- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Synology DiskStation DS1821+
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 guidelines for configuring security settings on NAS Synology DiskStation DS1821+ devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss?
Yes, there are several guidelines and best practices for configuring security settings on Synology DiskStation DS1821+ devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss. Here are some key recommendations:
- Enable and configure a strong administrator password: Use a complex and unique password for the administrator account. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Synology DiskStation supports 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code generated by an authentication app or sent via SMS.
- Keep the firmware and applications up to date: Regularly check for firmware updates and security patches released by Synology. Apply these updates promptly to ensure the latest security features and fixes are implemented.
- Enable firewall and network security features: Synology DiskStation has built-in firewall and network security features. Enable them to restrict access to only necessary services and ports. Configure firewall rules to allow access only from trusted IP addresses or networks.
- Disable unnecessary services: Disable any services or protocols that are not required for your specific use case. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of vulnerabilities.
- Enable network encryption: Use Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) encryption for accessing the DiskStation remotely. This ensures that data transmitted over the network is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping.
- Implement user access control: Create separate user accounts with appropriate access permissions for different users or user groups. Limit access to only the necessary folders and files.
- Regularly backup data: Set up a backup strategy to ensure regular backups of your important data. Consider using Synology's built-in backup solutions or external backup systems to keep multiple copies of your data.
- Monitor and review system logs: Regularly review the system logs for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Enable email notifications for critical events to stay informed about potential security issues.
- Educate users on security best practices: Train users on how to create strong passwords, recognize phishing attempts, and avoid suspicious links or downloads. User awareness is crucial in preventing social engineering attacks.
It is important to note that these guidelines provide a general overview of security practices. For a comprehensive understanding of securing your specific environment, it is recommended to refer to the official Synology documentation and consult with a security professional.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS DiskStation DS1821+ 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology DiskStation DS1821+. 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.
How to recover data from a Synology
DiskStation DS1821+ 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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.
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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 DS1821+ 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 |
