How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS Thecus N16850 and Recover Deleted Files Effectively

Has your NAS Thecus N16850 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?

How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS Thecus N16850 and Recover Deleted Files Effectively
Data Recovery Tool

Thecus N16850 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 N16850. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS Thecus N16850 and Recover Deleted Files Effectively

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 Thecus 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 storage tiering or caching strategies impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Thecus N16850 devices?

Storage tiering and caching strategies can have a significant impact on data availability and potential loss on NAS Thecus N16850 devices. Here are a few ways in which these strategies can affect data availability and potential loss:

  1. Improved Performance: Storage tiering and caching strategies can improve the overall performance of the NAS device by ensuring that frequently accessed data is readily available in the faster storage tiers or cache. This can enhance data availability as users can access their data quickly without any noticeable delays.
  2. Reduced Latency: By utilizing caching techniques, frequently accessed data can be stored in the cache, which resides in faster storage media such as solid-state drives (SSDs). This reduces the latency in retrieving data, ensuring faster access and improved data availability.
  3. Increased Fault Tolerance: Some storage tiering strategies involve redundancy by replicating data across multiple storage tiers. This redundancy can enhance fault tolerance and data availability. In the event of a drive failure, the redundant copies of data can be used to ensure that the data remains accessible.
  4. Data Loss Risks: However, there are potential risks associated with storage tiering and caching strategies. If data is primarily stored in the cache or faster storage tiers and not adequately backed up, there is a risk of data loss in case of a cache failure or storage tier failure. It is crucial to implement appropriate backup and disaster recovery measures to mitigate these risks.
  5. Data Placement Policies: The effectiveness of storage tiering and caching strategies depends on the data placement policies employed. If the policies are not well-optimized or if the data is not correctly classified based on access patterns, it may result in suboptimal performance or limited data availability.

To ensure data availability and mitigate potential loss, it is essential to carefully plan and implement storage tiering and caching strategies, consider redundancy and fault tolerance mechanisms, regularly backup critical data, and monitor the health and performance of the NAS device.

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

Although the NAS N16850 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 Thecus N16850. 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 Thecus

How to recover data from a Thecus

N16850 has 16 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • RAID 10;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • EXT3;
  • EXT4;
  • XFS;

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 Thecus N16850 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux 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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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 N16850, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Robert Baker
    Robert Baker 13.09.2023 11:56 #
    How to eject hard drives from NAS Thecus N16850 and connect them to Windows?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 13.09.2023 13:00 #

      To eject hard drives from a Thecus N16850 NAS and connect them to a Windows computer, follow these steps:

      1. Ensure that the NAS is powered off and disconnected from the power source.
      2. Open the front panel of the NAS by unlocking and sliding it down.
      3. Locate the hard drive(s) you want to eject. Each drive is typically labeled with a number.
      4. Gently push the lever or button associated with the drive you want to eject. This will release the drive from its slot.
      5. Carefully pull the drive out of the NAS.

      To connect the ejected hard drive(s) to a Windows computer:

      1. Ensure that the Windows computer is powered off.
      2. Identify the type of connection for the hard drive(s). The Thecus N16850 NAS typically uses SATA connections.
      3. If the hard drive(s) use SATA connections, you can connect them directly to the SATA ports on your Windows computer's motherboard. If your computer does not have enough SATA ports, you may need to use a SATA-to-USB adapter to connect the drives via USB.
      4. Connect the SATA cable from the hard drive(s) to the appropriate SATA port on your computer's motherboard or the SATA-to-USB adapter.
      5. If using a SATA-to-USB adapter, connect the USB end of the adapter to an available USB port on your computer.
      6. Once the hard drive(s) are connected, close the computer case if necessary.
      7. Power on your Windows computer.
      8. Windows should automatically detect the connected hard drive(s) and assign drive letters to them.
      9. Open File Explorer on your Windows computer to access the connected hard drive(s) and manage the files as needed.

      Remember to handle the hard drives with care and avoid touching the exposed circuitry or any sensitive components.

      Reply
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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 capabilities of the NAS Thecus N16850 that make it suitable for centralized photo management?

    The Thecus N16850 NAS has several key features and capabilities that make it suitable for centralized photo management:

    1. High Storage Capacity: The N16850 is a 16-bay NAS, offering a large storage capacity to store a vast number of photos.
    2. RAID Support: It supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. RAID provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures, ensuring the safety of your photos.
    3. High-Speed Data Transfer: The NAS supports multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed data transfer between the NAS and other devices on the network.
    4. Powerful Processor and RAM: The N16850 is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon E3-1231v3 Quad-Core processor and 8GB DDR3 ECC RAM (expandable up to 32GB). This ensures smooth and efficient photo management, even with large collections.
    5. Advanced File System Support: It supports various file systems like EXT3, EXT4, Btrfs, and XFS. These file systems offer advanced features like data integrity, snapshots, and efficient storage utilization.
    6. Web-based Photo Management: The NAS comes with a web-based management interface that allows you to easily organize, categorize, and manage your photo collection. You can create albums, tag photos, and perform basic editing tasks.
    7. Remote Access and Sharing: The N16850 supports remote access and sharing, allowing you to access your photos from anywhere using mobile apps or web browsers. You can also share specific albums or photos with others securely.
    8. Backup and Sync: It offers various backup and synchronization options, including scheduled backups, cloud backups, and syncing with other devices or cloud storage services. This ensures the safety and availability of your photos.
    9. Expandability and Scalability: The N16850 supports expansion units, allowing you to increase the storage capacity as your photo collection grows. It also supports iSCSI, enabling you to expand the NAS storage to other devices if needed.
    10. Data Protection and Security: The NAS provides multiple data protection features like AES 256-bit encryption, antivirus software integration, and IP blocking. It ensures the security and privacy of your photo collection.

    Overall, the high storage capacity, advanced features, and robust performance of the Thecus N16850 make it a suitable choice for centralized photo management, especially for professional photographers or users with extensive photo collections.

  • How does the NAS Thecus N16850 streamline the process of organizing, storing, and accessing a large collection of photos for individuals or businesses?

    The NAS Thecus N16850 offers several features that streamline the process of organizing, storing, and accessing a large collection of photos for individuals or businesses:

    1. High Storage Capacity: The N16850 provides a large storage capacity, allowing users to store a vast number of photos in one central location. With support for up to 16 hard drives, it offers ample space to accommodate even the largest photo collections.
    2. RAID Support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD. RAID provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures, ensuring that photos are safe and accessible even if a drive fails.
    3. Centralized Storage and Organization: The N16850 acts as a central repository for all photos, eliminating the need to store them on multiple devices. This centralization simplifies organization and allows for easy searching, sorting, and categorizing of photos.
    4. User-friendly Interface: The NAS comes with an intuitive web-based interface that makes it easy to manage and organize photos. Users can create folders, tag images, and add metadata to facilitate efficient searching and retrieval.
    5. Remote Access and Sharing: The N16850 enables remote access to the stored photos, allowing users to access their collection from anywhere using mobile devices or computers. It also supports secure sharing of photos with specific individuals or groups, making it convenient for businesses to collaborate and share images with clients or team members.
    6. Automatic Backup and Sync: The NAS offers various backup options, including scheduled backups and real-time syncing. This ensures that photos are regularly backed up and protected against data loss.
    7. Multimedia Capabilities: The N16850 is equipped with multimedia server features, allowing users to view and stream photos directly to compatible devices such as smart TVs or media players. This makes it easy to showcase photos on a larger screen or share them during presentations.

    Overall, the NAS Thecus N16850 simplifies the process of managing a large collection of photos by providing a robust storage solution, efficient organization tools, remote accessibility, and backup capabilities. It caters to the needs of both individuals and businesses, enhancing productivity and ensuring the safety and accessibility of valuable photo collections.

  • Can you provide examples of how the NAS Thecus N16850 has been successfully used by photographers or photography studios for efficient photo management and collaboration?

    While I couldn't find specific examples of photographers or photography studios using the NAS Thecus N16850, I can provide you with potential use cases and features that make it suitable for efficient photo management and collaboration:

    1. Centralized Storage: The Thecus N16850 offers a large storage capacity, allowing photographers to store and organize their extensive photo libraries in one centralized location. This ensures easy access and efficient management of files.
    2. RAID Support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. RAID provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures, which is crucial for safeguarding valuable photo collections.
    3. High-Speed Data Transfer: With multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports and optional 10GbE connectivity, the N16850 offers fast data transfer speeds. This is beneficial when transferring large photo files or collaborating on projects with team members.
    4. Remote Access and Sharing: The NAS provides remote access capabilities, allowing photographers to access their files from anywhere. This feature is useful when working on-location or when collaborating with clients or team members who are not physically present.
    5. File Collaboration and Versioning: The Thecus N16850 supports file collaboration features, such as shared folders and permissions. This enables photographers and their teams to work collaboratively on projects, share files, and manage access rights. Additionally, versioning ensures that previous versions of files are saved, allowing easy retrieval and tracking of changes.
    6. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The NAS offers various backup options, including scheduled backups, snapshot technology, and integration with cloud storage services. These features help photographers protect their work by creating redundant copies and ensuring data recovery in the event of hardware failures or accidents.
    7. Media Server Capabilities: The Thecus N16850 can function as a media server, allowing photographers to stream their photos or videos directly to compatible devices, such as smart TVs or mobile devices. This feature is useful for showcasing work to clients or displaying portfolios.

    While these are general benefits and features of the Thecus N16850, they illustrate how the NAS can be utilized by photographers or photography studios for efficient photo management and collaboration.
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