NAS Synology Diskstation DS120j RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Options After Component Wear

Has your NAS Synology Diskstation DS120j suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

NAS Synology Diskstation DS120j RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Options After Component Wear
Data Recovery Tool

Synology Diskstation DS120j NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an Diskstation DS120j. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

NAS Synology Diskstation DS120j RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Options After Component Wear

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

Can device firmware rollback or downgrading impact data loss risks for NAS Synology Diskstation DS120j devices?

Rolling back or downgrading the firmware on a NAS Synology Diskstation DS120j device can potentially impact data loss risks.

When you perform a firmware rollback, you are reverting the device to a previous version of the firmware. This can introduce compatibility issues with newer software, security vulnerabilities, or bug fixes that were addressed in the updated firmware.

If the firmware rollback process is not performed correctly or if there are any issues during the process, it can lead to data corruption or loss. It is essential to have a proper backup of your data before attempting any firmware rollback or downgrading.

Additionally, it is recommended to consult the manufacturer's documentation or seek assistance from their support team to ensure that the rollback process is done correctly and to minimize the risk of data loss.

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

Although the NAS Diskstation DS120j 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology Diskstation DS120j. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Synology

How to recover data from a Synology

Diskstation DS120j 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);

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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard

  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Synology Diskstation DS120j 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows 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 DS120j, 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 key features of the Synology DiskStation DS120j NAS?

    The key features of the Synology DiskStation DS120j NAS are:

    1. Compact and affordable: The DS120j is a budget-friendly NAS that offers a compact form factor, making it suitable for home users and small offices.
    2. Storage capacity: It supports a single 3.5" or 2.5" SATA hard drive, allowing you to store and share files, photos, videos, and documents.
    3. Data protection: The DS120j supports RAID 1, which provides data redundancy by mirroring data across two drives. This protects your data in case of drive failure.
    4. Easy setup and management: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system provides an intuitive web-based interface for easy setup and management of the NAS. It offers a range of applications and features to enhance productivity and data management.
    5. Multimedia streaming: The DS120j supports multimedia streaming to various devices, such as TVs, computers, and mobile devices. It can transcode media files on-the-fly, ensuring smooth playback on different devices.
    6. File sharing and syncing: It allows you to create shared folders and set access permissions for multiple users. You can also sync files across multiple devices using Synology's Cloud Station Suite.
    7. Backup and restore: The DS120j offers various backup options, including local backups to external drives, network backups to other Synology NAS devices, and cloud backups to services like Amazon S3 and Synology C2.
    8. Mobile apps: Synology provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access and manage your NAS remotely. You can also back up photos and videos from your mobile device to the NAS.
    9. Energy-efficient: The DS120j is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming very little power when idle or in use. This helps reduce electricity costs and environmental impact.
    10. Expandable functionality: You can install additional packages and applications from Synology's Package Center to expand the functionality of the DS120j. This includes features like surveillance, website hosting, and more.
  • How does the DS120j NAS facilitate data storage and backup for home users?

    The DS120j NAS (Network Attached Storage) facilitates data storage and backup for home users in several ways:

    1. Centralized Storage: The DS120j provides a centralized storage solution for all your digital content, including photos, videos, documents, and other files. It offers a dedicated storage location that can be accessed by all devices on your home network, such as computers, smartphones, and smart TVs.
    2. File Sharing: With the NAS, you can easily share files with family members or friends. It allows you to create user accounts with different access privileges, so you can control who can access specific files or folders. This makes it convenient for sharing photos, videos, or documents with others.
    3. Automatic Backup: The DS120j NAS helps in safeguarding your data by providing automatic backup options. It allows you to schedule regular backups of your important files from various devices connected to the network. This ensures that your files are protected in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other data loss situations.
    4. Syncing and Versioning: The NAS supports file syncing and versioning, which means that any changes made to a file on one device will be automatically synchronized across all devices connected to the NAS. It also keeps track of different versions of the same file, allowing you to revert to previous versions if needed.
    5. Mobile Access: Synology, the company behind DS120j, provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. These apps allow you to access and manage your files stored on the NAS from anywhere, using your smartphone or tablet. You can upload, download, or stream media files, as well as perform other tasks like sharing files or managing backups.
    6. Multimedia Streaming: The DS120j NAS can act as a media server, allowing you to stream multimedia content directly to compatible devices, such as smart TVs or media players. It supports various media formats and can transcode videos on-the-fly, ensuring smooth playback on different devices.

    Overall, the DS120j NAS simplifies data storage and backup for home users by providing a secure and accessible centralized storage solution, along with features like automatic backups, file sharing, syncing, and multimedia streaming.

  • Can you explain the basic networking and connectivity options available on the Synology DiskStation DS120j?

    The Synology DiskStation DS120j offers various networking and connectivity options to ensure seamless connectivity and accessibility. Here are the basic options available:

    1. Ethernet Port: The DS120j has a Gigabit Ethernet port that allows you to connect it to your local network using an Ethernet cable. This provides a stable and high-speed connection for data transfer and accessing the DiskStation from other devices on the network.
    2. USB Ports: The DS120j has two USB 2.0 ports that allow you to connect external devices such as USB drives, printers, or UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) units. These ports enable you to expand storage capacity or share USB devices over the network.
    3. File Sharing Protocols: The DiskStation supports various file sharing protocols, including SMB (Server Message Block), AFP (Apple Filing Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning). These protocols enable seamless file sharing and access across different operating systems and devices.
    4. Synology QuickConnect: QuickConnect is a feature that allows you to access your DiskStation remotely over the internet without the need for complex router configurations. By signing in to your Synology account, you can easily access your files, manage settings, and stream multimedia content from anywhere.
    5. Synology Drive: Synology Drive is a file synchronization and sharing service that allows you to access and sync files across multiple devices. It provides a seamless and secure way to access your files on the go, whether you are using a computer, mobile device, or web browser.
    6. Mobile Apps: Synology offers a range of mobile apps (DS file, DS audio, DS photo, DS video, etc.) that allow you to access and manage your DiskStation from your smartphone or tablet. These apps provide convenient access to your files, multimedia content, and other DiskStation features.
    7. DLNA/UPnP Support: The DS120j supports DLNA/UPnP protocols, allowing you to stream multimedia content stored on the DiskStation to compatible devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or media players.

    These are some of the basic networking and connectivity options available on the Synology DiskStation DS120j. The device provides a versatile and user-friendly platform for file storage, sharing, and remote access.
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