Recovering Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j RAID Arrays: Strategies for Component Wear Recovery

Has your NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j 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 from NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j RAID Arrays: Strategies for Component Wear Recovery
Data Recovery Tool

Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j 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 DS210+ / DS210j. 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 from NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j RAID Arrays: Strategies for Component Wear Recovery

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 DS210+ / DS210j devices?

File system corruption on NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j devices can have a significant impact on data integrity. Here are some ways it can affect data:

  1. Data Loss: File system corruption can result in the loss of data stored on the NAS. This can happen if the corruption affects critical system files or the file allocation table, making it difficult or impossible for the NAS to access and retrieve the stored data.
  2. Data Inaccessibility: Corruption can make the data inaccessible, even if it is still physically present on the NAS. This can happen if the corruption affects the file system structure, making it difficult for the NAS to read and interpret the data correctly.
  3. Data Corruption: In some cases, file system corruption can lead to data corruption. This means that the stored data may become unreadable, garbled, or contain errors. It can result in the loss or distortion of important information, rendering it useless or unreliable.
  4. Slow Performance: File system corruption can cause the NAS to slow down or become unresponsive. This can happen as the NAS tries to navigate through the corrupted file system, leading to delays in accessing or transferring data.
  5. System Instability: Corruption can also make the NAS system unstable, leading to frequent crashes, freezes, or unexpected shutdowns. This instability can further exacerbate the data integrity issues and increase the risk of data loss or corruption.

To mitigate the impact of file system corruption on data integrity, it is crucial to have regular backups of the data stored on the NAS. This ensures that even if corruption occurs, you can restore the data from a previous backup. Additionally, using RAID technology and implementing data scrubbing can help detect and correct file system errors before they cause significant damage. Regularly updating the NAS firmware and performing regular system checks can also help identify and resolve any potential file system issues before they escalate.

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

Although the NAS DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j 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 DS210+ / DS210j. 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 DS210+ / DS210j has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 0;
  • Basic;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • EXT3;
  • FAT (External Disk Only);
  • NTFS (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 DS210+ / DS210j 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 DS210+ / DS210j, 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

  • How can the NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j be used to copy data from different devices, such as smartphones and laptops?

    The Synology DiskStation DS210+ and DS210j can be used to copy data from different devices, including smartphones and laptops, through various methods. Here are a few ways to accomplish this:

    1. File Station: Both models come with a web-based file management tool called File Station. You can access File Station through a web browser on your laptop or smartphone by entering the DiskStation's IP address. From there, you can upload files from your devices to the DiskStation or download files from the DiskStation to your devices.
    2. Mobile Apps: Synology offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, such as DS file, DS photo, DS video, and DS audio. These apps allow you to access and manage files stored on the DiskStation directly from your smartphone or tablet. You can copy files from your device to the DiskStation or vice versa using these apps.
    3. Cloud Sync: The DiskStation supports various cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. By setting up Cloud Sync on the DiskStation, you can synchronize files between these cloud services and your DiskStation. This allows you to copy data from your smartphones or laptops to the cloud storage, which will then be automatically synced to the DiskStation.
    4. USB Copy: Both models have USB ports that can be used to connect external storage devices like USB flash drives or external hard drives. The DiskStation provides a feature called USB Copy, which allows you to copy data from these USB devices to the DiskStation with a simple button press. You can connect your smartphones or laptops to the DiskStation using USB and initiate the USB Copy process.
    5. Network File Sharing: The DiskStation supports various file sharing protocols such as SMB, AFP, and FTP. By enabling these protocols, you can access the DiskStation's shared folders from your laptops and smartphones over the local network. This allows you to copy files between your devices and the DiskStation by simply dragging and dropping.

    These are just a few methods to copy data from different devices to the Synology DiskStation DS210+ or DS210j. The DiskStation offers a wide range of features and applications that can be customized to suit your specific needs.

  • What are the steps involved in setting up the NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j to copy data from multiple devices?

    To set up the NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j to copy data from multiple devices, follow these steps:

    1. Connect the NAS to your network: Plug the NAS into your router using an Ethernet cable. Ensure that the NAS is connected to a power source.
    2. Power on the NAS: Press the power button on the NAS to turn it on. Wait for it to boot up.
    3. Access the NAS management interface: Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as the NAS. Enter the IP address of the NAS in the browser's address bar. You can find the IP address in the router's administration interface or by using a network scanner tool.
    4. Log in to the NAS: Enter the username and password for the NAS. The default credentials are usually "admin" for both the username and password. It is recommended to change the password after the initial setup for security reasons.
    5. Set up shared folders: In the NAS management interface, navigate to the "Control Panel" and find the "Shared Folder" option. Create new shared folders to store the data from multiple devices. Assign appropriate permissions to each shared folder as needed.
    6. Configure user accounts: Create user accounts for each person or device that will be accessing the NAS. Assign appropriate access rights to each user account based on the shared folders they need to access.
    7. Enable file services: In the "Control Panel," go to "File Services" and enable the desired file sharing protocols, such as SMB/CIFS (Windows), AFP (Apple), or NFS (Linux).
    8. Set up backup tasks: Navigate to the "Backup & Replication" section in the NAS management interface. Create backup tasks to copy data from multiple devices to the NAS. You can set up scheduled backups or perform manual backups.
    9. Install backup software on devices: Install the Synology backup software (such as Synology Drive or Synology Cloud Station) on each device that you want to back up to the NAS. Follow the software's instructions to configure the backup settings and select the NAS as the backup destination.
    10. Monitor and manage backups: Regularly check the backup tasks in the NAS management interface to ensure they are running successfully. You can also set up email notifications to receive alerts about backup status.

    By following these steps, you can set up the NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j to copy data from multiple devices and ensure that your data is backed up and accessible from a central location.

  • What are the advantages of using the NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j as a centralized storage solution for copying data from various devices compared to traditional methods?

    There are several advantages of using the NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j as a centralized storage solution for copying data from various devices compared to traditional methods:

    1. Centralized Storage: The NAS provides a centralized storage solution, allowing you to store and access all your data from one location. This eliminates the need to store data on multiple devices or external hard drives, making it easier to manage and organize your files.
    2. Data Backup: The NAS offers built-in backup functionality, allowing you to automatically backup data from various devices. This ensures that your data is protected and can easily be restored in case of any device failure or data loss.
    3. Data Synchronization: The NAS supports data synchronization across multiple devices. This means that any changes made to a file on one device will be automatically reflected on all other devices connected to the NAS. It ensures that you have the latest version of your files, regardless of the device you are using.
    4. Remote Access: With the NAS, you can access your data remotely from anywhere, using a secure internet connection. This is particularly useful when you need to access files while on the go or share files with others without physically being present.
    5. User Management and Permissions: The NAS allows you to create multiple user accounts with different levels of access and permissions. This enables you to control who can access and modify specific files or folders, providing enhanced security and privacy for your data.
    6. Expandable Storage: The NAS supports expandable storage, allowing you to easily add more hard drives or increase the storage capacity as your data needs grow. This scalability ensures that you have enough storage space for all your data without the need to invest in new devices.
    7. Energy Efficiency: The NAS is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power compared to traditional methods that involve multiple devices. This not only reduces your energy costs but also helps in reducing your carbon footprint.
    8. Media Streaming: The NAS can act as a media server, allowing you to stream and access your media files (videos, music, photos) directly from the NAS to compatible devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, or mobile devices. This eliminates the need to transfer media files to different devices, saving time and storage space.

    Overall, using the NAS Synology DiskStation DS210+ / DS210j as a centralized storage solution offers convenience, data security, accessibility, and scalability, making it a superior choice compared to traditional methods of data copying and storage.
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