RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2: What to Do When It Fails

Has your NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 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?

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2: What to Do When It Fails

Thecus N7700PRO v2 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 N7700PRO v2. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2: What to Do When It Fails

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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.

Can power outages or surges affect data stored in NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 devices?

Yes, power outages or surges can potentially affect data stored in NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices such as Thecus N7700PRO v2. During a power outage, if the NAS is not connected to a backup power source (like an uninterruptible power supply or UPS), the sudden loss of power can lead to an improper shutdown of the device. This improper shutdown can cause data corruption or loss.

Similarly, power surges can also damage the NAS hardware and potentially lead to data loss or corruption. Power surges occur when there is a sudden increase in electrical voltage, which can overload the electronic components of the NAS and cause them to fail.

To protect the data stored in NAS devices, it is recommended to use a UPS to provide backup power during outages and to use surge protectors to safeguard against power surges. Additionally, regularly backing up the data stored in the NAS to an external location or cloud storage can provide an extra layer of protection.

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

Although the NAS N7700PRO v2 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 N7700PRO v2. 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

N7700PRO v2 has 7 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • 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 N7700PRO v2 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

Feedback

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 N7700PRO v2, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Elijah Lilburne
    Elijah Lilburne 14.09.2023 01:41 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 device be done if the device is showing signs of disk or storage media errors?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 02:00 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 device can be attempted even if the device is showing signs of disk or storage media errors. However, it is important to note that the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the errors and the condition of the storage media.

      Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery:

      1. Identify the cause of the errors: Determine whether the errors are due to physical damage to the disks or logical errors within the NAS system.
      2. Assess the severity of the errors: If the errors are minor and limited to a few sectors, you can try using disk repair tools or software provided by Thecus to fix the errors. However, if the errors are severe or widespread, professional data recovery services may be required.
      3. Contact professional data recovery services: If the data on the NAS device is critical and you are unable to recover it using built-in tools, it is recommended to contact professional data recovery services. They have specialized equipment and expertise to handle complex data recovery scenarios.
      4. Avoid further damage: To prevent further damage to the storage media, it is advisable to avoid using the NAS device until the data recovery process is complete. Continued use may worsen the existing errors and reduce the chances of successful recovery.

      Remember, data recovery from a faulty NAS device can be a complex and time-consuming process. It is always recommended to have regular backups of your important data to mitigate the risk of data loss.

Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 that make it suitable for use as a database server?

    The Thecus N7700PRO v2 is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that offers several key features and capabilities that make it suitable for use as a database server:

    1. High storage capacity: The N7700PRO v2 supports up to seven hard drives, allowing for a large amount of data storage. This is crucial for a database server as it needs to store and manage large amounts of data.
    2. RAID support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and JBOD. RAID provides data redundancy and improves performance, ensuring data integrity and availability for the database server.
    3. Powerful hardware: The N7700PRO v2 is equipped with a powerful Intel Atom processor and up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM. This ensures efficient processing and handling of database operations, allowing for fast and responsive performance.
    4. Multiple network connectivity options: The NAS supports multiple network connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet and link aggregation. This allows for high-speed data transfer and ensures smooth and uninterrupted access to the database server.
    5. Data protection and backup: The N7700PRO v2 offers various data protection features such as snapshot support, AES 256-bit volume-based encryption, and multiple backup options including local backup, remote replication, and cloud backup. These features help to safeguard the database and ensure data integrity.
    6. Advanced management features: The NAS comes with a user-friendly web-based interface that allows for easy management and configuration of the database server. It also supports various protocols and services such as iSCSI, FTP, NFS, and SMB/CIFS, making it compatible with different database management systems.
    7. Scalability: The N7700PRO v2 supports expansion via its built-in PCIe slot, allowing for the addition of additional functionality or storage capacity as the database requirements grow.

    Overall, the combination of high storage capacity, RAID support, powerful hardware, network connectivity options, data protection features, advanced management capabilities, and scalability make the Thecus N7700PRO v2 suitable for use as a reliable and efficient database server.

  • How does the NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 ensure data security and reliability when used as a database server?

    The NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 ensures data security and reliability when used as a database server through various features and mechanisms:

    1. RAID Support: The N7700PRO v2 supports various RAID levels (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD), which provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures. RAID ensures that data is distributed across multiple drives and can be rebuilt in case of a drive failure.
    2. Data Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit encryption, which allows users to encrypt their data stored on the drives. This ensures that even if the drives are physically compromised, the data remains secure and unreadable without the encryption key.
    3. Snapshot Technology: Thecus NAS devices have snapshot technology that allows users to take point-in-time snapshots of their data. These snapshots can be used to restore data to a previous state in case of accidental deletions or data corruption.
    4. Data Backup and Replication: The N7700PRO v2 supports various backup and replication options. Users can schedule regular backups to external devices or cloud storage services to create additional copies of their data. Replication allows for real-time synchronization of data between multiple NAS devices, providing an additional layer of redundancy.
    5. User Access Control: The NAS provides robust user access control mechanisms, including user authentication, access permissions, and user groups. This ensures that only authorized users have access to the database and its associated data.
    6. Network Security: The N7700PRO v2 supports various network security protocols, such as HTTPS, FTPS, and IP blocking, to protect against unauthorized access and data interception.
    7. Power Protection: The NAS is equipped with a built-in power supply that provides protection against power surges and fluctuations. It also supports an optional battery backup unit (BBU) that can provide uninterrupted power supply (UPS) functionality during power outages, ensuring data integrity and preventing data loss.

    Overall, the combination of RAID support, data encryption, snapshot technology, backup and replication options, user access control, network security features, and power protection mechanisms ensures data security and reliability when using the NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 as a database server.

  • What are the performance benchmarks and scalability options of the NAS Thecus N7700PRO v2 when utilized as a database server, and how does it compare to other similar solutions in the market?

    The Thecus N7700PRO v2 is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that can be used as a database server. However, it is important to note that the performance benchmarks and scalability options can vary depending on various factors such as the database software being used, the workload, and the configuration of the NAS.

    In terms of performance, the Thecus N7700PRO v2 is equipped with a powerful Intel processor and can support up to 8GB of RAM. It also has multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed data transfer. These specifications enable it to handle moderate to heavy database workloads efficiently.

    Scalability options for the Thecus N7700PRO v2 include the ability to expand storage capacity by adding additional hard drives. It supports RAID configurations including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD, allowing for data redundancy and improved performance. Additionally, the NAS supports iSCSI, which enables it to be used as a storage target for virtualized environments.

    When comparing the Thecus N7700PRO v2 to other similar solutions in the market, it is important to consider factors such as price, performance, scalability, and reliability. Some other popular NAS devices that can be used as database servers include the Synology DS1819+, QNAP TS-1685, and Netgear ReadyNAS 628X. These devices offer similar features and performance capabilities, but the choice ultimately depends on specific requirements and budget.

    It is recommended to consult with a professional or conduct thorough research to determine the best solution for your specific needs and to compare the performance benchmarks and scalability options of different NAS devices when used as a database server.