Professional Tips for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S RAID Setup

Successfully recover data from a failed ⭐ NAS RAID array with these best practices on data backup, RAID levels, and choosing the right recovery software.

Professional Tips for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S RAID Setup

Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from XCubeNAS XN8012S.

Professional Tips for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S RAID Setup

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 Qsan 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 specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S device to minimize data loss risks?

Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS device like the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S to minimize data loss risks. Here are some key factors:

  1. Redundant Storage: Look for a NAS device that supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology. RAID configurations like RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6 provide redundancy by storing data across multiple drives. This helps protect against data loss in case of drive failures.
  2. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Ensure that the NAS device has built-in backup and disaster recovery features. Look for features like snapshotting, replication, and cloud backup integration. These features can help you create multiple copies of your data and recover it in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or natural disasters.
  3. Scalability: Consider the scalability options of the NAS device. It should support adding additional drives or expanding storage capacity as your data storage needs grow. This ensures that you can easily accommodate increasing data volumes without compromising data integrity.
  4. Data Integrity and Protection: Look for features like data scrubbing, data encryption, and data integrity checks. Data scrubbing helps to identify and correct any errors in stored data, while data encryption ensures that your data is secure from unauthorized access. Data integrity checks verify the integrity of data during read and write operations.
  5. Power Protection: Ensure that the NAS device has a reliable power supply and protection against power outages. Features like uninterruptible power supply (UPS) support and power failure detection can help prevent data loss due to sudden power failures.
  6. Network Connectivity: Consider the network connectivity options of the NAS device. It should support high-speed Ethernet connections like Gigabit Ethernet or 10 Gigabit Ethernet to ensure fast and reliable data transfer. Additionally, features like link aggregation and failover support can provide network redundancy and minimize downtime.
  7. User-Friendly Interface: Choose a NAS device with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. This makes it easier to configure and manage the device, reducing the chances of making configuration errors that could lead to data loss.
  8. Regular Updates and Support: Check the manufacturer's track record for firmware updates and ongoing support. Regular updates ensure that your NAS device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes. Good manufacturer support is also crucial in case you encounter any issues or need assistance.

By considering these factors, you can minimize the risks of data loss when choosing a NAS device like the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S. It's also recommended to regularly back up your data and follow best practices for data storage and management.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS XCubeNAS XN8012S 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Qsan

How to recover data from a Qsan

XCubeNAS XN8012S 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;

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:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S 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.

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

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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 XN8012S, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Bradley Lindley
    Bradley Lindley 6.09.2023 11:51 #
    Are there any recommended data recovery service providers for NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S devices?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 6.09.2023 12:59 #

      There are several reputable data recovery service providers that specialize in NAS devices, including Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S. Some of the recommended ones are:

      1. DriveSavers Data Recovery: DriveSavers is a well-known data recovery company that offers services for various storage devices, including NAS devices. They have experience with Qsan XCubeNAS devices and can help recover data from failed or damaged units.
      2. Gillware Data Recovery: Gillware specializes in NAS data recovery and has expertise in recovering data from Qsan XCubeNAS devices. They offer professional services and have a high success rate in recovering data from various storage devices.
      3. Secure Data Recovery: Secure Data Recovery is a trusted data recovery provider that offers services for NAS devices, including Qsan XCubeNAS. They have certified engineers and state-of-the-art facilities to handle complex data recovery cases.
      4. ACE Data Recovery: ACE Data Recovery is another reputable company that offers data recovery services for NAS devices. They have experience with Qsan XCubeNAS and can help recover data from failed or damaged units.

      It is important to note that data recovery can be a complex and delicate process, so it is recommended to contact these service providers directly to discuss your specific case and get a personalized quote.

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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 iSCSI and how does it work in the context of network storage?

    iSCSI stands for Internet Small Computer System Interface. It is a protocol that allows SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) commands to be sent over an IP network, enabling the use of IP networks to transmit data between storage devices and servers.

    In the context of network storage, iSCSI works by encapsulating SCSI commands and data into IP packets, which can then be transmitted over Ethernet networks. It allows servers to access storage devices as if they were locally attached, even if they are physically located in a different location.

    Here's a step-by-step explanation of how iSCSI works in the context of network storage:

    1. Initiator: The server or client that initiates the iSCSI communication is called the initiator. It sends SCSI commands to the storage device over the IP network.
    2. Target: The storage device that receives the SCSI commands and provides the requested storage services is called the target. It can be a physical storage device or a virtual storage device provided by a storage server.
    3. Discovery: The initiator needs to discover the available iSCSI targets on the network. It sends a discovery packet to a specific IP address or broadcast address, and the target responds with its available resources.
    4. Login: Once the target is discovered, the initiator establishes a connection by sending a login request. This includes authentication and negotiation of parameters such as the maximum data transfer size.
    5. SCSI Command Execution: After the login is successful, the initiator can send SCSI commands to the target, such as read, write, or other storage-related operations. These commands are encapsulated into IP packets and transmitted over the IP network.
    6. Data Transfer: The target processes the received SCSI commands and performs the requested storage operations. It sends the requested data or status information back to the initiator using IP packets.
    7. Logout: When the communication is complete or the initiator wants to terminate the connection, it sends a logout request to the target. This ensures a clean termination of the iSCSI session.

    Overall, iSCSI provides a cost-effective and flexible way to utilize existing IP networks for storage purposes. It allows for remote storage access, consolidation of storage resources, and simplifies storage management in network environments.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity?

    Advantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity:

    1. Cost-effective: iSCSI utilizes existing Ethernet infrastructure, which is typically less expensive than Fibre Channel (FC) infrastructure. This makes iSCSI a more cost-effective option for storage connectivity.
    2. Simplified management: iSCSI allows for centralized storage management, making it easier to configure and manage storage resources. It simplifies storage provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
    3. Flexibility: iSCSI can be used over long distances, allowing for remote storage connectivity. It can also be used with different types of storage devices, including traditional hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and network-attached storage (NAS).
    4. Scalability: iSCSI supports the use of multiple initiators (servers) accessing a single target (storage device). This allows for easy scalability, as additional servers can be added to the network without disrupting existing connections.
    5. Compatibility: iSCSI is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This makes it easier to integrate into existing IT environments.

    Disadvantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity:

    1. Network congestion: iSCSI traffic shares the same network infrastructure as other data traffic, which can lead to network congestion. This can impact the performance of both storage and non-storage applications.
    2. Latency: iSCSI operates over TCP/IP, which introduces additional latency compared to FC. This latency can impact the performance of storage-intensive applications that require low latency.
    3. Security concerns: iSCSI operates over a standard IP network, making it vulnerable to security threats such as unauthorized access, data interception, and data tampering. Proper security measures, such as encryption and authentication, need to be implemented to mitigate these risks.
    4. Bandwidth limitations: iSCSI performance is dependent on available network bandwidth. If the network infrastructure is not capable of providing sufficient bandwidth, it can result in degraded storage performance.
    5. Complexity: While iSCSI simplifies storage management in some aspects, it can introduce complexity in terms of network configuration, quality of service (QoS) settings, and troubleshooting. Proper knowledge and expertise are required to effectively deploy and manage an iSCSI storage infrastructure.
  • Does the NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S support iSCSI protocol for storage connectivity? If yes, what are the features and capabilities provided by the NAS for iSCSI implementation?

    Yes, the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S does support the iSCSI protocol for storage connectivity. The NAS provides several features and capabilities for iSCSI implementation, including:

    1. iSCSI Target: The NAS can act as an iSCSI target, allowing it to present its storage as virtual disks over the network to iSCSI initiators.
    2. iSCSI LUN: The NAS supports the creation of multiple iSCSI Logical Unit Numbers (LUNs), which are logical disks presented to the iSCSI initiators.
    3. Thin Provisioning: The NAS supports thin provisioning for iSCSI LUNs, allowing efficient utilization of storage capacity by allocating space on-demand as data is written.
    4. MPIO (Multipath Input/Output): The NAS supports MPIO for iSCSI, enabling redundant paths between the NAS and the iSCSI initiators for increased availability and performance.
    5. CHAP Authentication: The NAS supports CHAP (Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol) authentication for secure communication between the iSCSI initiators and the NAS.
    6. LUN Mapping: The NAS allows flexible mapping of iSCSI LUNs to specific iSCSI initiators or groups, providing granular control over access to the storage.
    7. Snapshot: The NAS supports snapshot technology for iSCSI LUNs, allowing point-in-time copies of the LUNs for data protection and recovery purposes.
    8. Thin Clone: The NAS supports thin cloning for iSCSI LUNs, enabling the creation of instant clones of LUNs without consuming additional storage space until changes are made to the cloned data.
    9. LUN Masking: The NAS supports LUN masking, which allows administrators to control which iSCSI initiators have access to specific LUNs.
    10. LUN Backup: The NAS provides backup and restore features for iSCSI LUNs, allowing administrators to easily protect and recover data.

    These are some of the features and capabilities provided by the Qsan XCubeNAS XN8012S for iSCSI implementation.

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