Home NAS QNAP VS-8032 Data Recovery: Features and Considerations

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 recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some of them:

1. Choose a geographically distant location: Ensure that your off-site backup storage is located far enough from your primary site to minimize the risk of both locations being affected by the same disaster. This helps protect against regional disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes.
2. Use a secure and reliable facility: Select a reputable data center or storage facility that provides high-level security measures, such as surveillance systems, access controls, fire suppression systems, and redundant power supplies. The facility should also have a reliable backup infrastructure and disaster recovery protocols in place.
3. Implement encryption: Encrypt your data before sending it to off-site storage. This ensures that even if the data is compromised, it remains unreadable without the encryption key. Use strong encryption algorithms and secure key management practices.
4. Regularly test the backup and recovery process: Perform regular tests to validate the backup and recovery process. This includes testing the restoration of data from the off-site storage to ensure that it is accessible and usable. Regular testing helps identify any issues or gaps in the backup strategy.
5. Implement multiple backup copies: Maintain multiple copies of your data in different off-site locations. This provides an additional layer of protection against data loss in case one location becomes unavailable or compromised.
6. Use a combination of backup methods: Employ a combination of onsite and off-site backups. Onsite backups provide quick access to data for immediate recovery, while off-site backups serve as a safety net in case of a complete site failure.
7. Automate the backup process: Use automated backup solutions to ensure that backups are performed regularly and consistently. Manual backups are prone to errors and can be easily forgotten, so automation helps ensure data is always protected.
8. Regularly review and update your backup strategy: Periodically review and update your backup strategy to accommodate changes in your data storage requirements, technology advancements, and potential risks. A well-maintained and up-to-date backup strategy is crucial for effective disaster recovery.

Remember, it's essential to combine these practices with a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that includes steps for data restoration, prioritization of critical systems, and clear communication protocols during a disaster situation.

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

Although NAS VS-8032 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-8032. 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-8032 has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• 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-8032 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