- 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?
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.
Are there any precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Synology Diskstation DS116 devices?
Yes, there are a few precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Synology Diskstation DS116 devices:
- Backup your data: Before replacing or upgrading the hard drives, it is crucial to back up all your data to ensure it is safe and can be restored if anything goes wrong during the process.
- Check compatibility: Ensure that the new hard drives you plan to install are compatible with your Synology Diskstation DS116. Check the manufacturer's website or consult the product documentation for the supported hard drive models and specifications.
- Power off the NAS: Before removing or installing any hard drives, make sure to power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source. This will prevent any electrical damage or data loss.
- Use anti-static precautions: Static electricity can damage sensitive electronic components. Before handling the hard drives, use anti-static measures such as wearing an anti-static wrist strap or grounding yourself by touching a grounded metal object.
- Label and organize the hard drives: If you are replacing multiple hard drives, it is recommended to label them according to their position in the NAS (e.g., Bay 1, Bay 2, etc.). This will help you keep track of the drives and ensure they are installed correctly.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Refer to the user manual or documentation provided by Synology for specific instructions on how to replace or upgrade the hard drives. Follow the recommended steps carefully to avoid any damage or data loss.
- RAID considerations: If your NAS is set up in a RAID configuration, be aware of the RAID type and settings. Depending on the RAID level, replacing a hard drive may require rebuilding the array, which can take some time. Consult the Synology documentation or support for guidance on handling RAID arrays.
- Test the new drives: After installing the new hard drives, it is advisable to run a diagnostic test to ensure they are functioning properly. Most NAS devices have built-in diagnostic tools that can be accessed through the web interface.
By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss or damage while replacing or upgrading hard drives in your Synology Diskstation DS116.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Diskstation DS116 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology Diskstation DS116. 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.
Diskstation DS116 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 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 DS116 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 |