NAS Synology Diskstation DS114 RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Approaches After Natural Component Wear

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology Diskstation DS114
• 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 RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Synology Diskstation DS114 devices?

RAID configurations in NAS Synology Diskstation DS114 devices can have a significant impact on data loss. Here are a few ways in which RAID configurations can affect data loss in these devices:

1. Data Redundancy: RAID configurations like RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5 (striping with parity) provide data redundancy by distributing data across multiple disks. This redundancy ensures that even if one disk fails, the data can be recovered from the remaining disks. It reduces the risk of data loss due to disk failure.
2. Fault Tolerance: RAID configurations with redundancy also offer fault tolerance. In case of a disk failure, the NAS device can continue to operate without any data loss or downtime. The failed disk can be replaced, and the data can be rebuilt onto the new disk automatically.
3. Hot Swapping: Many NAS devices, including Synology Diskstation DS114, support hot swapping of disks. This means you can replace a failed disk while the system is running without shutting it down. Hot swapping reduces the risk of data loss and minimizes the downtime required for disk replacement.
4. Data Recovery: In the event of a disk failure, NAS devices with RAID configurations often have built-in data recovery mechanisms. These mechanisms can automatically rebuild the lost data onto a new disk using the redundancy information stored on the remaining disks. This simplifies the data recovery process and reduces the chances of permanent data loss.
5. RAID Expansion: Some RAID configurations allow for easy expansion of storage capacity by adding more disks to the array. This expansion can be done without losing any existing data. It provides scalability and flexibility, reducing the risk of data loss due to insufficient storage space.

However, it's important to note that RAID configurations are not foolproof and cannot protect against all types of data loss. They primarily address disk failures and provide some level of data redundancy. Other factors like accidental file deletion, file corruption, or multiple disk failures can still lead to data loss. Therefore, it's recommended to have additional backup measures in place, such as regular backups to external devices or cloud storage, to further mitigate the risk of data loss.

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

Although the NAS Diskstation DS114 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 DS114. 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 DS114 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• Basic;

NAS supports:

• EXT4;
• EXT3 (External Disk Only);
• FAT (External Disk Only);
• NTFS (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 DS114 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