NAS QNAP VS-2004L RAID Arrays: Differentiating and Recovering from Mechanical and Logical Failures

Recognize and recover from mechanical and logical failures in ⭐ NAS RAID arrays to restore your data.

NAS QNAP VS-2004L RAID Arrays: Differentiating and Recovering from Mechanical and Logical Failures

QNAP VS-2004L 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-2004L.

NAS QNAP VS-2004L RAID Arrays: Differentiating and Recovering from Mechanical and Logical Failures

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.

How can storage tiering or caching strategies impact data availability and potential loss on NAS QNAP VS-2004L devices?

Storage tiering and caching strategies can greatly impact data availability and potential loss on NAS QNAP VS-2004L devices. Here's how:

  1. Improved Data Availability: By implementing storage tiering and caching strategies, you can ensure that frequently accessed data is stored on faster storage tiers or cache, resulting in improved data availability. This means that users can access their data quickly and efficiently, enhancing productivity and reducing downtime.
  2. Reduced Potential Data Loss: Storage tiering and caching can also help mitigate potential data loss. By utilizing multiple storage tiers, such as SSDs and HDDs, you can create redundant copies of data, reducing the risk of data loss in case of hardware failures. Additionally, caching can improve data resilience by temporarily storing frequently accessed data in high-speed cache, reducing the reliance on slower storage tiers and minimizing the risk of data loss.
  3. Enhanced Performance: Storage tiering and caching strategies can significantly enhance the performance of NAS devices like QNAP VS-2004L. By prioritizing frequently accessed data on faster storage tiers or cache, you can reduce latency and improve read and write speeds. This ensures that users experience faster data access and transfer, resulting in better overall performance.
  4. Efficient Resource Utilization: Storage tiering and caching can optimize resource utilization on NAS devices. By intelligently managing data placement across different storage tiers, you can make the most efficient use of available storage capacity. This prevents overutilization of expensive storage tiers and ensures that data is stored on the most appropriate storage medium, reducing costs and maximizing resource utilization.

However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of storage tiering and caching strategies depends on factors such as data access patterns, workload characteristics, and the specific configuration of the NAS device. It's recommended to carefully analyze your data requirements and consult the documentation or support resources provided by QNAP for guidance on implementing storage tiering and caching strategies effectively.

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

Although NAS VS-2004L 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-2004L. 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-2004L 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);

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-2004L 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-2004L, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Dana Hascall
    Dana Hascall 18.09.2023 15:39 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS QNAP VS-2004L device be performed if there are issues with the firmware or device settings?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 18.09.2023 16:59 #

      Yes, data recovery from a QNAP VS-2004L device can still be possible even if there are issues with the firmware or device settings. However, it is important to note that the success of data recovery depends on the specific nature of the issue and the extent of the damage.

      If there are firmware issues or device settings problems, you can try the following steps to recover data from a QNAP NAS device:

      1. Contact QNAP Support: Reach out to QNAP customer support for assistance with troubleshooting the firmware or device settings issues. They may provide guidance or suggest specific actions to resolve the problem.
      2. Backup Configuration: If possible, try to backup the configuration settings of the QNAP device before attempting any troubleshooting steps. This will ensure that you have a backup of your settings in case they need to be restored later.
      3. Reset Device Settings: If the issue is related to incorrect settings, you can try resetting the device to its default settings. This can usually be done by pressing the reset button on the device for a certain amount of time as specified in the user manual. However, be aware that resetting the device may erase some or all of the data stored on it.
      4. Firmware Update: If the issue is with the firmware, you can try updating it to the latest version provided by QNAP. This can be done through the QNAP web interface or by following the instructions provided by QNAP support.
      5. Professional Data Recovery Services: If the above steps do not resolve the issue or if there is physical damage to the device, it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services. There are specialized data recovery companies that can help recover data from faulty NAS devices. However, these services can be expensive and may not always guarantee a successful recovery.

      It is important to note that attempting any troubleshooting steps or data recovery procedures on your own may carry some risks, such as further data loss or device damage. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with professionals or contact the manufacturer's support team for guidance.

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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 is the estimated number of users currently using the NAS QNAP VS-2004L model?

    There is no publicly available information on the exact number of users currently using the NAS QNAP VS-2004L model. The manufacturer, QNAP, does not disclose such specific user statistics.

  • How does the number of users utilizing the NAS QNAP VS-2004L compare to other QNAP NAS models?

    The number of users utilizing the NAS QNAP VS-2004L can vary depending on the specific requirements and usage scenario.

    The QNAP VS-2004L is a 4-bay NAS designed specifically for surveillance applications. It is equipped with a powerful processor and supports up to 4 hard drives, making it suitable for small to medium-sized surveillance systems.

    In comparison to other QNAP NAS models, the VS-2004L may have a lower user capacity. QNAP offers a wide range of NAS models with varying specifications and capabilities. Some higher-end models, such as the QNAP TS-1685 or TS-1677XU-RP, are designed for enterprise-level applications and can support a significantly larger number of users.

    It's important to note that the number of users a NAS can support depends on factors such as the processor, RAM, network bandwidth, and the type of applications running on the NAS. It is recommended to review the specifications of different QNAP NAS models to determine the optimal choice based on your specific requirements.

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