RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N8800SAS: How to Recover Data After It Breaks

Has your NAS Thecus N8800SAS 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 N8800SAS: How to Recover Data After It Breaks

Thecus N8800SAS 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 N8800SAS. 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 N8800SAS: How to Recover Data After It Breaks

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 frequently should data be backed up to prevent loss on NAS Thecus N8800SAS devices?

To prevent data loss on NAS Thecus N8800SAS devices, it is recommended to back up the data regularly. The frequency of backups depends on the importance and criticality of the data, as well as the frequency of changes or updates to the data.

For critical data that is frequently updated, a daily backup schedule is typically recommended. This ensures that any changes made during the day are backed up and can be easily restored if needed.

For less critical data or data that doesn't change frequently, a weekly or monthly backup schedule may be sufficient. However, it is important to consider the potential impact of data loss and determine an appropriate backup frequency based on your specific needs.

Additionally, it is advisable to follow the 3-2-1 backup strategy, which involves having at least three copies of your data, stored on two different types of media, with one copy stored off-site or in the cloud. This provides an extra layer of protection against data loss.

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

Although the NAS N8800SAS 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 N8800SAS. 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

N8800SAS has 8 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 N8800SAS 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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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 N8800SAS, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Bubba Rathbone
    Bubba Rathbone 13.09.2023 03:56 #
    Are there any specific firmware updates or patches recommended for data recovery from NAS Thecus N8800SAS devices?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 13.09.2023 04:15 #

      I apologize, but I don't have access to specific firmware update information for Thecus N8800SAS devices. It is recommended to visit Thecus' official website or contact their customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding firmware updates or patches for data recovery purposes.

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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 steps to remotely access files on the NAS Thecus N8800SAS from a remote location?

    To remotely access files on the Thecus N8800SAS NAS from a remote location, you can follow these steps:

    1. Ensure the NAS is connected to the internet: Connect the NAS to your network router using an Ethernet cable and make sure it has internet access.
    2. Configure port forwarding on your router: Access your router's settings and set up port forwarding to forward the necessary ports (usually 80 for HTTP and 443 for HTTPS) to the local IP address of your NAS. This allows external access to the NAS.
    3. Set up a static IP address for the NAS: Assign a static IP address to your NAS within your local network. This ensures that the NAS always has the same IP address, making it easier to connect remotely.
    4. Enable remote access on the NAS: Access the NAS administration interface through a web browser by entering its IP address. Go to the settings or network configuration section and enable remote access or remote management. Set up a username and password for remote access.
    5. Configure DDNS (Dynamic DNS): If your internet service provider assigns you a dynamic IP address (which changes periodically), you need to set up DDNS. DDNS allows you to access your NAS using a domain name instead of an IP address. Register for a free DDNS service and configure it on your NAS.
    6. Configure SSL/TLS certificate (optional): To enhance security, you can obtain and install an SSL/TLS certificate on your NAS. This ensures that the data transferred between your remote device and the NAS is encrypted.
    7. Set up VPN (optional): For an additional layer of security, you can set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your NAS. This allows you to establish a secure connection to your local network before accessing the NAS remotely.
    8. Access the NAS remotely: Open a web browser on your remote device and enter the DDNS domain name or the static IP address of your NAS. You should be prompted to enter your username and password. Once logged in, you can access and manage your files on the NAS from anywhere.

    Note: The exact steps and options may vary depending on the firmware version and specific configuration of your Thecus N8800SAS NAS. It is recommended to consult the NAS user manual or Thecus support for detailed instructions.

  • What are the security measures in place to ensure safe file access on the NAS Thecus N8800SAS from a remote location?

    The Thecus N8800SAS NAS device provides several security measures to ensure safe file access from a remote location. Some of these measures include:

    1. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS): The NAS supports SSL and TLS encryption protocols to secure data transmission over the network. This ensures that the data sent between the remote location and the NAS is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
    2. Virtual Private Network (VPN) support: The NAS supports VPN connections, allowing users to establish a secure and encrypted tunnel between their remote location and the NAS. This ensures that all file access and data transmission occurs within a secure network environment.
    3. Access Control: The NAS has robust access control mechanisms that allow administrators to define user permissions and access rights. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific files and folders remotely.
    4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The Thecus NAS supports two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to the login process. Users are required to provide a combination of something they know (password) and something they have (a unique code generated by a mobile app or hardware token) to gain access to the NAS remotely.
    5. Firewall and IP blocking: The NAS has built-in firewall capabilities to protect against unauthorized access attempts. It can also block specific IP addresses or IP ranges that are deemed suspicious or malicious.
    6. Encrypted File System: The Thecus N8800SAS supports encrypted file systems, such as AES 256-bit encryption, to secure the data stored on the NAS. This ensures that even if the physical drives are stolen, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible without the encryption key.
    7. Audit Logs and Alerts: The NAS keeps detailed audit logs of user activities and provides alert notifications for any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts. This allows administrators to monitor and investigate any security incidents.

    It is important to note that while the Thecus N8800SAS provides these security measures, it is also crucial for users to follow best practices, such as using strong passwords, regularly updating firmware, and keeping backups of important data, to ensure the overall security of the NAS.

  • Are there any limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Thecus N8800SAS from a remote location, such as file size or transfer speed?

    There may be limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Thecus N8800SAS from a remote location. Some potential limitations could include:

    1. File size: The NAS may have a maximum file size limit for remote access. This limit could be set by the NAS firmware or the file system used on the NAS. For example, if the NAS uses the FAT32 file system, the maximum file size limit would be 4GB.
    2. Transfer speed: The transfer speed of files from a remote location to the NAS depends on various factors such as the internet connection speed, network congestion, and the NAS's own processing power. If the internet connection speed is slow, it may affect the transfer speed.
    3. Bandwidth limitations: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) may impose bandwidth limitations or throttle the connection speed for certain types of data transfers, especially for large file transfers. This can impact the transfer speed when accessing files remotely.
    4. Network latency: Accessing files remotely introduces network latency, which is the delay in data transmission over the network. This latency can affect the overall speed and responsiveness when accessing files on the NAS.

    It is recommended to consult the user manual or contact Thecus support for specific limitations or restrictions related to the NAS Thecus N8800SAS when accessing files remotely.