Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP VS-2008L RAID Arrays: Recovery Solutions

Recognize the symptoms of mechanical and logical failures in ⭐ NAS RAID arrays for efficient data recovery.

Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP VS-2008L RAID Arrays: Recovery Solutions

QNAP VS-2008L 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-2008L.

Mechanical and Logical Failures in NAS QNAP VS-2008L RAID Arrays: Recovery Solutions

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.

Are there any specific system logs or event notifications to monitor for early detection of data loss on NAS QNAP VS-2008L devices?

Yes, there are specific system logs and event notifications that you can monitor for early detection of data loss on QNAP VS-2008L NAS devices. Here are some important logs and notifications to pay attention to:

  1. System Event Logs: Monitor the system event logs for any error messages or warnings related to storage, disk failures, or file system issues. These logs can provide valuable information about potential data loss events.
  2. Disk SMART Logs: QNAP NAS devices support SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) which monitors the health of hard drives. By monitoring the SMART logs, you can detect any signs of impending disk failures or issues that may lead to data loss.
  3. RAID Health Notifications: If you have configured your QNAP NAS with RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), monitor the RAID health notifications. These notifications can alert you to any problems with the RAID array, such as degraded or failed disks, which can result in data loss.
  4. Backup Job Notifications: If you have set up backup jobs on your QNAP NAS, monitor the backup job notifications. These notifications can inform you if any backups have failed or encountered errors, indicating potential data loss issues.
  5. File System Check Results: Regularly perform file system checks on your QNAP NAS and monitor the results. If any file system errors or inconsistencies are detected, it could indicate a risk of data loss.
  6. Network Connectivity Notifications: Monitor network connectivity notifications to ensure that your QNAP NAS is properly connected to the network. Network connectivity issues can disrupt data access and potentially lead to data loss.

By regularly monitoring these logs and notifications, you can proactively detect and address any potential data loss events on your QNAP VS-2008L NAS device. Additionally, it is recommended to have a comprehensive backup strategy in place to mitigate the risk of data loss.

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

Although NAS VS-2008L 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-2008L. 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-2008L 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-2008L 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-2008L, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Thomas Hudspeth
    Thomas Hudspeth 18.09.2023 17:43 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP VS-2008L device if the storage disks have been physically disconnected or damaged?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 18.09.2023 18:00 #

      If the storage disks of a NAS QNAP VS-2008L device have been physically disconnected or damaged, it can still be possible to recover the data depending on the extent of the damage. Here are a few possibilities:

      1. Disk reconnection: If the disks have been disconnected but are still physically intact, you can reconnect them to the NAS device. Once reconnected, you may be able to access the data again.
      2. Disk repair: If the disks are damaged but still readable, you can try repairing them using disk repair tools or software. This may help recover the data if the damage is not severe.
      3. Data recovery services: If the disks are severely damaged or unreadable, you can contact professional data recovery services. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged disks. However, this can be an expensive option.

      It's important to note that in any data recovery scenario, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service or contact QNAP support for specific guidance tailored to your situation. They can provide you with the best advice based on the specific details of your case.

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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 NAS QNAP VS-2008L that make it suitable for use as central storage?

    The QNAP VS-2008L is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for use as central storage in small to medium-sized businesses. Some key features and capabilities that make it suitable for this purpose include:

    1. High storage capacity: The VS-2008L supports up to 8 hard drives, allowing for a large storage capacity. This makes it ideal for storing and managing a significant amount of data.
    2. RAID support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. This provides data protection and redundancy, ensuring that your data remains safe even in the event of a hard drive failure.
    3. High-speed data transfer: The VS-2008L supports Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, enabling fast data transfer speeds. This ensures quick access to stored files and facilitates efficient data sharing across the network.
    4. Advanced data management: The NAS offers advanced data management features, such as snapshot technology, which allows you to take point-in-time backups of your data. It also supports remote replication, allowing you to create off-site backups for disaster recovery purposes.
    5. Virtualization support: The VS-2008L is compatible with virtualization platforms such as VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V. This enables you to integrate it seamlessly into your virtualized environment, making it easier to manage and access your data.
    6. Scalability: The NAS is designed to be scalable, allowing you to expand its storage capacity as your needs grow. You can easily add additional hard drives or connect expansion units to increase storage space without disrupting existing data.
    7. Data security: The VS-2008L provides various security features, including AES 256-bit encryption for data protection, IP blocking to prevent unauthorized access, and antivirus scanning to detect and eliminate malware.
    8. User-friendly interface: The NAS comes with QTS, QNAP's intuitive operating system, which offers a user-friendly web-based interface. This makes it easy to set up and manage the device, configure user access permissions, and monitor system status.

    Overall, the QNAP VS-2008L offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a suitable choice for central storage in businesses, providing high storage capacity, data protection, fast data transfer, scalability, and advanced data management options.

  • How does the NAS QNAP VS-2008L compare to other similar products in terms of performance, scalability, and ease of use?

    The NAS QNAP VS-2008L is a network-attached storage device designed for small to medium-sized businesses. When comparing its performance, scalability, and ease of use to other similar products, here are some key points to consider:

    Performance:

    1. Processor: The VS-2008L is equipped with a Marvell 1.6GHz processor, which provides decent performance for basic file storage and sharing tasks. However, it may not be as powerful as some higher-end NAS devices.
    2. RAM: It comes with 1GB DDR3 RAM, which is sufficient for most small business requirements. However, if you have heavy workloads or require advanced features, you may need more RAM.
    3. Data Transfer Speeds: The VS-2008L supports Gigabit Ethernet, allowing for fast data transfer speeds. However, its overall performance may not be as high as more expensive NAS devices.

    Scalability:

    1. Drive Bays: The VS-2008L has 8 drive bays, providing ample storage capacity. It supports both 3.5" and 2.5" SATA hard drives, allowing you to scale up the storage capacity as needed.
    2. Expansion: It supports QNAP's Virtual JBOD (VJBOD) technology, which allows you to expand the storage capacity by using unused space from other QNAP NAS devices. This provides flexibility and scalability for future growth.

    Ease of Use:

    1. User Interface: The QNAP NAS devices generally have a user-friendly web-based interface called QTS. It offers a range of features and applications to manage and customize the NAS easily.
    2. App Ecosystem: QNAP has a wide range of applications available through its app center, allowing you to extend the functionality of the NAS. This makes it convenient to add features like media servers, surveillance systems, and more.
    3. Mobile Apps: QNAP provides mobile apps for iOS and Android, enabling easy access and management of the NAS from anywhere.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP VS-2008L offers decent performance and scalability for small to medium-sized businesses. It may not have the highest performance compared to more expensive models, but it provides a user-friendly interface and a good set of features that make it easy to use and manage.

  • What are some potential use cases or scenarios where utilizing the NAS QNAP VS-2008L as central storage would be beneficial for businesses or individuals?

    The QNAP VS-2008L NAS (Network Attached Storage) device can be beneficial for both businesses and individuals in various scenarios. Some potential use cases include:

    1. Small Business Data Storage: The VS-2008L can serve as a central storage solution for small businesses, allowing multiple users to access and share files securely over the network. It provides a centralized repository for important business documents, customer data, and backups.
    2. Media and Entertainment: Individuals or small production houses involved in media and entertainment can benefit from the VS-2008L. It can store and stream large media files, such as videos, photos, and music, making it easy to access and share multimedia content across different devices and platforms.
    3. Home Office: Individuals working from home can utilize the VS-2008L to store and backup important files, ensuring data security and accessibility. It can also enable remote access, allowing individuals to access their files from anywhere, enhancing productivity.
    4. Surveillance Storage: The VS-2008L supports surveillance applications, making it suitable for businesses or individuals who require video monitoring and recording. It can store and manage surveillance footage from multiple IP cameras, providing a secure and scalable storage solution.
    5. Virtualization: The VS-2008L is compatible with virtualization technologies like VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V. It can be used as a storage repository for virtual machines, allowing businesses to centralize their virtualized infrastructure and simplify management.
    6. Collaborative Work: The VS-2008L supports file sharing and collaboration features, making it ideal for teams or departments within an organization. It enables seamless collaboration on documents, projects, and workflows, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
    7. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Businesses and individuals can use the VS-2008L as a backup target for their critical data. It supports various backup options, including local, remote, and cloud backup, ensuring data redundancy and protection against data loss.
    8. File Server Consolidation: The VS-2008L can replace multiple individual file servers, consolidating storage resources and reducing hardware and management costs. It provides a scalable and efficient solution for businesses with growing storage needs.

    Overall, the QNAP VS-2008L NAS can benefit businesses and individuals by providing a reliable, secure, and scalable central storage solution for various data-intensive applications and scenarios.

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