Recovering from Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP VS-2008 RAID Arrays: Steps to Take

Has your NAS QNAP VS-2008 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?

Recovering from Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP VS-2008 RAID Arrays: Steps to Take

QNAP VS-2008 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-2008. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Recovering from Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP VS-2008 RAID Arrays: Steps to Take

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 overheating or improper ventilation cause data loss on NAS QNAP VS-2008 devices?

Yes, overheating or improper ventilation can potentially cause data loss on NAS QNAP VS-2008 devices. Overheating can lead to hardware failure, including damage to the hard drives, which can result in data loss. Improper ventilation can prevent the system from cooling down properly, leading to increased temperatures and potential damage to the hardware components. It is important to ensure that the NAS device is properly cooled and ventilated to prevent overheating and minimize the risk of data loss.

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

Although the NAS VS-2008 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-2008. 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-2008 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.

    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-2008 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-2008, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Dana Devens
    Dana Devens 18.09.2023 16:53 #
    How to rebuild RAID on NAS QNAP VS-2008?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 18.09.2023 17:00 #

      To rebuild a RAID on a QNAP VS-2008 NAS, follow these steps:

      1. Log in to the QNAP NAS web interface using your administrator credentials.
      2. Go to "Storage & Snapshots" and select "Storage Manager."
      3. In the "Storage Manager" window, click on "Storage Space" on the left sidebar.
      4. Select the RAID volume that you want to rebuild from the list of storage pools.
      5. Click on the "Manage" button located at the top of the window.
      6. In the "Manage Storage Space" window, click on the "Action" drop-down menu and select "Rebuild."
      7. A confirmation message will appear, click on "Yes" to start the rebuild process.
      8. The NAS will start rebuilding the RAID volume. The time required for the rebuild process depends on the size of the volume and the system load.
      9. Once the rebuild process is completed, you will see a status message indicating that the rebuild was successful.
      10. Verify the status of the RAID volume by checking the "Storage Space" window. The status should show as "Healthy" or "Normal."

      It is important to note that during the rebuild process, the NAS may experience reduced performance. It is recommended to avoid heavy usage or transferring large amounts of data until the rebuild is complete.

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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 specifications of the NAS QNAP VS-2008 that make it suitable for use with game consoles?

    The NAS QNAP VS-2008 has several key features and specifications that make it suitable for use with game consoles:

    1. High-speed data transfer: The VS-2008 is equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for fast data transfer speeds. This ensures that game data can be quickly accessed and loaded, reducing lag and improving overall gaming performance.
    2. Large storage capacity: The VS-2008 supports up to eight hard drives, providing ample storage space for game installations, updates, and downloadable content. This allows gamers to store a large library of games on the NAS, eliminating the need to constantly delete and reinstall games.
    3. RAID support: The VS-2008 supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. RAID provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures, ensuring that game data remains safe and accessible.
    4. Media streaming capabilities: The VS-2008 supports media streaming protocols like DLNA, allowing users to stream game content, such as videos or screenshots, directly to their game consoles. This makes it convenient to share and showcase gaming achievements with friends and fellow gamers.
    5. Remote access and cloud synchronization: The VS-2008 offers remote access capabilities, allowing gamers to access their game data and content from anywhere using a mobile device or computer. Additionally, it supports cloud synchronization, enabling automatic backup and synchronization of game saves and settings across multiple devices.
    6. App support: The VS-2008 runs on QNAP's QTS operating system, which supports various apps and services. Gamers can take advantage of apps like QVR Pro (for surveillance), QmailAgent (for email management), and more, enhancing the functionality and versatility of the NAS.

    Overall, the high-speed data transfer, large storage capacity, RAID support, media streaming capabilities, remote access, and app support make the NAS QNAP VS-2008 an ideal choice for gamers looking to centralize and optimize their game console storage and data management.

  • How does the NAS QNAP VS-2008 enhance the gaming experience and storage capabilities for game console users?

    The NAS QNAP VS-2008 enhances the gaming experience and storage capabilities for game console users in several ways:

    1. Increased Storage Capacity: The QNAP VS-2008 offers a large storage capacity, allowing gamers to store a vast library of games, downloadable content (DLC), patches, and updates. With up to 8 drive bays, it can accommodate multiple hard drives or SSDs, providing ample space for storing games and other multimedia files.
    2. High-Speed Data Transfer: The QNAP VS-2008 is equipped with high-speed connectivity options such as Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports. This enables fast data transfer between the NAS and game consoles, ensuring quick access to games and reducing loading times.
    3. Centralized Game Library: The NAS acts as a central repository for all games, eliminating the need to store games separately on each console. This allows gamers to access their entire game library from any console connected to the network, providing convenience and flexibility.
    4. Game Streaming: The QNAP VS-2008 supports game streaming, allowing users to play games directly from the NAS on their consoles. This feature is particularly useful for games that require large storage space or have frequent updates, as it saves storage on the console and ensures the latest version of the game is always accessible.
    5. Data Backup and Recovery: The NAS offers robust data backup and recovery options, ensuring that game progress and saved files are protected. In the event of a console failure or data loss, users can easily restore their game data from the NAS, preventing any loss of progress.
    6. Media Server Capabilities: Apart from gaming, the QNAP VS-2008 can also function as a media server. Users can stream multimedia content, such as movies, music, and photos, to their consoles, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP VS-2008 enhances the gaming experience by providing ample storage space, fast data transfer, centralized game library, game streaming, data backup, and media server capabilities. It offers convenience, flexibility, and improved performance for game console users.

  • Can the NAS QNAP VS-2008 be easily integrated and setup with different game consoles? Are there any specific compatibility requirements or limitations to consider?

    The NAS QNAP VS-2008 can be integrated and set up with different game consoles, but there are certain compatibility requirements and limitations to consider.

    1. Network Connectivity: Both the QNAP NAS and the game consoles need to be connected to the same local network. This can be achieved either through a wired Ethernet connection or a wireless connection.
    2. DLNA Support: The QNAP VS-2008 supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), which allows game consoles to access media files stored on the NAS. Most modern game consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox, have built-in DLNA support.
    3. Media Formats: Ensure that the game console supports the media formats you have stored on the QNAP NAS. Different consoles have varying support for video, audio, and image formats. You may need to convert the files to a compatible format if necessary.
    4. Streaming Apps: Some game consoles have built-in streaming apps, such as Plex or Kodi, which can be used to access media files from the QNAP NAS. Check if your console has any specific requirements or limitations for these apps.
    5. NAS Compatibility: Confirm that the QNAP VS-2008 is compatible with the specific game console you intend to use. QNAP provides a list of compatible devices on their website, so it's recommended to check the compatibility list before making a purchase.

    Overall, with proper network connectivity, DLNA support, and compatibility considerations, the QNAP VS-2008 can be easily integrated and set up with different game consoles for accessing media files.