How to Recover Data from NAS QNAP VS-2104 Pro+ RAID Arrays When Faced with Mechanical and Logical Failures

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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 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. Choose a geographically distant location: Select an off-site backup location that is located far enough from your primary site to minimize the risk of being affected by the same disaster. This ensures that your data remains safe even if a regional disaster occurs.
2. Use secure and encrypted connections: When transferring data to the off-site backup storage, make sure to use secure and encrypted connections, such as SSL or VPN, to protect your data during transit. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures data integrity.
3. Regularly test and verify backups: It is essential to regularly test and verify the backups stored off-site to ensure they are complete and can be restored successfully. This helps identify any issues or errors in the backup process and ensures the data is recoverable when needed.
4. Implement redundancy: Consider implementing redundancy in your off-site backup strategy by having multiple backup copies stored across different locations. This provides an additional layer of protection and increases the chances of data recovery in case one backup location fails.
5. Choose a reputable backup service provider: If you are using a third-party backup service provider, ensure they have a good reputation, reliable infrastructure, and strong security measures in place. Research and select a provider that meets your specific requirements and has a track record of data protection.
6. Regularly update your backup strategy: As your data and infrastructure evolve, regularly review and update your backup strategy to ensure it aligns with your current needs. This includes evaluating the frequency of backups, the types of data being backed up, and the storage capacity required.
7. Document and store backup procedures: Maintain detailed documentation of your backup procedures, including step-by-step instructions, contact information, and any specific recovery processes. Store this documentation in a secure location, separate from the backup data, to facilitate the recovery process during a disaster.
8. Consider different backup media: Explore different backup media options, such as tape drives, external hard drives, or cloud storage, depending on your requirements. Using a combination of different media types can provide additional protection against various types of disasters.

Remember that off-site backup storage is just one component of a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. It is crucial to have a well-rounded strategy that includes regular backups, testing, and a clear recovery plan to ensure business continuity in the face of a disaster.

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

Although NAS VS-2104 Pro+ 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP VS-2104 Pro+. 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

VS-2104 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);

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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The QNAP VS-2104 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery