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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS QNAP VS-8032
• 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.

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

Although the NAS VS-8032 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-8032. 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-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);

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-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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison