NAS Synology Diskstation DS118 RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Strategies for Component Wear Recovery

⭐ NAS RAID arrays affected by natural component wear? Here’s how to recover your data effectively.

NAS Synology Diskstation DS118 RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Strategies for Component Wear Recovery

Synology Diskstation DS118 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from Diskstation DS118.

NAS Synology Diskstation DS118 RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Strategies for Component Wear Recovery

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

What are the risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions in NAS Synology Diskstation DS118 devices?

There are several risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions in NAS Synology Diskstation DS118 devices:

  1. Corrupted Data: Firmware or software malfunctions can lead to data corruption, rendering the files and folders stored on the NAS inaccessible or unreadable.
  2. System Instability: Malfunctions in the firmware or software can cause the NAS device to become unstable, leading to unexpected crashes or freezes. This instability can result in data loss if files are being written or accessed during such events.
  3. Disk Failure: Firmware or software issues can potentially cause disk failures or errors, resulting in data loss. If the NAS fails to properly manage or communicate with the disks, it can lead to data corruption or complete loss of data stored on the affected disk.
  4. Incompatibility: Incompatibilities between the NAS firmware or software and other components, such as hard drives or network equipment, can cause data loss. For example, a firmware update might introduce compatibility issues that result in data becoming inaccessible or lost.
  5. Data Migration Errors: Firmware or software malfunctions during data migration processes, such as upgrading to a new NAS model or restoring from a backup, can lead to data loss. Errors or interruptions during these processes can corrupt data or result in incomplete transfers.
  6. User Error Amplification: Firmware or software malfunctions can amplify the impact of user errors. For instance, if a user accidentally deletes a file, a malfunctioning firmware or software might fail to properly handle the deletion, resulting in permanent data loss.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to regularly update the firmware and software of the NAS device, maintain proper backups, and ensure the integrity and compatibility of the hardware components used with the NAS. Additionally, following best practices for data management, such as avoiding abrupt power cuts or improper shutdowns, can help minimize the chances of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions.

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

Although NAS Diskstation DS118 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology Diskstation DS118. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Synology

How to recover data from a Synology

Diskstation DS118 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Basic;

NAS supports:

  • EXT4;
  • EXT3 (External Disk Only);
  • FAT (External Disk Only);
  • exFAT (External Disk Only);
  • NTFS (External Disk Only);
  • HFS+ (External Disk 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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Synology Diskstation DS118 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

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  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS Diskstation DS118, feel free to leave a comment!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the available cloud services that can be used to copy files from a NAS Synology Diskstation DS118?

    There are several cloud services that can be used to copy files from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS118. Some popular options include:

    1. Synology C2: This is Synology's own cloud backup service that allows you to easily backup and sync your files from your DiskStation to the cloud.
    2. Dropbox: Dropbox is a widely used cloud storage service that offers file syncing and sharing capabilities. You can install the Dropbox app on your DiskStation and sync files directly to your Dropbox account.
    3. Google Drive: Google Drive is another popular cloud storage service that offers file syncing and collaboration features. You can install the Google Drive app on your DiskStation and sync files to your Google Drive account.
    4. Microsoft OneDrive: OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service that allows you to store, sync, and share files. You can install the OneDrive app on your DiskStation and easily copy files to your OneDrive account.
    5. Amazon Drive: Amazon Drive is a cloud storage service offered by Amazon. You can install the Amazon Drive app on your DiskStation and copy files to your Amazon Drive account.
    6. Box: Box is a cloud content management and file sharing service. You can install the Box app on your DiskStation and sync files to your Box account.

    These are just a few examples of the available cloud services that can be used to copy files from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS118. There are many other cloud storage providers available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

  • How can the copying process from a NAS Synology Diskstation DS118 to cloud services be automated or scheduled?

    To automate or schedule the copying process from a Synology Diskstation DS118 NAS to cloud services, you can use the built-in features and third-party applications available on the Diskstation. Here's a step-by-step guide:

    1. Set up your cloud service: Before automating the process, make sure you have set up the desired cloud service on your Diskstation. Synology Diskstation supports various cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon S3, etc. Install the respective cloud sync application from the Package Center.
    2. Configure the cloud sync application: Open the cloud sync application and follow the on-screen instructions to configure it with your cloud service account. Provide the necessary credentials and select the folders you want to sync with the cloud.
    3. Create a task: Once the cloud sync application is configured, go to the application's settings and create a new sync task. Specify the source folder on your DS118 NAS that you want to sync with the cloud service.
    4. Set up a schedule: In the task settings, you will find an option to set up a schedule for the sync task. Choose the desired frequency (e.g., daily, weekly) and specify the time when the sync should occur.
    5. Enable notifications (optional): If you want to receive notifications about the sync process, enable the relevant notification settings in the cloud sync application. This can help you monitor the success/failure of the sync process.
    6. Save and test the task: Once you have configured the sync task and schedule, save the settings. You can manually trigger the sync task to test if it works as expected. If everything is set up correctly, the sync process will start automatically based on the defined schedule.

    Note: Besides the built-in cloud sync applications, you can also use third-party backup and sync applications available in the Synology Package Center, such as Cloud Sync, Hyper Backup, or Cloud Station Backup. These applications may offer additional features and customization options based on your specific requirements.

  • Are there any specific considerations or limitations to keep in mind when copying large files or folders from a NAS Synology Diskstation DS118 to cloud services?

    When copying large files or folders from a NAS Synology Diskstation DS118 to cloud services, there are a few considerations and limitations to keep in mind:

    1. Internet Connection Speed: The speed of your internet connection will affect the upload time for large files. If you have a slow internet connection, it may take a significant amount of time to upload large files to the cloud.
    2. Bandwidth Limitations: Some internet service providers impose data caps or bandwidth limitations. Uploading large files to the cloud may consume a considerable amount of your monthly data allowance. Ensure that you have enough bandwidth available or consider any potential additional costs.
    3. Cloud Storage Limitations: Cloud storage services often have limitations on the maximum file size or total storage capacity. Check the specific limitations of the cloud service you are using to ensure your files can be uploaded without any issues.
    4. Synchronization: If you are using a synchronization feature between your NAS and the cloud service, be aware that any changes made to the files on the NAS will be reflected in the cloud. This could result in additional uploads or changes being overwritten.
    5. Reliability and Data Loss: When transferring large files over the internet, there is always a risk of data loss or corruption. Ensure you have a backup of your files before initiating the transfer to mitigate any potential loss.
    6. File Structure: Some cloud services may have limitations on the depth of folder structures or the number of files that can be stored within a single folder. Check the documentation of your cloud service to understand any limitations that may affect the transfer.
    7. Security and Privacy: Consider the security and privacy implications of uploading your files to the cloud. Ensure that the cloud service provider has appropriate security measures in place to protect your data.

    It is recommended to carefully review the documentation and guidelines provided by both Synology Diskstation and the cloud service you are using to understand any specific considerations or limitations that may apply in your case.

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