NAS Synology Diskstation DS101g+ / DS101 / DS101j RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Steps After Component Wear

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology Diskstation DS101g+ / DS101 / DS101j
• 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.

Are there any known issues or limitations when using NAS Synology Diskstation DS101g+ / DS101 / DS101j devices with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V?

There are a few known issues and limitations when using Synology DiskStation DS101g+, DS101, or DS101j devices with virtualization platforms like VMware or Hyper-V. Here are some of them:

1. Limited CPU and Memory: These DiskStation models have relatively low CPU and memory resources compared to dedicated virtualization servers. This can impact the performance and scalability of virtual machines (VMs) running on these devices.
2. Lack of Hardware Virtualization Support: Some older DiskStation models, including DS101g+, do not support hardware virtualization technologies like Intel VT-x or AMD-V. This means that you may not be able to run certain VMs that require these features.
3. Limited Network Throughput: These devices typically have limited network interfaces and lower network throughput compared to dedicated virtualization servers. This can affect the network performance of VMs, especially if you have high network-intensive workloads.
4. Limited Storage Performance: DiskStation devices use slower hard drives or slower RAID configurations compared to enterprise-grade storage solutions. This can result in lower storage performance for VMs, especially if you have demanding I/O workloads.
5. Lack of Advanced Virtualization Features: Synology DiskStation devices are primarily designed for file storage and basic server functionalities. They may lack advanced virtualization features like live migration, high availability, or advanced storage management that are commonly found in dedicated virtualization servers.
6. Compatibility and Support: While Synology provides compatibility with popular virtualization platforms like VMware and Hyper-V, it is important to check the compatibility matrix and ensure that your specific DiskStation model is supported. Additionally, the level of support and integration with these platforms may vary depending on the specific model and firmware version.

It is recommended to carefully evaluate the requirements and limitations of your virtualization environment before using Synology DiskStation devices as virtualization hosts. If you have demanding virtualization workloads or require advanced virtualization features, it may be more suitable to consider dedicated virtualization servers or storage solutions.

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

Although the NAS Diskstation DS101g+ / DS101 / DS101j 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 DS101g+ / DS101 / DS101j. 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 DS101g+ / DS101 / DS101j has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• Basic;

NAS supports:

• FAT, FAT32(External Disk Only);
• EXT3;

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 DS101g+ / DS101 / DS101j 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