Key Features of Recovering Data from NAS QNAP VS-4112 Pro+ at Home

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS QNAP VS-4112 Pro+
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like QNAP often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

How can the use of specific file-sharing protocols impact data loss risks on NAS QNAP VS-4112 Pro+ devices?

The use of specific file-sharing protocols can have an impact on data loss risks on NAS QNAP VS-4112 Pro+ devices in the following ways:

1. Encryption and Security: Some file-sharing protocols, such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), do not provide encryption by default, which can expose data to interception and unauthorized access. On the other hand, protocols like SFTP (Secure FTP) or HTTPS (HTTP over SSL/TLS) offer encryption and better security, reducing the risk of data loss.
2. Access Control: Different protocols have varying levels of access control mechanisms. Protocols like SMB (Server Message Block) or NFS (Network File System) might have weaker access control, allowing unauthorized users to access or modify data. Choosing protocols with robust access control features, like SFTP or WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning), can minimize the risk of data loss due to unauthorized access.
3. Data Integrity: Certain file-sharing protocols, such as BitTorrent or eDonkey, are designed primarily for peer-to-peer file sharing and may not have built-in mechanisms for data integrity checks. This can result in data corruption or loss during transfer. Using protocols with integrity verification, like SFTP or rsync, can help ensure data integrity and reduce the risk of loss.
4. Backup and Versioning: Some protocols, like rsync or WebDAV, support incremental backup and versioning, allowing users to restore previous versions of files or recover from data loss incidents. Choosing protocols that offer these features can enhance data protection and recovery capabilities.
5. Performance and Reliability: Different protocols have varying performance and reliability characteristics. For example, protocols like NFS or iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) are known for their high performance and low latency, making them suitable for demanding applications. On the other hand, protocols like FTP can be less reliable and prone to connection issues. Selecting protocols that provide better performance and reliability can minimize the risk of data loss due to transfer failures or interruptions.

Overall, choosing file-sharing protocols with strong encryption, access control, data integrity, backup/versioning capabilities, and reliable performance can significantly reduce data loss risks on NAS QNAP VS-4112 Pro+ devices. It is essential to evaluate the specific requirements and security needs of the data being shared to make an informed decision about the appropriate protocol to use.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS VS-4112 Pro+ can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

   WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP VS-4112 Pro+. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

VS-4112 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);

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
• User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

   

4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The QNAP VS-4112 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison