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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology DiskStation DS1512+
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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

Although the NAS DiskStation DS1512+ 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology DiskStation DS1512+. 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.

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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);

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison