How to Recover Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS212+ / DS212 / DS212j RAID Arrays Due to Natural Component Wear

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology DiskStation DS212+ / DS212 / DS212j
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS Synology DiskStation DS212+ / DS212 / DS212j devices?

Yes, there are several common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS Synology DiskStation DS212+ / DS212 / DS212j devices. Some of these include:

1. Lack of regular backups: Many users fail to regularly back up their data stored on the NAS. This can result in permanent data loss if the NAS experiences a hardware failure or if the data becomes corrupted.
2. Failure to update firmware: Synology regularly releases firmware updates that address security vulnerabilities and improve system stability. Neglecting to update the firmware can leave the NAS vulnerable to attacks and potential data loss.
3. Inadequate security measures: Weak passwords, open ports, and lack of firewall protection can leave the NAS vulnerable to unauthorized access or hacking attempts. This can result in data theft or loss.
4. Improper shutdown: Abruptly powering off the NAS without properly shutting it down can lead to data corruption or loss. It is important to follow the correct shutdown procedures to ensure data integrity.
5. Mishandling of hard drives: Removing or inserting hard drives while the NAS is powered on, or mishandling the drives, can cause physical damage or data corruption. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for handling and installing hard drives.
6. Overloading the system: Running too many applications or services simultaneously on the NAS can overload the system and result in data loss. Users should ensure that the NAS is not being pushed beyond its capacity.
7. Ignoring disk health warnings: The NAS provides disk health monitoring and alerts for potential issues. Ignoring these warnings and failing to replace failing or damaged drives can lead to data loss.

To avoid these mistakes and prevent data loss, it is essential to follow best practices such as regularly backing up data, keeping the firmware up to date, implementing strong security measures, properly shutting down the NAS, handling hard drives carefully, avoiding overloading the system, and addressing disk health warnings promptly.

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

Although the NAS DiskStation DS212+ / DS212 / DS212j 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

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology DiskStation DS212+ / DS212 / DS212j. 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

DiskStation DS212+ / DS212 / DS212j has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• Synology Hybrid RAID;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 0;
• Basic;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• EXT4;
• EXT3 (External Disk Only);
• FAT32 (External Disk Only);
• NTFS (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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Synology DiskStation DS212+ / DS212 / DS212j 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