backup strategy.
5. Automate the backup process: Automating backups reduces the chances of human error and ensures that backups are performed consistently and reliably.
6. Regularly review and update your backup strategy: As your data and infrastructure evolve, it's important to review and update your backup strategy accordingly. This includes assessing the criticality of data, adjusting backup frequencies, and incorporating new technologies or best practices.
7. Document your backup procedures: Have clear documentation of your backup procedures, including step-by-step instructions for backup and recovery processes. This will help ensure that anyone responsible for managing backups can follow the correct procedures.
8. Consider off-site physical backups: In addition to cloud or remote backups, consider keeping physical copies of critical data in a secure off-site location. This can be useful in case of severe disasters that may impact internet connectivity or cloud services.
9. Regularly assess your off-site backup provider: If you're using a third-party off-site backup provider, regularly assess their reliability, security measures, and backup processes to ensure they meet your requirements.

By following these recommended practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of complete data loss in the event of a disaster.

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

Although the NAS VS-2004 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP VS-2004 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.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

VS-2004 Pro has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 1;

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The QNAP VS-2004 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