Recovering Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS1520+ RAID Arrays: Dealing with Component Wear

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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.

Can the use of specific backup and recovery strategies help reduce potential data loss risks on NAS Synology DiskStation DS1520+ devices?

Yes, the use of specific backup and recovery strategies can help reduce potential data loss risks on NAS Synology DiskStation DS1520+ devices. Here are a few strategies that can be implemented:

1. Regular backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that important data is backed up frequently. This can be done using built-in backup features of the Synology DiskStation, such as Snapshot Replication, Hyper Backup, or Time Machine.
2. Offsite backups: Store backups in an offsite location to protect against physical damage or theft of the NAS device. This can be achieved by utilizing cloud backup services, remote replication to another Synology NAS, or by manually transferring backups to an external storage device kept offsite.
3. RAID configuration: Configure the Synology DiskStation with a suitable RAID level to provide data redundancy. This will help protect against data loss in case of a hard drive failure. Common RAID configurations include RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6.
4. Multiple disk redundancy: The DS1520+ supports the use of an expansion unit, allowing for additional hard drives to be added. By utilizing multiple disk redundancy, such as RAID 6, data can be protected even if two drives fail simultaneously.
5. Regular firmware updates: Keep the DiskStation's firmware up to date to ensure it has the latest security patches and bug fixes. This helps to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
6. Disaster recovery plan: Develop a disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of data loss or system failure. This plan should include details on how to restore data from backups, rebuild RAID arrays, and recover the system to a functional state.

By implementing these backup and recovery strategies, the risk of data loss on NAS Synology DiskStation DS1520+ devices can be significantly reduced.

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

Although NAS DiskStation DS1520+ 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology DiskStation DS1520+. 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.

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How to recover data from a Synology

DiskStation DS1520+ 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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Synology DiskStation DS1520+ 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