NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ RAID Arrays: Understanding Mechanical and Logical Failures

Understand the differences between mechanical and logical failures in ⭐ NAS RAID arrays to recover data effectively.

NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ RAID Arrays: Understanding Mechanical and Logical Failures

QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ 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-2112 Pro+.

NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ RAID Arrays: Understanding 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.

Can natural disasters such as floods or fires result in data loss for NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ devices?

Yes, natural disasters such as floods or fires can potentially result in data loss for NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ devices. These devices are physical storage systems that store data on hard drives, and if they are exposed to extreme conditions like water damage or fire, it can lead to the destruction of the hardware and the loss of data stored on it. It is always recommended to have proper backup strategies in place to mitigate the risk of data loss in such situations.

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

Although NAS VS-2112 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.

    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-2112 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

How to recover data from a QNAP

VS-2112 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 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-2112 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

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-2112 Pro+, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Miles Lightner
    Miles Lightner 18.09.2023 11:43 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ device that has been affected by a disk failure or spindle motor malfunction?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 18.09.2023 12:00 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS device like QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ that has been affected by a disk failure or spindle motor malfunction. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the specific circumstances of the failure.

      In case of a disk failure, the first step would be to replace the faulty disk with a new one and rebuild the RAID array if applicable. If the data is not accessible after the disk replacement, professional data recovery services may be required. These services specialize in recovering data from damaged storage devices and have the necessary tools and expertise to handle complex cases.

      Spindle motor malfunction is a more serious issue as it involves the mechanical components of the hard drive. In such cases, the drive may need to be sent to a specialized data recovery lab where they can perform physical repairs or extract the data from the damaged drive using specialized equipment.

      It is important to note that data recovery can be a complex and delicate process, and there is no guarantee of success. Therefore, it is always recommended to have regular backups of important data to mitigate the risk of data loss in case of hardware failures.

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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 advantages of using a NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ compared to regular external hard drives for storage purposes?

    There are several key advantages of using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) like the QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ compared to regular external hard drives for storage purposes:

    1. Centralized storage: NAS allows you to store and access your data from a central location, making it easier to manage and share files across multiple devices and users on the same network.
    2. Network accessibility: With a NAS, you can access your files from anywhere using your local network or even remotely over the internet. This provides flexibility and convenience, especially for remote or mobile users.
    3. Data protection: NAS devices often offer built-in data protection features like RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which can help protect your data against drive failures. This redundancy ensures that your data remains accessible even if one or more drives fail.
    4. Expandability: NAS devices typically offer multiple drive bays, allowing you to easily expand your storage capacity as your needs grow. You can add or swap drives without any downtime, making it a scalable solution.
    5. Advanced features: NAS devices come with various advanced features, such as data backup and synchronization, media streaming, surveillance camera support, and cloud integration. These features provide additional functionality beyond simple storage.
    6. User management and permissions: NAS devices offer user management and permissions settings, allowing you to control who has access to which files or folders. This is particularly useful for businesses or households with multiple users.
    7. Energy efficiency: NAS devices are designed to be energy-efficient compared to running multiple external hard drives individually. They often come with power-saving features like scheduled power on/off, which can help reduce electricity consumption.
    8. Integration with other services: NAS devices can integrate with other services like cloud storage providers, virtualization platforms, or backup solutions. This integration allows you to have a more comprehensive storage and backup strategy.

    Overall, the key advantages of using a NAS like the QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ include centralized storage, network accessibility, data protection, expandability, advanced features, user management, energy efficiency, and integration capabilities.

  • How does the NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ provide enhanced data security and protection compared to traditional external hard drives?

    The NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ provides enhanced data security and protection compared to traditional external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Redundancy: The VS-2112 Pro+ supports RAID configurations, allowing data to be stored across multiple hard drives. This redundancy ensures that if one drive fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining drives, minimizing the risk of data loss.
    2. Data Encryption: The VS-2112 Pro+ supports AES 256-bit encryption, which can encrypt the entire NAS volume or specific shared folders. This ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the device or its hard drives, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible.
    3. User Access Control: The NAS provides comprehensive user access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to set user permissions and restrictions for accessing files and folders. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data, reducing the risk of data breaches.
    4. Network Security: The VS-2112 Pro+ supports various network security protocols like SSL/TLS encryption, IP blocking, and firewall settings. These features protect the device from unauthorized access and prevent potential attacks from hackers or malware.
    5. Backup and Recovery: The NAS offers various backup options, including scheduled backups to external drives, cloud storage, or remote servers. This ensures that data is regularly backed up and can be easily recovered in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other data loss scenarios.
    6. Surveillance and Monitoring: The VS-2112 Pro+ supports surveillance features, allowing users to connect IP cameras and record video footage directly to the NAS. It also provides security features like event notifications, SMS alerts, and system logs for monitoring and detecting any suspicious activities.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ provides a comprehensive set of security features and functionalities that go beyond the basic data storage capabilities of traditional external hard drives, ensuring enhanced data security and protection.

  • In what ways does the NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ offer superior functionality and convenience over regular external hard drives for both personal and professional use?

    The NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ offers several advantages over regular external hard drives for both personal and professional use:

    1. Network Attached Storage (NAS) Functionality: Unlike regular external hard drives, the QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ is a standalone device that connects to your network, allowing multiple users to access and share files simultaneously. This makes it ideal for small businesses or teams that require centralized storage and collaboration.
    2. Enhanced Data Protection: The QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ offers various data protection features like RAID configurations, which ensure that your data is safe even if one or more hard drives fail. It also supports data backup and synchronization, providing an additional layer of protection against data loss.
    3. Advanced File Management: The device comes with a user-friendly web-based interface that allows you to manage your files efficiently. You can create user accounts and set access permissions, organize files into folders, and even set up automated tasks like scheduled backups or file syncing.
    4. Expansion Options: The QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ offers expansion options for additional storage capacity. You can connect external hard drives or expansion units to increase the overall storage space, making it suitable for growing storage needs.
    5. Multimedia Capabilities: The device supports multimedia applications, allowing you to stream media files directly to compatible devices like smart TVs or media players. It also supports transcoding, which converts media files into different formats, ensuring smooth playback on various devices.
    6. Remote Access and Mobile Apps: With the QNAP mobile apps, you can access and manage your files remotely from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. This convenience is beneficial for both personal and professional use, enabling you to stay connected and productive on the go.
    7. Additional Features: The QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ offers a range of additional features such as surveillance capabilities, virtualization support, cloud integration, and app installations. These features enhance its functionality and make it a versatile solution for various personal and professional needs.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP VS-2112 Pro+ offers superior functionality and convenience over regular external hard drives by providing network connectivity, advanced file management, data protection, expansion options, multimedia capabilities, remote access, and a host of other features that cater to both personal and professional use.

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