Recovering Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS1512+ RAID Arrays: Overcoming Component Wear

Recovering data from ⭐ NAS RAID arrays affected by natural component wear: a comprehensive guide.

Recovering Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS1512+ RAID Arrays: Overcoming Component Wear

Synology DiskStation DS1512+ NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from DiskStation DS1512+.

Recovering Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS1512+ RAID Arrays: Overcoming Component Wear

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Synology also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

How can user authentication methods impact data loss risks for NAS Synology DiskStation DS1512+ devices?

User authentication methods can have a significant impact on data loss risks for NAS Synology DiskStation DS1512+ devices. Here are a few ways in which user authentication methods can help mitigate data loss risks:

  1. Strong Password Policies: Implementing strong password policies, such as requiring complex passwords and regular password changes, can help prevent unauthorized access to the device. This reduces the risk of data loss due to malicious actors gaining access to the NAS.
  2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of security to the authentication process. Users will need to provide a second form of authentication, such as a code generated by a mobile app or a physical token, in addition to their password. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if the password is compromised.
  3. Account Lockout Policies: Implementing account lockout policies can help prevent brute force attacks on user accounts. After a certain number of failed login attempts, the account can be locked, preventing further login attempts. This helps protect against unauthorized access and reduces the risk of data loss.
  4. Role-based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC allows administrators to assign specific permissions and access levels to different user roles. By granting users only the necessary privileges required for their tasks, the risk of accidental or intentional data loss due to unauthorized actions is reduced.
  5. Audit Logs and Monitoring: Enabling audit logs and monitoring user activities can help detect any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts. By regularly reviewing these logs, administrators can identify and respond to potential security threats before they result in data loss.

By implementing strong user authentication methods and following best practices, the risk of data loss for NAS Synology DiskStation DS1512+ devices can be significantly reduced.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS DiskStation DS1512+ can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

  1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

    WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

  2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology DiskStation DS1512+. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Synology

How to recover data from a Synology

DiskStation DS1512+ has 5 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR);
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 10;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 0;
  • Basic;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Btrfs;
  • EXT4;
  • EXT3 (External Disk Only);
  • FAT32 (External Disk Only);
  • exFAT (External Disk Only);
  • NTFS (External Disk Only);
  • HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Loss resulting from bad sectors;
  • User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Synology DiskStation DS1512+ network-attached storage keeps DSM (DiskStation Manager) 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Product Operating system License type RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 200 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 1,000 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Free Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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  • 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 DiskStation DS1512+, feel free to leave a comment!
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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 RAID technology enhance the data storage capabilities of the Synology DiskStation DS1512+ NAS device?

    RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology enhances the data storage capabilities of the Synology DiskStation DS1512+ NAS device in several ways:

    1. Data Redundancy: RAID technology allows for the creation of redundant copies of data across multiple hard drives. In the DS1512+, various RAID levels such as RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10 can be configured. These RAID levels provide different levels of data redundancy, ensuring that even if one or more drives fail, the data remains accessible and intact.
    2. Increased Performance: By using multiple hard drives in a RAID array, the DS1512+ can distribute data across the drives, enabling parallel read and write operations. This improves the overall performance of the NAS device, allowing for faster data access and transfer speeds.
    3. Expandable Storage Capacity: The DS1512+ supports RAID expansion, which means additional hard drives can be added to the existing RAID array without losing any data. This allows for easy and seamless expansion of storage capacity as the needs of the user grow over time.
    4. Hot Swapping and Hot Spare: The DS1512+ supports hot swapping, which means that failed drives can be replaced without shutting down the system. Additionally, a hot spare drive can be configured to automatically replace a failed drive, ensuring continuous data availability without any manual intervention.
    5. Data Protection and Recovery: RAID technology provides data protection and recovery features. In case of a drive failure, the DS1512+ can rebuild the data from the remaining drives onto a replacement drive, minimizing the risk of data loss. RAID also offers options for data scrubbing and data consistency checks to maintain data integrity.

    Overall, RAID technology enhances the data storage capabilities of the Synology DiskStation DS1512+ NAS device by providing data redundancy, increased performance, expandable storage capacity, and data protection features.

  • What RAID configurations are supported by the Synology DiskStation DS1512+ and how do they impact data redundancy and performance?

    The Synology DiskStation DS1512+ supports several RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10.

    1. RAID 0: This configuration offers maximum performance and storage capacity but provides no data redundancy. It stripes data across multiple drives, improving read and write speeds. However, if one drive fails, all data is lost.
    2. RAID 1: This configuration provides data redundancy by mirroring data across two drives. It offers excellent data protection, as one drive can fail without any data loss. However, it sacrifices storage capacity, as only half of the total drives' capacity is usable.
    3. RAID 5: This configuration offers a good balance between storage capacity, performance, and data redundancy. It distributes data and parity information across multiple drives, allowing for continued operation even if one drive fails. However, it requires a minimum of three drives and reduces storage capacity by one drive's worth.
    4. RAID 6: Similar to RAID 5, RAID 6 distributes data and dual parity information across multiple drives. It provides higher data redundancy by allowing for the failure of two drives simultaneously. It requires a minimum of four drives and reduces storage capacity by two drives' worth.
    5. RAID 10: This configuration combines RAID 1 (mirroring) and RAID 0 (striping). It offers both data redundancy and improved performance. Data is mirrored across multiple pairs of drives, and then these pairs are striped for increased speed. It requires a minimum of four drives and reduces storage capacity by half.

    In summary, RAID configurations impact data redundancy and performance differently. RAID 0 provides maximum performance but no data redundancy. RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10 offer varying levels of data redundancy, with RAID 10 providing both redundancy and performance. The choice of RAID configuration depends on the desired balance between storage capacity, performance, and data protection.

  • Can the Synology DiskStation DS1512+ be used without RAID, and if so, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach compared to using RAID?

    Yes, the Synology DiskStation DS1512+ can be used without RAID. When using the DS1512+ without RAID, it is referred to as "JBOD" (Just a Bunch of Disks) mode. In this mode, each individual hard drive is treated as a separate volume, and data is stored across the drives independently.

    Advantages of using the DS1512+ without RAID (JBOD mode):

    1. Maximum storage capacity: Without RAID, you can utilize the entire capacity of each individual hard drive. This allows for maximum storage space, especially when using drives of different sizes.
    2. Flexibility: JBOD mode offers flexibility in terms of adding or removing drives. You can easily add or replace drives without affecting the data on other drives.
    3. No performance impact: In JBOD mode, there is no overhead for RAID calculations, so there is no impact on system performance.

    Disadvantages of using the DS1512+ without RAID:

    1. Lack of data redundancy: In RAID configurations, data is duplicated across multiple drives, providing redundancy and protection against drive failures. Without RAID, there is no data redundancy, meaning if a drive fails, you may lose the data stored on that drive.
    2. Increased risk of data loss: Since there is no redundancy, a single drive failure can result in data loss. It is crucial to have regular backups in place when using JBOD mode.
    3. Limited fault tolerance: In RAID configurations, certain RAID levels (such as RAID 1 or RAID 5) allow for continued operation even if one or more drives fail. In JBOD mode, if a drive fails, the entire volume on that drive will be inaccessible until the drive is replaced or repaired.

    Overall, using the DS1512+ without RAID (JBOD mode) can be beneficial for maximizing storage capacity and flexibility. However, it comes with the risk of data loss and lacks the fault tolerance provided by RAID configurations. It is important to assess your storage needs and consider the importance of data redundancy before deciding to use the DS1512+ without RAID.

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