Home NAS QNAP VS-6020 Pro Data Recovery: Features and Options

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS QNAP VS-6020 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.

Can inadequate cooling or high ambient temperatures impact data loss risks for NAS QNAP VS-6020 Pro devices?

Yes, inadequate cooling or high ambient temperatures can indeed impact data loss risks for NAS QNAP VS-6020 Pro devices.

NAS devices like the QNAP VS-6020 Pro generate heat during operation, especially when multiple hard drives are running simultaneously. Inadequate cooling can result in the device overheating, which can lead to various issues such as:

1. Hard drive failure: Excessive heat can cause hard drives to fail prematurely, leading to potential data loss. High temperatures can degrade the performance and reliability of hard drives over time.
2. Reduced lifespan of components: Continuous exposure to high temperatures can shorten the lifespan of various components in the NAS device, including the CPU, memory, and power supply. This can increase the risk of hardware failures and potential data loss.
3. Increased risk of data corruption: High temperatures can increase the likelihood of data corruption on the hard drives, especially during read/write operations. This can result in the loss or corruption of files and data stored on the NAS.

To mitigate these risks, it is important to ensure proper cooling for the NAS device. This can be achieved by:

1. Adequate ventilation: Ensure that the NAS device is placed in a well-ventilated area with sufficient airflow. Avoid placing it in enclosed spaces or near heat sources.
2. Cooling fans: Check if the NAS device has built-in cooling fans and ensure they are functioning properly. Consider adding additional fans if necessary.
3. Temperature monitoring: Some NAS devices have built-in temperature monitoring features. Regularly check the temperature readings and take necessary actions if the device is running too hot.
4. Regular maintenance: Keep the NAS device clean and free from dust accumulation, as dust can hinder proper airflow and cooling.

By taking these precautions, you can help minimize the risk of data loss due to inadequate cooling or high ambient temperatures for your NAS QNAP VS-6020 Pro device.

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

Although the NAS VS-6020 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-6020 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-6020 Pro has 6 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-6020 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