Key Features of NAS QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ Data Recovery in a Home Setup

Has your NAS QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ 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?

Key Features of NAS QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ Data Recovery in a Home Setup

QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ 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-8132U-RP Pro+. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Key Features of NAS QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ Data Recovery in a Home Setup

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.

Can utilizing redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols mitigate data loss risks for NAS QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ devices?

Yes, utilizing redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols can help mitigate data loss risks for NAS QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ devices.

Redundant network connections involve setting up multiple network connections between the NAS device and the network infrastructure. This can be achieved by using multiple network interface cards (NICs) or by connecting the NAS to multiple switches or routers. By having redundant connections, if one connection fails, the NAS can automatically switch to a backup connection, ensuring continuous access to data and minimizing the risk of data loss.

Link aggregation, also known as bonding or teaming, combines multiple network connections into a single logical connection. This allows for increased bandwidth and redundancy. With link aggregation, the NAS can distribute network traffic across multiple connections, improving performance and providing fault tolerance. If one link fails, the NAS can automatically reroute traffic through the remaining active links, reducing the chances of data loss.

By implementing redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols, you can enhance the reliability and availability of your NAS QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ device, reducing the risk of data loss due to network failures.

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

Although the NAS VS-8132U-RP 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.

    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-8132U-RP 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a QNAP

How to recover data from a QNAP

VS-8132U-RP 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);

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-8132U-RP 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

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-8132U-RP Pro+, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Josiah Farwell
    Josiah Farwell 16.09.2023 13:48 #
    How to recover data from NAS QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 16.09.2023 14:59 #

      To recover data from a QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ NAS, you can follow these steps:

      1. Stop using the NAS: As soon as you realize that data loss has occurred, stop using the NAS to prevent further overwriting of data.
      2. Check for hardware issues: Ensure that all hardware components of the NAS are functioning properly. Check power supply, cables, and connections to rule out any physical issues.
      3. Contact QNAP support: Reach out to QNAP technical support for guidance and assistance. They may provide specific instructions based on your situation.
      4. Use QNAP recovery tools: QNAP provides various recovery tools, such as QNAP External RAID Manager and QNAP Data Recovery, which can be used to recover data from the NAS. These tools can be downloaded from the QNAP website.
      5. Connect the NAS to a computer: Connect the NAS to a computer using an Ethernet cable or by directly connecting the NAS hard drives to the computer.
      6. Use data recovery software: If the QNAP recovery tools do not work or if you prefer using third-party software, you can try using data recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, or Recuva. Install the software on your computer and follow the instructions to recover data from the NAS.
      7. Consult a professional data recovery service: If the above methods do not work, or if the data is extremely important and you cannot risk losing it, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. They have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from damaged or inaccessible NAS devices.

      Remember, the success of data recovery depends on the severity of the data loss and the measures taken to prevent further damage. It is always recommended to have regular backups of your data to avoid such situations.

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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 are the key features of the QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ NAS system?

    The key features of the QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ NAS system are:

    1. High Storage Capacity: It supports up to 32 hard drives, offering a large storage capacity for storing and managing data.
    2. Redundant Power Supply: It comes with a redundant power supply, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing the risk of system downtime.
    3. High Performance: It is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i3 processor and 2GB DDR3 RAM (expandable up to 4GB), delivering high performance for data-intensive applications.
    4. RAID Support: It supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD), providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    5. Multiple Network Interfaces: It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed data transfer and providing network redundancy.
    6. Scalability: It supports expansion units, allowing for easy scalability and increased storage capacity as your needs grow.
    7. Advanced Data Protection: It offers advanced data protection features such as AES 256-bit volume-based encryption and antivirus protection to safeguard your data.
    8. Virtualization Support: It supports virtualization technologies such as VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V, enabling easy integration into virtualized environments.
    9. Comprehensive Backup Solutions: It provides various backup options including local backup, remote replication, and cloud backup, ensuring data protection and disaster recovery.
    10. Advanced Surveillance Features: It supports up to 32 IP cameras for video surveillance, offering advanced surveillance features like live view, recording, and playback.
    11. High Availability: It supports High Availability (HA) for continuous system operation and automatic failover in case of hardware or network failures.
    12. Intuitive User Interface: It comes with QTS, QNAP's intuitive operating system, providing a user-friendly interface for easy system management and configuration.
    13. App Ecosystem: It supports a wide range of apps from QNAP's App Center, allowing for customization and expanding the functionality of the NAS system.
    14. Energy-efficient Design: It is designed with energy-saving features like Wake-on-LAN and scheduled power on/off, reducing power consumption and operating costs.
    15. Remote Access and File Sharing: It enables remote access and file sharing through various protocols like FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV, providing easy access to files from anywhere.
  • How does the QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ NAS system compare to other basic NAS models in terms of features?

    The QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ NAS system is a high-end model designed specifically for surveillance applications. Compared to other basic NAS models, it offers several advanced features and capabilities. Here are some key points of comparison:

    1. Number of Drive Bays: The VS-8132U-RP Pro+ has 8 drive bays, which is more than what most basic NAS models offer. This allows for higher storage capacity and scalability.
    2. Redundant Power Supply: The "RP" in the model name signifies that it includes a redundant power supply. This feature ensures uninterrupted operation in case one power supply fails, making it ideal for critical surveillance applications.
    3. Surveillance-specific Features: The VS-8132U-RP Pro+ is designed for surveillance purposes, offering features like support for up to 32 IP cameras, advanced video management software, and compatibility with various camera brands and models. These features are not typically found in basic NAS models.
    4. High Performance: This NAS system is powered by a high-performance Intel processor and has ample memory, enabling it to handle multiple surveillance streams and perform tasks like real-time monitoring, recording, and playback efficiently.
    5. Expansion Options: The VS-8132U-RP Pro+ supports expansion units, allowing for additional drive bays and storage capacity to be added as needed. This scalability is not commonly found in basic NAS models.
    6. Advanced Security: QNAP NAS systems, including the VS-8132U-RP Pro+, offer robust security features such as AES 256-bit encryption, IP blocking, and antivirus protection. These features provide enhanced data protection and privacy.

    Overall, the QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ NAS system stands out from basic NAS models due to its advanced surveillance-specific features, high performance, scalability, and redundancy options. However, it is important to note that these additional features come at a higher price point compared to basic NAS models.

  • Can you provide an overview of the basic features and functionalities offered by the QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ NAS system?

    The QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ is a high-performance network-attached storage (NAS) system designed for surveillance applications. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities to meet the needs of businesses and organizations. Here is an overview of its basic features:

    1. Hardware: The VS-8132U-RP Pro+ is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB DDR3 RAM (expandable up to 32GB). It has eight hot-swappable drive bays supporting 3.5-inch SATA hard drives or 2.5-inch SSDs. The system also includes redundant power supplies for high availability.
    2. Storage and RAID: It supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD) to provide data protection and flexibility. The NAS system can scale up to 224TB of storage capacity using expansion units.
    3. Surveillance Station: The VS-8132U-RP Pro+ comes with QNAP's Surveillance Station software, which allows users to manage and monitor their IP cameras. It supports up to 32 channels of video recording and playback, with features like real-time monitoring, motion detection, and PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) control.
    4. Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA): The NAS system supports advanced video analytics features, including motion detection, missing object detection, foreign object detection, and camera tampering detection. These features enhance the surveillance capabilities and enable proactive security monitoring.
    5. High-speed data transfer: With dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and optional 10GbE network expansion cards, the VS-8132U-RP Pro+ provides high-speed data transfer rates for smooth video streaming and data access.
    6. Virtualization support: It supports various virtualization technologies, including VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V, allowing users to run multiple virtual machines on a single NAS system.
    7. Backup and disaster recovery: The NAS system offers comprehensive backup solutions, including local backup, remote replication, and cloud backup. It also supports snapshot technology for efficient data protection and quick recovery.
    8. App Center: The QNAP App Center provides a wide range of applications and add-ons to enhance the functionality of the NAS system. Users can install apps for file sharing, multimedia streaming, surveillance, and more.
    9. Scalability and expansion: The VS-8132U-RP Pro+ can be expanded using QNAP expansion units to accommodate growing storage needs. It also supports QNAP's Virtual JBOD (VJBOD) technology, which allows users to utilize unused storage space from other QNAP NAS systems.

    Overall, the QNAP VS-8132U-RP Pro+ offers a robust and feature-rich NAS solution for surveillance applications, providing high-performance storage, advanced video analytics, and versatile management capabilities.