NAS QNAP VS-8040 Data Recovery in Home Conditions: Essential Features

Has your NAS QNAP VS-8040 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

NAS QNAP VS-8040 Data Recovery in Home Conditions: Essential Features

QNAP VS-8040 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an VS-8040. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

NAS QNAP VS-8040 Data Recovery in Home Conditions: Essential Features

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 regular data verification or checksum processes help maintain data integrity on NAS QNAP VS-8040 devices?

Regular data verification or checksum processes can help maintain data integrity on NAS QNAP VS-8040 devices in the following ways:

  1. Detecting Data Corruption: Data verification processes involve performing periodic checks on the stored data to identify any corruption or errors. By comparing the checksum values of the stored data with the expected values, you can identify if any data has been modified or corrupted.
  2. Preventing Data Loss: By regularly verifying the data integrity, you can identify any potential issues before they lead to data loss. This allows you to take appropriate actions, such as restoring the data from backups or repairing the corrupted files, to prevent permanent data loss.
  3. Ensuring Data Consistency: Data verification processes ensure that the data stored on the NAS device remains consistent and accurate. This is particularly important in environments where multiple users or applications access and modify the data simultaneously. Verifying the data integrity helps in detecting inconsistencies and resolving them promptly.
  4. Maintaining Compliance: Certain industries or regulatory frameworks require organizations to ensure data integrity. By implementing regular data verification or checksum processes, you can demonstrate compliance with these requirements and avoid penalties or legal issues.
  5. Enhancing Trust and Reliability: Regularly verifying data integrity on NAS devices builds trust and confidence in the stored data. It assures users that their data is secure, accurate, and can be relied upon when needed.

To implement regular data verification or checksum processes on NAS QNAP VS-8040 devices, you can utilize built-in features or third-party tools that offer data integrity checks. These tools often provide options to schedule automatic verification processes, generate checksum values, and compare them against the stored data. It is recommended to configure these processes based on your specific requirements and the criticality of the data stored on the device.

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

Although the NAS VS-8040 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP VS-8040. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

VS-8040 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The QNAP VS-8040 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS VS-8040, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Elisha Simpson
    Elisha Simpson 16.09.2023 18:57 #
    Are there any specific software solutions for data recovery from NAS QNAP VS-8040 devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 16.09.2023 19:00 #

      Yes, there are several software solutions available for data recovery from NAS QNAP VS-8040 devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors. Some popular options include:

      1. R-Studio: R-Studio is a powerful data recovery software that supports various file systems and can recover data from NAS devices, including QNAP. It has advanced features for dealing with S.M.A.R.T. errors and can recover data from damaged or corrupted drives.
      2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is another popular data recovery software that supports NAS devices. It can recover data from QNAP NAS devices with S.M.A.R.T. errors and offers a user-friendly interface.
      3. Stellar Data Recovery: Stellar Data Recovery is a comprehensive data recovery software that supports NAS devices and can recover data from QNAP NAS with S.M.A.R.T. errors. It offers advanced scanning and recovery options for better results.
      4. GetDataBack: GetDataBack is a specialized data recovery software that can recover data from NAS devices, including QNAP. It has a simple interface and can handle S.M.A.R.T. errors effectively.

      Before using any software, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service or the QNAP support team for guidance and assistance.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is SSH and why is it important for secure remote access to network devices?

    SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that provides a secure way to access and manage network devices remotely. It is widely used in the IT industry to establish secure connections between a client and a server over an unsecured network.

    Here are some reasons why SSH is important for secure remote access to network devices:

    1. Encryption: SSH uses encryption algorithms to secure the communication between the client and the server. This ensures that data transmitted over the network cannot be intercepted or tampered with by unauthorized individuals.
    2. Authentication: SSH supports various authentication methods, such as password-based authentication, public key authentication, and multi-factor authentication. These methods ensure that only authorized users can access the network devices, preventing unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
    3. Secure File Transfer: SSH includes a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) that allows users to securely transfer files between the client and the server. This ensures that sensitive data remains protected during transit.
    4. Port Forwarding: SSH allows for secure port forwarding, which enables users to securely access services running on remote network devices. This is particularly useful when accessing devices behind firewalls or accessing internal resources from outside the network.
    5. Auditing and Logging: SSH provides detailed logging and auditing capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor and track user activities on network devices. This helps in identifying any suspicious or unauthorized activities and enables better management of security incidents.

    Overall, SSH plays a crucial role in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network devices by providing a secure and encrypted channel for remote access. It helps protect sensitive data, prevent unauthorized access, and maintain the security of network infrastructures.

  • How does SSH work to establish a secure connection between a client and a server?

    SSH (Secure Shell) works to establish a secure connection between a client and a server by using a combination of encryption, authentication, and key exchange protocols. Here is a simplified explanation of the process:

    1. Client and server negotiate encryption algorithms: When a client initiates an SSH connection to a server, they negotiate the encryption algorithms to be used for the session. This includes algorithms for encryption, integrity checks, and key exchange.
    2. Key exchange: The client and server perform a key exchange to establish a shared secret key. This key is used to encrypt the communication between the client and server.
    3. Server authentication: The server presents its digital certificate to the client, which contains its public key. The client verifies the authenticity of the server's certificate by checking its validity and the trustworthiness of the certificate authority that issued it.
    4. Client authentication: The client proves its identity to the server using various authentication methods, such as password-based authentication, public key authentication, or other authentication mechanisms supported by SSH.
    5. Encryption and data exchange: Once the authentication is successful, the client and server use the shared secret key to encrypt the communication between them. This ensures that all data transmitted over the connection is encrypted and secure from eavesdropping or tampering.
    6. Session establishment: After the secure connection is established, the client and server can start the session, allowing the client to execute commands or transfer files securely.

    Throughout the connection, SSH continuously verifies the integrity of the data being exchanged to detect any tampering attempts. It also provides mechanisms for secure port forwarding and tunneling, allowing secure access to services running on remote servers.

  • In what ways does the NAS QNAP VS-8040 utilize SSH protocol for secure access and management of its network storage functionalities?

    The NAS QNAP VS-8040 utilizes the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol for secure access and management of its network storage functionalities in several ways:

    1. Secure remote login: SSH allows users to securely log in to the QNAP NAS VS-8040 remotely. It provides encrypted communication between the client and the server, ensuring that login credentials and data are protected from unauthorized access.
    2. Secure file transfer: SSH enables secure file transfer between the QNAP NAS and remote clients. Users can securely upload, download, and transfer files to and from the NAS using the SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP (Secure FTP) protocols.
    3. Secure command execution: SSH allows users to execute commands on the QNAP NAS remotely. This feature enables administrators to manage and configure the NAS without physically accessing the device, enhancing convenience and security.
    4. Secure tunneling: SSH supports secure tunneling, which allows users to securely access other network services running on the QNAP NAS. This includes accessing web-based management interfaces, database servers, or other applications running on the NAS, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected.
    5. Two-factor authentication: The QNAP NAS VS-8040 supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for SSH login. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a one-time password (OTP) generated by a mobile app, in addition to the regular login credentials.

    Overall, the SSH protocol ensures secure access and management of the QNAP NAS VS-8040 by encrypting data transmission, authenticating users, and providing secure remote login and file transfer capabilities.