What to Do When Your NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Guide

Has your NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 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?

What to Do When Your NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Guide
Data Recovery Tool

Thecus TopTower N6850 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 TopTower N6850. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

What to Do When Your NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 RAID Array Breaks: Recovery Guide

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.

Is there a risk of data loss if a NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 device is physically damaged or stolen?

Yes, there is a risk of data loss if a NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 device is physically damaged or stolen. If the device is physically damaged, the hard drives inside may become inaccessible or corrupted, resulting in data loss. Similarly, if the device is stolen, the data stored on the NAS can be compromised or lost entirely. It is important to regularly back up the data on the NAS to an offsite location or cloud storage to mitigate the risk of data loss in such situations.

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

Although the NAS TopTower N6850 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 TopTower N6850. 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

TopTower N6850 has 6 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 TopTower N6850 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 TopTower N6850, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Shaun Soulsby
    Shaun Soulsby 13.09.2023 23:56 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 device if the device is experiencing slow performance or file access issues?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 00:59 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS device like Thecus TopTower N6850 even if it is experiencing slow performance or file access issues. Here are a few steps you can take to recover the data:

      1. Check the network connectivity: Make sure the NAS device is properly connected to the network and there are no network issues causing slow performance or file access problems.
      2. Update firmware: Ensure that the NAS device's firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that can address performance and stability issues.
      3. Restart the NAS device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary performance issues. Try restarting the NAS device and see if the problem persists.
      4. Check for hardware issues: If the NAS device has been physically damaged or there are hardware issues, it could affect performance and data access. Check for any visible damage or contact the manufacturer for troubleshooting steps.
      5. Use diagnostic tools: Many NAS devices come with diagnostic tools that can help identify and resolve performance issues. Check the manufacturer's website or user manual for any available tools.
      6. Contact technical support: If you are unable to resolve the issues on your own, it is recommended to contact the technical support of Thecus or the manufacturer of the NAS device. They can provide specific guidance and assistance based on the device model and the nature of the problem.

      If all else fails and you are unable to access the data directly from the NAS device, you may need to seek professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering data from various storage devices, including NAS devices, even in cases of severe damage or data corruption.

      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

  • How does the NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 handle torrent downloads and what are the standard features available for this operation?

    The NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 has built-in support for torrent downloads through its integrated BitTorrent client. It offers several standard features for torrent downloads, including:

    1. Web-based Torrent Client: The NAS has a web-based interface that allows you to manage and control your torrent downloads from any device with a web browser. This means you can start, stop, and monitor your downloads remotely.
    2. Multiple Torrent Downloads: The N6850 supports downloading multiple torrents simultaneously. You can add and manage multiple torrent files or magnet links at the same time.
    3. Download Scheduling: The NAS allows you to schedule torrent downloads, so you can set specific times for downloading to take advantage of off-peak hours or to avoid network congestion.
    4. Bandwidth Management: Thecus N6850 provides bandwidth management options, allowing you to prioritize or limit the download/upload speeds for torrent downloads. This ensures that other network activities are not adversely affected.
    5. Download Management: The NAS offers features like download queuing, prioritization, and automatic re-seeding. You can prioritize certain downloads over others and automatically re-seed completed torrents to maintain a good sharing ratio.
    6. RSS Feeds and Automatic Downloads: The N6850 supports RSS feeds, allowing you to subscribe to your favorite torrent sites or trackers. You can set up automatic downloads based on specific keywords or filters, so new torrents matching your criteria will be downloaded automatically.
    7. Download Notifications: The NAS can send email notifications or push notifications to your mobile devices when a torrent download completes or encounters an error.

    It's worth noting that the specific features and capabilities of the torrent client may vary depending on the firmware version and any additional plugins or modules installed on the NAS.

  • Can you explain the process of setting up and configuring torrent downloads on the NAS Thecus TopTower N6850?

    To set up and configure torrent downloads on Thecus TopTower N6850 NAS, you can follow these steps:

    1. Access the NAS web interface: Open a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of your NAS in the address bar. Login with your admin credentials.
    2. Enable the BitTorrent module: In the web interface, go to "Applications" or "Module Management" and find the BitTorrent module. Enable it by checking the box next to it.
    3. Configure download settings: Once the BitTorrent module is enabled, click on its icon or navigate to its settings page. Here, you can configure various settings such as download folder, maximum download/upload speeds, port settings, etc.
    4. Add a torrent task: In the BitTorrent module, you will find an option to add a new torrent task. Click on it and either upload a .torrent file or provide a magnet link to start the download.
    5. Monitor and manage downloads: The NAS will start downloading the torrent files based on the provided settings. You can monitor the progress, pause/resume downloads, and manage the downloaded files from the BitTorrent module interface.
    6. Set up remote access (optional): If you want to access and manage the downloads remotely, you may need to set up port forwarding on your router and configure dynamic DNS (DDNS) on your NAS. This will allow you to access the NAS and its BitTorrent module from outside your local network.

    Note: It's important to ensure that you are downloading torrents legally and responsibly, respecting copyright laws and intellectual property rights.

  • What are the advantages and limitations of using the NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 for torrent downloads compared to other similar devices on the market?

    Advantages of using the NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 for torrent downloads:

    1. High Storage Capacity: The Thecus TopTower N6850 offers a large storage capacity, allowing you to download and store a vast amount of torrent files.
    2. Fast Download Speeds: The device is equipped with a powerful processor and ample RAM, enabling it to handle multiple torrent downloads simultaneously at high speeds.
    3. Dedicated Torrent Client: The Thecus TopTower N6850 comes with a built-in torrent client, eliminating the need for a separate computer or software to manage torrent downloads.
    4. Data Security: The NAS offers RAID configurations, ensuring data redundancy and protection against drive failures. It also supports encryption for added security.
    5. Remote Access and Management: The Thecus TopTower N6850 allows you to access and manage your torrent downloads remotely using mobile apps or web interfaces, providing convenience and flexibility.

    Limitations of using the NAS Thecus TopTower N6850 for torrent downloads:

    1. Cost: The Thecus TopTower N6850 may be more expensive compared to other similar devices on the market, making it less accessible for users on a tight budget.
    2. Complex Setup: Setting up the NAS and configuring the torrent client might require some technical knowledge, which could be challenging for beginners.
    3. Limited Software Support: The Thecus TopTower N6850 runs on ThecusOS, which may have a smaller community and fewer software updates compared to more popular NAS operating systems like QNAP's QTS or Synology's DiskStation Manager.
    4. Limited Expandability: While the Thecus TopTower N6850 offers a decent storage capacity, it may not be as easily expandable as other NAS devices with more expansion bays or options for adding external storage.
    5. Power Consumption: The NAS device consumes power continuously, even when idle, which could lead to higher electricity costs compared to downloading torrents on a regular computer that can be turned off when not in use.
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