How to Back Up from QNAP to Object Storage

This tutorial was created using a QNAP TS-x73A, so if you use a different model there may be minor variations.

Backing up your QNAP to an Object Storage bucket gives you an off-site, reliable, low-cost copy aligned with a continuity plan. This method uses HBS 3 with a Storage Space Plenit: first you create the space with your keys, and then you set up the backup job.

The process starts in the Plenit panel (keys and bucket) and is completed in HBS 3.

👍 What you get

A backup copy of the folders you choose from your QNAP stored in an Object Storage bucket, using a Plenit Storage Space in HBS 3.

📘 Two ways to do the backup

This How-to uses the Storage Space Plenit HBS 3 S3 Compatible by manually entering the endpoint, in How to make a manual backup with S3 Compatible. Both back up to a bucket; choose the one you prefer or the one that is most convenient on your NAS.

Before you start

• Access the administration panel at admin.plenit.com with permissions for the service.
• Have an Object Storagesubscription. If you don't have one yet, set it up with the Object Storage Quick Start.
• Have the QNAP NAS up and running, with Internet access and administrator permissions.

📘 About the model and version

This procedure was done with a QNAP TS-x73A and is valid for QTS and QuTS hero; depending on the model and version, some menus may vary. If your QNAP does not have HBS 3, install it from the App Center.

Step 1. Get the bucket name and keys in the panel

In admin.plenit.com, go to Cloud Services → Object Storage and enter the subscription. You need:

• The bucket name: in the Buckettab, field My bucket.
• The access keys: in the Users, select the user, open their (… ) menu and click Keys. Copy the Access Key and the Secret Key.

{/* 📸 CAPTURE 1 · Bucket (My bucket) and Users › menu (…) › Keys */}

Bucket name and keys in the panel

🚧 Keep the Secret Key safe

The Secret Key is sensitive: treat it like a password. You will need it to create the Storage Space in the next step.

Step 2. Create the Storage Space in HBS 3

On the QNAP, open HBS 3. Go to Storage Spaces, click Create and choose Plenit. In the creation window:

• Give the Storage Space a name .
• Enter the keys (Access Key and Secret Key).
• Uncheck proxy use.

Click Create. To verify it, select the newly created Storage Space; if you need to change anything, edit it.

{/* 📸 CAPTURE 2 · Storage Spaces › Create › Plenit · name, keys, proxy unchecked */}

Creating the Plenit Storage Space in HBS 3

Step 3. Create the backup job

Go to Backup and restore, expand Back up now menu and click Back up now. Select the QNAP folders you want to back up and click Next.

{/* 📸 CAPTURE 3 · Backup and restore › Back up now · source selection */}

Backup source selection

Step 4. Choose the destination: Storage Space, bucket and Multipart

As the destination, select Plenit, which shows the Storage Space you created (if you have several, choose the correct one) and click Select. Then specify the Bucket Name (the one from Step 1) and the Multipart, which is best left at 5 MB. Click Select.

{/* 📸 CAPTURE 4 · destination · Storage Space, Bucket Name and Multipart 5 MB */}

Destination, bucket and Multipart selection

🚧 Lower Multipart, fewer errors

Multipart is the size of the upload blocks. The larger it is, the more likely a transfer is to fail, so the recommended value is the lowest one, 5 MB.

Also, if the Bucket Name is not accepted the first time, enter it again: sometimes you have to type it a couple of times because of network issues.

Step 5. Choose the destination folder inside the bucket

Select the part of the bucket where the backup will be stored. If needed, create a new directory. Click Ok and, after checking that the selection is correct, Next.

{/* 📸 CAPTURE 5 · destination folder inside the bucket */}

Destination folder inside the bucket

Step 6. Schedule, adjust rules and launch

In the scheduling options you can schedule the task or, for an immediate copy, check Back up Now, and click Next. Define any exceptions you want and click Next to launch the copy. You will see the progress as a percentage and, when it finishes successfully, a Success.

{/* 📸 CAPTURE 6 · scheduling/rules and Success result */}

Backup launch and successful result

👍 How to know it worked

HBS 3 shows the message Success when it finishes, and the backed-up files from the QNAP appear in your bucket structure.

Conclusion

This backup method relies on a Plenit Storage Space: you create it once with your keys and, from then on, backup jobs from Backup and restore are quick to set up.

Two details help ensure a good result: leave Multipart at 5 MB to minimize upload errors, and re-enter the Bucket Name if it is not accepted the first time.

With the copy in the bucket, you have the off-site backup that a good continuity plan needs.