How to recover data from Synology DiskStation DS2015xs NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs

Synology DiskStation DS2015xs 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 DS2015xs.

How to recover data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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.

Can elevation of privileges or compromised user accounts lead to data loss or unauthorized access on NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs devices?

Yes, elevation of privileges or compromised user accounts can potentially lead to data loss or unauthorized access on NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs devices. If an attacker gains elevated privileges or compromises a user account with administrative access, they can potentially gain full control over the device and its data.

With elevated privileges, an attacker can modify or delete data, install malicious software, or even take control of the entire system. They may also be able to access sensitive information stored on the NAS, such as user credentials, personal files, or confidential business data.

To mitigate this risk, it is important to follow security best practices such as regularly updating the firmware and software on the device, using strong and unique passwords, implementing two-factor authentication, and restricting access privileges to only necessary users. Regularly monitoring and reviewing user accounts and access logs can also help detect any unauthorized access or suspicious activities.

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

Although NAS DiskStation DS2015xs 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 DS2015xs. 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 DS2015xs 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);

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 DS2015xs 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 DS2015xs, 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 and benefits of using the NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs as central storage for a network?

    The key features and benefits of using the NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs as central storage for a network are:

    1. High Performance: The DS2015xs is equipped with a powerful Intel quad-core processor and 4GB RAM (expandable up to 8GB), ensuring fast and efficient data processing.
    2. Scalability: With support for up to 20 drives (when using two DX1215 expansion units), the DS2015xs offers ample storage capacity that can be easily expanded as the network's needs grow.
    3. Dual 10GbE Ports: The DS2015xs comes with two built-in 10GbE ports, allowing for lightning-fast data transfers and ensuring high network bandwidth.
    4. RAID Support: The DS2015xs supports various RAID configurations (including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10), providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    5. Advanced Data Protection: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system offers advanced data protection features like snapshot replication, which allows for point-in-time recovery of files and folders.
    6. Virtualization Support: The DS2015xs is compatible with major virtualization platforms such as VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V, making it easy to integrate into existing virtualized environments.
    7. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The DS2015xs supports various backup methods, including local backup to external drives, remote backup to other Synology NAS devices, and cloud backup to popular cloud storage providers.
    8. File Sharing and Collaboration: The DS2015xs provides comprehensive file sharing and collaboration features, including support for multiple users and groups, access control, file versioning, and integration with popular cloud storage services.
    9. High Availability: By using Synology's High Availability (SHA) technology, two DS2015xs units can be configured in a high-availability cluster, ensuring continuous access to data even in the event of hardware failure.
    10. Energy-Efficient Design: The DS2015xs is designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring a deep sleep mode that reduces power consumption during periods of inactivity, helping to lower operating costs.

    Overall, the Synology DiskStation DS2015xs offers high performance, scalability, advanced data protection, and a wide range of features that make it an ideal choice for central storage in a network environment.

  • How does the NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs ensure data security and reliability when used as central storage?

    The Synology DiskStation DS2015xs ensures data security and reliability when used as central storage through several mechanisms:

    1. RAID Protection: The DS2015xs supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10. These RAID levels provide data redundancy, allowing for the recovery of data in case of a hard drive failure.
    2. Hot Swappable Drives: The DS2015xs supports hot-swappable drive bays, which means that failed drives can be replaced without shutting down the system. This ensures continuous operation and minimizes downtime.
    3. Snapshot Technology: The DS2015xs supports snapshot technology, which allows users to take point-in-time copies of their data. These snapshots can be used to quickly restore files or folders in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    4. Data Encryption: The DS2015xs supports AES 256-bit encryption for shared folders, ensuring that data is securely stored and transmitted over the network.
    5. Network Security: The DS2015xs supports various network security protocols, including HTTPS, FTPS, SFTP, and IP blocking. These protocols help protect data during transmission and prevent unauthorized access to the NAS.
    6. User Access Control: The DS2015xs provides granular user access control, allowing administrators to define user permissions and access rights to shared folders. This ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data.
    7. Active Directory Integration: The DS2015xs can integrate with an existing Active Directory infrastructure, allowing for centralized user authentication and access control.
    8. Data Backup and Replication: The DS2015xs supports various backup and replication options, including local backup to external drives, remote backup to another Synology NAS, and cloud backup to services like Amazon S3 or Glacier. These mechanisms provide additional layers of data protection and disaster recovery.
    9. Surveillance Station: The DS2015xs can also be used as a surveillance storage solution, supporting multiple IP cameras and providing real-time monitoring and recording. This enhances security by providing video surveillance capabilities.

    Overall, the DS2015xs incorporates multiple features and technologies to ensure data security and reliability, making it a suitable choice for central storage in both personal and business environments.

  • Can the NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs be easily integrated with existing IT infrastructure and what are the recommended best practices for setting it up as central storage in a network?

    Yes, the NAS Synology DiskStation DS2015xs can be easily integrated with existing IT infrastructure. It supports various network protocols such as SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and more, making it compatible with different operating systems and devices.

    To set it up as central storage in a network, here are some recommended best practices:

    1. Planning: Determine the storage requirements, expected data growth, and the number of users accessing the NAS. Consider factors like RAID configuration, disk space allocation, and backup strategies.
    2. Network Connectivity: Connect the NAS to the network using high-speed Ethernet cables. Ensure that the network infrastructure supports the required bandwidth for optimal performance.
    3. RAID Configuration: Configure the NAS with an appropriate RAID level based on your needs. RAID 5 or RAID 6 are commonly used for data redundancy and performance.
    4. User Access Control: Set up user accounts and access permissions to control who can access the NAS and what actions they can perform. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
    5. Shared Folders: Create shared folders on the NAS to organize and manage data. Assign appropriate access rights to users or user groups for each shared folder.
    6. Backup and Replication: Implement a backup strategy to protect your data. Configure regular backups to an external storage device or to the cloud. Utilize Synology's built-in backup and replication features for data redundancy.
    7. Security: Enable firewall and intrusion prevention features on the NAS. Keep the NAS firmware up to date to address any security vulnerabilities. Consider using VPN for remote access to the NAS.
    8. Monitoring and Maintenance: Set up system monitoring to receive alerts for any potential issues. Regularly check for firmware updates and apply them as necessary. Perform regular disk checks and replace any failing drives promptly.
    9. Integration with Existing Services: The Synology DiskStation DS2015xs supports integration with various services like Active Directory, LDAP, and cloud storage providers. Configure these integrations as required to streamline user management and data access.
    10. Documentation and Training: Document the NAS setup and configuration for future reference. Provide training to users on how to access and utilize the central storage effectively.

    It is recommended to consult the Synology DiskStation DS2015xs documentation and seek professional assistance if needed to ensure a seamless integration and optimal setup.

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