- 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?
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 known limitations or issues related to specific NAS QNAP VS-8124 Pro+ device models that can lead to data loss?
There are no specific limitations or issues related to the QNAP VS-8124 Pro+ device models that can directly lead to data loss. However, like any electronic device, there are general factors that can contribute to data loss or issues with the NAS device. Some of these factors include:
- Hardware Failure: Any hardware component of the NAS device, such as hard drives, power supply, or network interface, can fail and potentially lead to data loss.
- Power Outages: Sudden power outages or improper shutdowns can cause data corruption or loss if the NAS device is not properly configured with backup power or UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
- Firmware or Software Bugs: Occasionally, firmware or software bugs in the NAS operating system can cause data corruption or loss. It is recommended to keep the firmware up to date and regularly check for software updates.
- User Error: Accidental deletion, formatting, or overwriting of files or folders can result in data loss. It is important to have proper backup strategies in place to mitigate the risk of user error.
- Network Issues: Connectivity problems, network interruptions, or improper network configuration can lead to data loss or difficulty accessing the NAS device.
To minimize the risk of data loss, it is recommended to regularly back up your data to separate storage devices or cloud services, implement RAID configurations for data redundancy, and ensure the NAS device is properly maintained and updated.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS VS-8124 Pro+ 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP VS-8124 Pro+. 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.
How to recover data from a QNAP
VS-8124 Pro+ 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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-8124 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.
Comparison of software for RAID recovery
| Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS QNAP VS-8124 Pro+ device can be performed even if there are issues with the file system or data corruption. QNAP NAS devices usually have built-in data recovery features and tools that can help recover data in case of file system errors or data corruption.
One common method is to use the QNAP NAS's web-based interface to run a file system check or repair tool. This tool can scan the file system for errors and attempt to fix them, allowing you to access and recover your data.
If the file system check and repair tool does not resolve the issue, you may need to use more advanced data recovery techniques. In such cases, it is recommended to contact QNAP support or consult professional data recovery services that specialize in NAS devices. They have the expertise and specialized tools to recover data from corrupted file systems or damaged storage devices.
It is important to note that data recovery success depends on the extent of the damage and the availability of intact data. It is always recommended to have regular backups of your important data to avoid data loss situations.