NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ RAID Arrays: Recovery from Mechanical and Logical Failures

Identify and distinguish between mechanical and logical failures in ⭐ NAS RAID arrays to recover data safely.

NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ RAID Arrays: Recovery from Mechanical and Logical Failures

QNAP VS-2212 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-2212 Pro+.

NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ RAID Arrays: Recovery 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.

Can improper shutdown or unclean system reboots lead to data loss on NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ devices?

Improper shutdown or unclean system reboots can potentially lead to data loss on any device, including NAS devices like the QNAP VS-2212 Pro+. When a NAS device is abruptly powered off or rebooted without following the proper shutdown procedure, it can cause data corruption or damage to the file system.

NAS devices typically use a file system like EXT4 or Btrfs, which can be sensitive to unexpected power loss or improper shutdowns. These file systems rely on metadata structures and journaling to maintain data integrity. If the file system is not cleanly unmounted or if the metadata structures get corrupted due to an improper shutdown, it can result in data loss or inaccessibility.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is important to follow the proper shutdown procedure recommended by the manufacturer. This usually involves using the NAS management interface or software to initiate a shutdown or reboot. Additionally, ensuring that the NAS device is connected to a reliable power source with a backup power supply (UPS) can help protect against sudden power outages.

It is also recommended to regularly backup important data stored on the NAS device to an external storage or cloud service. This way, even if data loss occurs, you can restore your files from the backups.

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

Although NAS VS-2212 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-2212 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

VS-2212 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-2212 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-2212 Pro+, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Marvin Blanchfield
    Marvin Blanchfield 18.09.2023 12:46 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ device be done if the device is not booting or not starting up properly?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 18.09.2023 13:59 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ device can still be possible even if the device is not booting or starting up properly. In such cases, you may need to follow these steps:

      1. Check the physical connections: Ensure that all cables and connections are secure and properly connected.
      2. Power cycle the device: Turn off the NAS, disconnect the power cable, wait for a few minutes, and then reconnect the power cable. Try turning on the device again.
      3. Check for any error messages: If there are any error messages displayed on the device or on a connected monitor, note them down as they might provide valuable information about the issue.
      4. Connect the NAS directly to a computer: If possible, connect the NAS directly to a computer using an Ethernet cable. This will help determine if the issue lies with the network or the NAS itself.
      5. Access the NAS via the QNAP Finder utility: Install the QNAP Finder utility on a computer connected to the same network as the NAS. This utility can help locate the NAS on the network and provide access to its settings.
      6. Contact QNAP support: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact QNAP support for further assistance. They may provide additional troubleshooting steps or guide you through the data recovery process.

      In some cases, if the NAS hardware has failed, you may need to consult a professional data recovery service to retrieve the data from the device.

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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

  • How does the NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ facilitate the process of copying data from different devices?

    The NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ facilitates the process of copying data from different devices through various methods:

    1. Network File Transfer: The NAS supports various network protocols like FTP, SFTP, and TFTP, allowing you to transfer files over the network. You can copy data from different devices by connecting them to the same network and accessing the NAS via these protocols.
    2. USB Connectivity: The NAS has multiple USB ports that enable you to connect external storage devices such as USB drives, external hard drives, or smartphones. You can copy data from these devices directly to the NAS by plugging them into the USB ports.
    3. Cloud Syncing: The NAS supports cloud syncing services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. You can link your accounts and copy data from different devices by syncing the files to the NAS. This allows for seamless data transfer and backup across multiple devices.
    4. File Station: QNAP's File Station is a web-based file management tool that allows you to access and manage files on the NAS from any device with a web browser. You can upload files from different devices to the NAS or download files from the NAS to different devices using the intuitive interface.
    5. Qsync: Qsync is a file synchronization app provided by QNAP. It allows you to synchronize files and folders between the NAS and multiple devices, including Windows and Mac computers, smartphones, and tablets. Any changes made on one device will be automatically updated on others, ensuring data consistency.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ offers multiple options for copying data from different devices, providing flexibility and convenience in managing and transferring files.

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ that make it efficient for copying data from various devices?

    The key features and capabilities of the NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ that make it efficient for copying data from various devices are:

    1. High-performance hardware: The NAS is powered by a quad-core Intel processor and has 2GB of DDR3 RAM, ensuring smooth and fast data transfer speeds.
    2. Multiple connectivity options: It supports various connectivity options such as USB 3.0, eSATA, and Gigabit Ethernet, allowing you to connect and copy data from different devices easily.
    3. RAID support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60), providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    4. Hot-swappable drive bays: The VS-2212 Pro+ has hot-swappable drive bays, allowing you to replace or upgrade hard drives without powering down the system, ensuring uninterrupted data copying.
    5. Flexible storage expansion: It supports QNAP's Virtual JBOD (VJBOD) technology, which enables you to expand storage capacity by utilizing unused space from other QNAP NAS devices.
    6. Cross-platform file sharing: The NAS supports multiple operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling seamless file sharing and data copying between different devices.
    7. Backup and synchronization options: QNAP provides various backup and synchronization solutions like Qsync and Hybrid Backup Sync, allowing you to easily back up and synchronize data from different devices.
    8. Intuitive user interface: The QTS operating system provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of copying data from various devices. It offers drag-and-drop functionality and easy-to-use file management tools.
    9. Data security features: The NAS offers built-in encryption, antivirus protection, and access control mechanisms, ensuring the security and integrity of your data during the copying process.
    10. Scalability: The VS-2212 Pro+ is scalable, allowing you to expand storage capacity as your data copying needs grow. It supports additional expansion units, increasing the total storage capacity of the NAS.
  • Can the NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ copy data from devices with different operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux?

    Yes, the NAS QNAP VS-2212 Pro+ supports file sharing and data transfer across different operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It uses standard network protocols such as SMB/CIFS, AFP, and NFS to enable seamless file sharing and data transfer between devices with different operating systems.

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