NAS Synology DiskStation DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Advice After Natural Component Wear

⭐ NAS RAID arrays affected by natural component wear? Here’s how to recover your data.

NAS Synology DiskStation DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Advice After Natural Component Wear

Synology DiskStation DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air 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 DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air.

NAS Synology DiskStation DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Advice After Natural Component Wear

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

How can data be recovered from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air device after a malfunction or data loss event?

To recover data from a malfunctioning or data loss event on a Synology DiskStation DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air device, you can follow these steps:

  1. Identify the cause of the malfunction: Determine whether the issue is related to hardware failure, software corruption, or accidental data deletion. This will help you choose the appropriate recovery method.
  2. Contact Synology Support: If your device is still under warranty or you have an active support contract, reach out to Synology Support for assistance. They can guide you through the recovery process or provide recommendations based on your specific situation.
  3. Check for backup: If you have a backup of your data, you can restore it to the NAS device. Synology DiskStation devices offer various backup options, including local backups to external drives or remote backups to cloud services. Refer to the Synology documentation for instructions on how to restore data from a backup.
  4. Use data recovery software: If you don't have a backup or the backup is incomplete, you can try using data recovery software specifically designed for NAS devices. Some popular options include DiskGenius, R-Studio, and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Install the software on a separate computer and connect the malfunctioning NAS device to it. Follow the software instructions to scan for recoverable data and attempt to recover it.
  5. Seek professional data recovery services: If the above methods fail or you are dealing with severe data loss due to physical damage or RAID failure, it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services. Contact a reputable data recovery company with experience in NAS devices. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or failed NAS devices.

Remember, in any data loss situation, it is crucial to avoid further writes or modifications to the affected NAS device to prevent overwriting the lost data.

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

Although NAS DiskStation DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air 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 DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air. 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 DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air 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);

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 DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air 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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Comments (1)

  • 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 DS213+ / DS213 / DS213j / DS213air, 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 of the Synology DiskStation DS213+ NAS?

    The key features of the Synology DiskStation DS213+ NAS include:

    1. Dual-core CPU: It is powered by a dual-core 1.067 GHz processor, which provides high performance and efficient data processing.
    2. High-speed data transfer: It supports Gigabit Ethernet, allowing for fast data transfer speeds.
    3. RAID support: The DS213+ supports RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, and Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) for data redundancy and protection.
    4. Expandable storage: It has two drive bays that can support up to 16TB of storage (with 2x 8TB drives), and it can be expanded further using the eSATA port.
    5. DiskStation Manager (DSM): It runs on Synology's DSM operating system, which offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of applications for file management, multimedia streaming, backup, and more.
    6. Cloud integration: It provides seamless integration with popular cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive, allowing for easy backup and synchronization of data.
    7. Multimedia streaming: The DS213+ supports DLNA and AirPlay, enabling streaming of multimedia content to various devices such as TVs, media players, and mobile devices.
    8. Mobile apps: Synology offers a range of mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access and manage their NAS remotely.
    9. Security features: It offers various security features, including built-in firewall, encryption, two-step verification, and support for SSL/TLS protocols.
    10. Energy-efficient design: The DS213+ is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming only a low amount of power during operation, reducing electricity costs.
  • How does the Synology DS213j differ from the DS213+ in terms of features?

    The Synology DS213j and DS213+ are both network-attached storage (NAS) devices, but they differ in terms of features and performance capabilities. Here are some of the key differences:

    1. Processor: The DS213j is equipped with a less powerful Marvell Armada 370 800MHz processor, while the DS213+ features a faster 1.067GHz dual-core processor.
    2. Memory: The DS213j typically comes with 512MB of RAM, whereas the DS213+ has 512MB or 1GB of RAM, depending on the model.
    3. Performance: Due to the superior processor and more memory, the DS213+ generally offers better performance in terms of data transfer speeds and multitasking capabilities.
    4. RAID Support: The DS213j supports basic RAID configurations (RAID 0 and RAID 1), while the DS213+ provides more advanced RAID options, including RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, and Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR).
    5. Expansion: The DS213j lacks an eSATA port, limiting the expansion options to USB ports only. On the other hand, the DS213+ includes an eSATA port in addition to USB ports, allowing for faster and more efficient external storage expansion.
    6. Price: The DS213j is generally more affordable compared to the DS213+ due to its lower-end specifications.

    Overall, the DS213+ offers better performance, more advanced RAID support, and additional expansion options compared to the DS213j. However, if you have basic storage needs and are on a budget, the DS213j can still serve as a reliable NAS solution.

  • Can you explain the unique features of the Synology DS213air NAS compared to other models in the DiskStation series?

    The Synology DS213air NAS has several unique features compared to other models in the DiskStation series. Here are some of them:

    1. Wi-Fi Connectivity: The DS213air is the only model in the DiskStation series that comes with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows you to connect the NAS to your wireless network without the need for any additional hardware.
    2. Wireless Access Point: In addition to Wi-Fi connectivity, the DS213air can also function as a wireless access point. This means that you can use it to create a wireless network and connect your devices directly to the NAS.
    3. Easy Setup: The DS213air features a one-step setup process that makes it easy to get the NAS up and running quickly. You can use the Synology Assistant software to easily configure the NAS and start using it.
    4. AirPlay and DLNA Support: The DS213air supports both AirPlay and DLNA, allowing you to stream media content to your TV, speakers, or other devices. This makes it convenient to access and enjoy your multimedia files.
    5. DiskStation Manager (DSM): Like other models in the DiskStation series, the DS213air runs on Synology's DSM operating system. DSM offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of applications, making it easy to manage and customize your NAS.

    It's worth noting that the DS213air is an older model, and Synology has since released newer models with more advanced features. However, if you specifically need Wi-Fi connectivity and wireless access point functionality, the DS213air remains a unique option in the DiskStation series.

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