How to Recover Data from NAS Synology Diskstation DS116 RAID Arrays: Natural Component Wear Recovery

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology Diskstation DS116
• 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 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS Diskstation DS116 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 DS116. 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 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);

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison