Features of Data Recovery from NAS QNAP VS-4016U-RP in a Home Setup

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 preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS QNAP VS-4016U-RP devices?

Yes, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS QNAP VS-4016U-RP devices:

1. Regular backups: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is regularly backed up to another storage location. This can be done using the built-in backup features of the QNAP NAS or through third-party backup software.
2. RAID configuration: Configure the NAS with a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) level that provides data redundancy, such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6. This will help protect your data in case of a disk failure.
3. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Connect the NAS to a UPS to protect it from power outages and voltage fluctuations. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or loss.
4. Regular firmware updates: Keep the NAS firmware up to date by regularly checking for and installing firmware updates provided by QNAP. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can help prevent data loss.
5. Use UPS-supported power outlets: Connect the NAS to a power outlet that is supported by a UPS to ensure that it remains powered even during power outages.
6. Implement user access controls: Set up user access controls and permissions to restrict access to the NAS and its data. This will help prevent accidental deletion or modification of important files.
7. Use strong passwords: Set strong passwords for accessing the NAS administration interface and user accounts. Weak passwords can be easily compromised, leading to unauthorized access and potential data loss.
8. Enable network security features: QNAP NAS devices offer various network security features such as firewall, IP blocking, and encryption. Enable these features to protect your NAS from unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
9. Monitor system health: Regularly monitor the health and performance of your NAS using the built-in system monitoring tools. This will help you identify any potential issues or hardware failures before they lead to data loss.
10. Implement off-site backups: In addition to on-site backups, consider implementing off-site backups to a remote location or cloud storage. This will provide an extra layer of protection in case of physical damage or theft of the NAS device.

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

Although NAS VS-4016U-RP 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-4016U-RP. 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-4016U-RP 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 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-4016U-RP 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