Recovering Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 RAID Arrays: Challenges of Component Wear

Recovering data from ⭐ NAS RAID arrays after natural component wear is possible with the right tools.

Recovering Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 RAID Arrays: Challenges of Component Wear

Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 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 DS1517+ / DS1517.

Recovering Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 RAID Arrays: Challenges of 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 data fragmentation impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 devices?

Data fragmentation can impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 devices in the following ways:

  1. Reduced Performance: Fragmented data can lead to decreased read and write speeds on the NAS device. This can result in slower access to files and applications, affecting overall productivity and user experience.
  2. Increased Disk Wear: Fragmented data requires more disk operations to retrieve or write files, leading to increased wear and tear on the hard drives. This can potentially shorten the lifespan of the drives and increase the risk of data loss due to hardware failure.
  3. Data Loss Risk: Fragmentation can increase the risk of data loss, especially in cases where the file system becomes corrupted or files are overwritten due to fragmented blocks of data. If the file system is unable to locate all the fragments of a file, it may result in permanent data loss.
  4. Difficulty in Data Recovery: Fragmented data can make data recovery more challenging in case of accidental deletion or drive failure. Fragmented files may be scattered across different areas of the disk, making it harder to retrieve the complete file.
  5. Reduced Storage Efficiency: Fragmentation can also impact storage efficiency on the NAS device. Fragmented data takes up more space on the disks as it is stored in non-contiguous blocks. This can lead to wasted disk space and reduce the overall storage capacity available for other files and applications.

To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to regularly defragment the data on NAS Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 devices. Defragmentation rearranges fragmented data blocks, optimizing disk performance, and reducing the chances of data loss. Additionally, implementing regular backups and RAID configurations can provide an extra layer of protection against data loss.

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

Although NAS DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 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 DS1517+ / DS1517. 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 DS1517+ / DS1517 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 DS1517+ / DS1517 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 DS1517+ / DS1517, 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

  • What is DLNA and how does it work?

    DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance. It is a set of industry standards that allow devices such as smartphones, tablets, TVs, and computers to share media content over a home network. DLNA enables seamless sharing and streaming of photos, videos, and music between different devices within the same network.

    DLNA works by establishing a connection between DLNA-certified devices using a home network, typically through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The devices communicate with each other using a common language, known as the DLNA protocol. This protocol enables devices to discover and connect to each other, allowing them to share and stream media content.

    When a DLNA-certified device, such as a smartphone, wants to share media content, it broadcasts its availability on the network. Other DLNA-certified devices can then discover and access this content. For example, a DLNA-certified TV can access photos stored on a DLNA-certified smartphone and display them on the TV screen.

    DLNA also supports media streaming, where media content is streamed from one device to another. For instance, a DLNA-certified computer can stream a video to a DLNA-certified TV, allowing the user to watch the video on a larger screen.

    DLNA ensures compatibility and interoperability between different devices from various manufacturers, as long as they adhere to the DLNA standards. This makes it easier for users to access and enjoy their media content across multiple devices in their home network.

  • How does a NAS Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 utilize DLNA protocol?

    The Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 can utilize the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) protocol in the following ways:

    1. Media Server: The NAS can act as a DLNA media server, allowing you to store and share your multimedia content such as photos, videos, and music. You can organize your media files into different folders on the NAS and then access them from DLNA-compatible devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, or media players.
    2. DLNA Certified: The DS1517+ / DS1517 is DLNA certified, which ensures compatibility with other DLNA devices. This means you can seamlessly stream media content from your NAS to other DLNA-certified devices on your network without any compatibility issues.
    3. Transcoding: The NAS also supports media transcoding, which means it can convert media files into different formats on-the-fly. This feature is particularly useful when streaming media to devices that may not support certain file formats or codecs. The DS1517+ / DS1517 can transcode videos or audio files into formats that are compatible with your DLNA devices, ensuring smooth playback.
    4. DLNA Control: Synology provides a DLNA control point application called "DS audio" for mobile devices. This app allows you to browse and control the media playback on DLNA devices connected to your NAS. You can select media files, create playlists, and control playback options directly from your smartphone or tablet.

    By utilizing the DLNA protocol, the Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 provides an easy and convenient way to access and stream your media content across different devices in your home network.

  • What are the benefits and features of DLNA in a Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 NAS?

    The Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 NAS supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), which is a set of standards that allows devices to share media files over a network. Here are the benefits and features of DLNA in the Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 NAS:

    1. Media Streaming: DLNA enables the NAS to stream media files such as photos, videos, and music to DLNA-enabled devices like smart TVs, game consoles, and media players. This allows you to access and enjoy your media collection on different devices throughout your home.
    2. Easy Setup: The DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 NAS comes with built-in DLNA server software, making it easy to set up and configure DLNA streaming. You can simply enable the DLNA server and start streaming media files without any additional software or complicated setup.
    3. Multi-Zone Streaming: DLNA supports multi-zone streaming, allowing you to stream different media files to multiple devices simultaneously. This means you can watch a movie in the living room while someone else listens to music in another room, all from the same NAS.
    4. Media Organization: The DLNA server in the DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 NAS organizes your media files into categories like movies, TV shows, music, and photos. This makes it easier to navigate and find the media you want to stream.
    5. Transcoding: The NAS supports on-the-fly transcoding of media files. This means that if a device doesn't support the file format or codec of a media file, the NAS can convert it into a compatible format in real-time. This ensures smooth playback on any DLNA-enabled device.
    6. Remote Access: With DLNA, you can access and stream your media files remotely over the internet. This allows you to enjoy your media collection even when you are away from home, as long as you have an internet connection.
    7. Mobile Apps: Synology offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices that support DLNA streaming. These apps allow you to browse and stream media files from your DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 NAS to your mobile devices, providing a convenient way to access your media on the go.

    Overall, DLNA support in the Synology DiskStation DS1517+ / DS1517 NAS enhances the multimedia capabilities of the NAS, allowing you to easily stream and enjoy your media files on various devices within your home network.

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