Recovering Data After NAS Synology DiskStation DS1812+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Recovery Steps

Has your NAS Synology DiskStation DS1812+ 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?

Recovering Data After NAS Synology DiskStation DS1812+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Recovery Steps
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Synology DiskStation DS1812+ 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 DS1812+. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Recovering Data After NAS Synology DiskStation DS1812+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Recovery Steps

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.

How can file system corruption impact data integrity on NAS Synology DiskStation DS1812+ devices?

File system corruption on a NAS Synology DiskStation DS1812+ device can have a significant impact on data integrity. Here are a few ways it can affect the device:

  1. Data Loss: File system corruption can lead to the loss of data stored on the NAS device. This can occur if critical file system structures become corrupted, making it difficult or impossible for the system to access and retrieve the data.
  2. Inaccessible Files: Corrupted file systems can render files and folders inaccessible. Users may experience errors when trying to open or access files, leading to data loss or the inability to retrieve important information.
  3. Data Modification: File system corruption can also result in data modification or alteration. This means that the content of files may be changed, leading to data inconsistencies or incorrect information. This can be particularly problematic for critical data that needs to be accurate and reliable.
  4. System Instability: A corrupted file system can cause system instability, leading to frequent crashes, freezes, or slow performance. These issues can disrupt normal operations and make it challenging to access or manage data effectively.
  5. Difficulty in Recovery: Recovering data from a corrupted file system can be a complex and time-consuming process. In some cases, it may require specialized tools or expertise to recover the lost or corrupted data. This can result in significant downtime and potential loss of productivity.

To mitigate the impact of file system corruption on data integrity, it is essential to regularly back up data, perform routine maintenance, and ensure the NAS device's firmware and software are up to date. Additionally, implementing RAID configurations and using redundant storage can help protect against data loss in case of file system corruption.

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

Although the NAS DiskStation DS1812+ 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 DS1812+. 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 DS1812+ has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR);
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 10;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 0;
  • Basic;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Btrfs;
  • EXT4;
  • EXT3 (External Disk Only);
  • FAT32 (External Disk Only);
  • exFAT (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.

    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 DS1812+ 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 DS1812+, 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 advantages of using the Synology DiskStation DS1812+ as an email server compared to traditional email hosting services?

    There are several advantages of using the Synology DiskStation DS1812+ as an email server compared to traditional email hosting services:

    1. Cost-effectiveness: Using the DS1812+ as an email server eliminates the need for a third-party email hosting service, which can be expensive. You only need to make a one-time investment in the hardware, and there are no recurring monthly fees.
    2. Control and privacy: Hosting your own email server gives you complete control over your data and privacy. You don't have to rely on a third-party service to handle your sensitive emails, ensuring that your data remains secure.
    3. Customization and flexibility: With the DS1812+, you have complete control over the email server configuration. You can customize features, security settings, and storage options according to your specific requirements. This level of flexibility is not always possible with traditional email hosting services.
    4. Scalability: The DS1812+ is designed to support multiple users and can handle a large number of emails. If your organization grows, you can easily expand the storage capacity by adding additional hard drives to the NAS, ensuring that your email server can accommodate the increasing workload.
    5. Integration with other services: The DS1812+ is not just an email server; it also offers a wide range of additional features and services. It can be integrated with other Synology applications, such as file sharing, backup, and collaboration tools. This integration provides a seamless experience and enhances productivity within your organization.
    6. Offline access: With an on-premises email server like the DS1812+, you have the advantage of accessing your emails even when the internet connection is down. This can be critical for businesses that heavily rely on email communication.
    7. Backup and disaster recovery: The DS1812+ offers built-in backup and disaster recovery features. You can easily configure regular backups of your email data, ensuring that you have a reliable backup in case of any data loss or system failure. This level of data protection is not always available with traditional email hosting services.

    Overall, using the Synology DiskStation DS1812+ as an email server provides cost-effectiveness, control, customization, scalability, integration, offline access, and robust backup options, making it a viable alternative to traditional email hosting services.

  • How does the Synology DiskStation DS1812+ handle email security and encryption to protect sensitive information?

    The Synology DiskStation DS1812+ is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that primarily focuses on storage and file sharing functionalities. It does not have built-in email server capabilities or specific features for email security and encryption.

    However, to protect sensitive information transmitted via email, you can follow general best practices for email security:

    1. Use Secure Email Protocols: Configure your email client to use secure protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) for both incoming and outgoing mail. This ensures encryption of email communication between your client and the email server.
    2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Utilize 2FA for your email accounts to add an extra layer of security. This typically involves entering a verification code sent to your mobile device in addition to your password when logging in.
    3. Implement Strong Passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for your email accounts, including a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable or commonly used passwords.
    4. Regularly Update Email Client and Operating System: Keep your email client and operating system up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities and exploits.
    5. Be Cautious of Phishing Attacks: Exercise caution when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Phishing emails are a common method used to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
    6. Utilize Email Encryption Tools: If you need to send sensitive information via email, consider using additional encryption tools such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) or Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME). These tools encrypt the content of the email, ensuring that only the intended recipient can decrypt and access the information.

    It's important to note that while the Synology DiskStation DS1812+ does not directly handle email security and encryption, it can be integrated into your overall security infrastructure by implementing network-level security measures, such as firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software, to protect the NAS and the data stored within it.

  • Can the Synology DiskStation DS1812+ integrate with popular email clients and support features like shared calendars, contacts, and task management?

    Yes, the Synology DiskStation DS1812+ can integrate with popular email clients and support features like shared calendars, contacts, and task management. It comes with a built-in Mail Server application that allows you to create and manage email accounts. You can configure your email client (such as Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird) to connect to the DiskStation and access your emails.

    Additionally, the DiskStation supports CalDAV and CardDAV protocols, which enable you to synchronize calendars and contacts with various email clients and devices. This allows for shared calendars, contacts, and task management across multiple users or devices.

    Overall, the Synology DiskStation DS1812+ provides robust email server capabilities and supports integration with popular email clients and features like shared calendars, contacts, and task management.
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