How to recover data from QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro

QNAP VS-4008U-RP 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-4008U-RP Pro.

How to recover data from NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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 accidental deletion or user error cause data loss in NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro devices?

Yes, accidental deletion or user error can cause data loss in NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro devices, just like any other storage device. If a user accidentally deletes or overwrites important files, or if they incorrectly configure the NAS settings, it can lead to data loss. It is important to regularly backup data and take precautions to prevent accidental deletion or user errors.

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

Although NAS VS-4008U-RP 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-4008U-RP 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-4008U-RP Pro has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 10;
  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

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-4008U-RP 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-4008U-RP Pro, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Art Cleese
    Art Cleese 18.09.2023 00:57 #
    Is it necessary to have a backup of the NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro data before attempting data recovery?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 18.09.2023 02:00 #

      Yes, it is highly recommended to have a backup of your data before attempting any data recovery process. Data recovery can be a complex and potentially risky procedure, and there is always a chance that the recovery process may cause further damage or result in data loss. Having a backup ensures that you have a copy of your data that can be restored if anything goes wrong during the recovery process.

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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 is SSH and how does it work?

    SSH, which stands for Secure Shell, is a cryptographic network protocol used for secure remote login and secure file transfers over an unsecured network. It provides a secure channel between two computers, allowing data to be exchanged securely.

    Here's how SSH works:

    1. Connection establishment: The client initiates a connection request to the server over TCP/IP. The server listens for incoming connections on port 22 by default.
    2. Key exchange: The client and server perform a key exchange process to establish a secure connection. This involves negotiating encryption algorithms and generating session keys.
    3. User authentication: Once the secure connection is established, the client needs to authenticate itself to the server. This can be done using various methods such as password-based authentication, public key authentication, or certificate-based authentication.
    4. Secure communication: After successful authentication, the client and server can securely exchange data over the encrypted channel. This includes executing remote commands, transferring files, or even forwarding other network connections.
    5. Encryption and integrity: SSH uses encryption algorithms to protect the confidentiality of data during transmission. It also employs integrity checks to ensure that data has not been tampered with during the transfer.

    Overall, SSH provides a secure and encrypted way to access and manage remote systems, making it widely used for secure remote administration and secure file transfers.

  • How does the NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro utilize SSH protocol for remote access and management?

    The NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro utilizes the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol for remote access and management in the following ways:

    1. Secure Remote Access: SSH provides a secure encrypted connection between the remote user and the NAS device. It ensures that the communication between the user's computer and the NAS is protected from eavesdropping or unauthorized access.
    2. Command-Line Interface (CLI): SSH allows users to access the NAS device's command-line interface remotely. By establishing an SSH session, users can execute various commands on the NAS, manage files, configure settings, and perform administrative tasks.
    3. Secure File Transfer: SSH also enables secure file transfer between the remote user's computer and the NAS device. Users can securely upload, download, and transfer files to and from the NAS using SSH-based file transfer protocols like SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).
    4. Tunneling: SSH supports tunneling, which allows users to securely access services running on the NAS device's network. By creating an SSH tunnel, users can access web interfaces, databases, or other services hosted on the NAS without exposing them directly to the internet.
    5. Authentication and Security: SSH ensures secure authentication by using cryptographic keys or passwords. It prevents unauthorized access to the NAS device by requiring the user to provide valid credentials before establishing an SSH connection.

    Overall, the NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro leverages the SSH protocol to provide secure and encrypted remote access and management capabilities, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the communication between the user and the NAS device.

  • What are the benefits and security features of using SSH in the NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro?

    Using SSH (Secure Shell) in the NAS QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro offers several benefits and security features. Here are some of them:

    Benefits:

    1. Secure remote access: SSH provides a secure encrypted connection between the client and the NAS, ensuring that data transmitted over the network is protected from eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
    2. Command-line access: SSH allows administrators to access the NAS using a command-line interface, enabling them to execute various administrative tasks efficiently and remotely.
    3. File transfer capabilities: SSH supports secure file transfer using protocols like SCP (Secure Copy) and SFTP (Secure FTP), allowing users to transfer files securely between the NAS and remote systems.
    4. Remote management: SSH enables administrators to manage and configure the NAS remotely, eliminating the need for physical access to the device.
    5. Customization and automation: SSH provides a platform for scripting and automation, allowing administrators to create custom scripts and automate repetitive tasks on the NAS.

    Security Features:

    1. Encryption: SSH uses strong encryption algorithms to secure the communication between the client and the NAS, ensuring that data remains confidential and protected from interception.
    2. Authentication: SSH supports various authentication methods, including password-based authentication, public key authentication, and two-factor authentication, providing multiple layers of security to verify the identity of the user.
    3. Access control: SSH allows administrators to define access control policies, restricting SSH access to specific IP addresses or user accounts, thereby preventing unauthorized access attempts.
    4. Security auditing: SSH provides logging and auditing capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor and track SSH activity, including successful and failed login attempts, helping in detecting and investigating any potential security breaches.
    5. Secure tunneling: SSH supports tunneling, enabling users to securely access other network services running on the NAS, such as web interfaces or databases, without exposing them directly to the internet.

    Overall, using SSH in the QNAP VS-4008U-RP Pro NAS ensures secure remote access, file transfer, and management capabilities while providing robust encryption, authentication, access control, and auditing features to protect the system from unauthorized access and potential security threats.

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