Best Practices for Recovering Data from a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R with RAID Array Failure

Has your NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R 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?

Best Practices for Recovering Data from a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R with RAID Array Failure

Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R 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 XCubeNAS XN8012R. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Best Practices for Recovering Data from a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R with RAID Array Failure

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 Qsan 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 encryption safeguard data stored on NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R devices?

Yes, encryption can safeguard data stored on NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R devices. The Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R supports various encryption methods such as AES-256 encryption for data-at-rest protection. This means that the data stored on the device is encrypted and can only be accessed with the correct encryption key or password. This helps to ensure that even if the device is stolen or accessed by unauthorized individuals, the data remains secure and cannot be easily accessed or read.

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

Although the NAS XCubeNAS XN8012R 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 Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R. 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 Qsan

How to recover data from a Qsan

XCubeNAS XN8012R has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

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 Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R network-attached storage keeps SANOS 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 XCubeNAS XN8012R, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Bob Hood
    Bob Hood 6.09.2023 13:39 #
    How to eject hard drives from NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R and connect them to Windows?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 6.09.2023 13:59 #

      To eject hard drives from a Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R and connect them to Windows, you can follow these steps:

      1. Log in to the Qsan XCubeNAS web interface. Open a web browser and enter the IP address of your NAS in the address bar. Enter your login credentials to access the interface.
      2. Once logged in, navigate to the "Storage" section or "Disk Management" tab, where you can manage your hard drives.
      3. Locate the hard drive you want to eject and click on the corresponding options or settings menu. Look for an option like "Eject" or "Unmount" and select it. This will safely unmount the hard drive from the NAS.
      4. After the hard drive has been ejected, physically remove it from the NAS enclosure. Follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for removing the hard drive safely.
      5. Connect the ejected hard drive to your Windows computer. You can use an external hard drive enclosure or directly connect it using SATA cables, depending on the type of connection the hard drive requires.
      6. Once connected, Windows should detect the hard drive and assign it a drive letter. You can access the drive by opening Windows Explorer or File Explorer and navigating to the newly assigned drive letter.

      Note: Make sure to handle the hard drives carefully and avoid any physical damage during the ejection and connection process.

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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 and measures implemented by the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R to ensure data security?

    The Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R implements several key features and measures to ensure data security. Some of these include:

    1. RAID Protection: The XN8012R supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This allows for data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    2. AES 256-bit Encryption: The XN8012R supports AES 256-bit encryption, which helps to secure data at rest. This ensures that even if the drives are physically stolen, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible.
    3. Snapshot Technology: The XN8012R supports snapshot technology, which allows users to take point-in-time copies of data. Snapshots can be used for data recovery in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
    4. Data Deduplication and Compression: The XN8012R includes data deduplication and compression technologies, which help to reduce storage space requirements and optimize performance without compromising data integrity.
    5. Access Control and User Management: The XN8012R provides robust access control mechanisms, including user and group management, folder-level permissions, and Active Directory/LDAP integration. This ensures that only authorized users have access to specific data.
    6. Antivirus Integration: The XN8012R supports integration with popular antivirus solutions, allowing for real-time scanning and protection against malware and viruses.
    7. Data Integrity Check: The XN8012R performs regular data integrity checks to identify and correct any potential data corruption issues. This helps to maintain the integrity and reliability of stored data.
    8. Secure Remote Access: The XN8012R offers secure remote access options, including VPN support and secure FTP (SFTP). This allows users to access their data securely from anywhere without compromising data security.
    9. Data Replication and Backup: The XN8012R supports data replication and backup features, allowing users to create copies of their data on remote systems or cloud storage. This provides an additional layer of data protection and disaster recovery.
    10. Audit Logs and Alerts: The XN8012R maintains detailed audit logs of user activities and provides alerts for any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts. This helps in monitoring and identifying potential security threats.

    Overall, the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R incorporates a comprehensive set of features and measures to ensure data security, protecting against various threats and providing peace of mind for users.

  • How does the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R protect against unauthorized access and data breaches?

    The Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R provides several features to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches:

    1. User Authentication: It supports various authentication methods such as local user accounts, LDAP, Active Directory, and SSO (Single Sign-On) to ensure only authorized users can access the system.
    2. Access Control: The XCubeNAS offers granular access control policies, allowing administrators to define user permissions and restrict access to specific files, folders, or applications. This ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data.
    3. Encryption: The system supports AES 256-bit encryption for data in transit and at rest. This ensures that even if unauthorized access occurs, the data remains encrypted and unreadable.
    4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): XCubeNAS supports 2FA, adding an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a unique code from a mobile app, in addition to their password.
    5. IP Access Control: Administrators can define IP access control lists, allowing or denying access based on specific IP addresses or ranges. This helps prevent unauthorized access from unknown or suspicious sources.
    6. Anti-virus and Anti-malware: The XCubeNAS integrates with popular anti-virus and anti-malware software, providing real-time scanning and protection against malicious files or software.
    7. Data Backup and Snapshot: The system supports data backup and snapshot features, allowing users to create multiple copies of their data and easily restore them in case of accidental deletion, data corruption, or ransomware attacks.
    8. Auditing and Logging: The XCubeNAS logs all system activities, including user logins, file access, and administrative changes. These logs help in identifying any unauthorized access attempts and provide an audit trail for forensic analysis.
    9. Firmware Updates and Security Patches: Qsan regularly releases firmware updates and security patches to address any vulnerabilities and ensure the system is up to date with the latest security measures.

    By combining these security features, the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R aims to provide robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the stored data.

  • Can you explain the encryption options available on the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R and how they contribute to data security?

    The Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R offers several encryption options to enhance data security. These options include:

    1. AES 256-bit Volume-based Encryption: This encryption method uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm with a key size of 256 bits. It encrypts the entire volume, including all files and folders stored within it. This encryption ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the physical drives, they won't be able to access the data without the encryption key.
    2. AES 256-bit Folder-based Encryption: Similar to volume-based encryption, this option allows you to encrypt specific folders rather than the entire volume. It provides granular control over which folders are encrypted, allowing you to encrypt only the most sensitive data. This ensures that even if someone gains access to the NAS system, they won't be able to access the encrypted folders without the encryption key.
    3. AES 256-bit Network-based Encryption: This encryption option secures the transmission of data between the XCubeNAS and other devices over the network. It encrypts the data packets using the AES 256-bit algorithm before sending them over the network, making it extremely difficult for anyone to intercept and decipher the data.

    By utilizing these encryption options, the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012R significantly contributes to data security. The AES 256-bit encryption algorithm is widely regarded as highly secure and is used by many organizations and governments worldwide. It ensures that even if the physical drives or the NAS system itself is compromised, the encrypted data remains protected. Additionally, the network-based encryption ensures that data transmitted over the network is secure and cannot be intercepted by unauthorized individuals. Overall, these encryption options provide robust data security measures to protect sensitive information stored on the XCubeNAS XN8012R.