How to Recover Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se RAID Arrays Affected by Natural Component Wear

Has your NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se 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?

How to Recover Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se RAID Arrays Affected by Natural Component Wear
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Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se 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 DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Recover Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se RAID Arrays Affected by Natural Component Wear

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 RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se devices?

RAID configurations can have a significant impact on data loss in NAS Synology DiskStation devices. Here are a few ways RAID configurations can affect data loss:

  1. Redundancy: RAID configurations provide redundancy by distributing data across multiple disks. In case of a disk failure, the data can be recovered from the remaining disks. This helps mitigate the risk of data loss due to a single disk failure.
  2. RAID Levels: Synology DiskStation devices support various RAID levels such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, etc. Each RAID level offers different trade-offs between performance, capacity, and data redundancy. Choosing the appropriate RAID level based on your requirements is crucial to minimize the risk of data loss.
  3. Rebuilding Process: When a failed disk is replaced in a RAID array, the data from the remaining disks is used to rebuild the data on the new disk. During this rebuilding process, if another disk fails or encounters an error, it can lead to data loss. Therefore, it is important to monitor the RAID array and replace failed disks promptly.
  4. RAID Controller Failure: The RAID controller is responsible for managing the array and ensuring data integrity. If the RAID controller fails, it can result in data loss or corruption. Using a reliable RAID controller and regularly backing up data can help mitigate this risk.
  5. Human Error: RAID configurations can be complex, and improper configuration or accidental deletion of data can lead to data loss. It is essential to understand the RAID configuration options and take necessary precautions to prevent human errors.
  6. RAID Scrubbing: Synology DiskStation devices offer RAID scrubbing, which periodically checks the integrity of data on the disks. This process helps identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies in the RAID array, reducing the risk of data loss.

Overall, selecting the appropriate RAID level, regularly monitoring the RAID array, promptly replacing failed disks, and implementing backup strategies are crucial to minimize the risk of data loss in Synology DiskStation devices.

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

Although the NAS DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se 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 DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se. 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 DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se 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);
  • 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:

  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 DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se 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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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 DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se, 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 specifications of the NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se that make it suitable for a surveillance system?

    The key features and specifications of the NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se that make it suitable for a surveillance system are:

    1. Surveillance Station: All models mentioned above are compatible with Synology's Surveillance Station, a powerful video management system (VMS) that allows you to manage and monitor multiple IP cameras in real-time.
    2. Camera Support: These NAS models support a wide range of IP cameras from various manufacturers, making it flexible and compatible with different surveillance setups.
    3. Live View and Recording: You can view live feeds from your cameras and record footage directly to the NAS. The number of camera licenses supported may vary depending on the model.
    4. Storage Capacity: The DS216+II, DS216+, DS216, DS216play, DS216j, and DS216se offer different storage capacities, ranging from 2-bay to 4-bay configurations. You can choose the model that suits your storage needs.
    5. Scalability: The DS216+II, DS216+, DS216, DS216play, DS216j, and DS216se support expansion units, allowing you to increase the storage capacity as your surveillance requirements grow.
    6. Performance: The DS216+II and DS216+ are equipped with a powerful Intel processor and offer higher performance compared to the DS216, DS216play, DS216j, and DS216se. This ensures smooth video streaming and efficient handling of surveillance tasks.
    7. Mobile Access: Synology provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access your surveillance system remotely, view live feeds, and playback recorded footage on the go.
    8. Advanced Features: These NAS models offer advanced features like motion detection, event notifications, and customizable recording schedules. You can set up alerts and notifications based on specific triggers or events.
    9. User-Friendly Interface: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system provides a user-friendly interface for easy setup, configuration, and management of your surveillance system.
    10. Data Protection: Synology NAS devices come with built-in data protection features like RAID support, backup solutions, and snapshot technology to ensure the safety and integrity of your surveillance footage.

    Overall, the NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se provide a reliable and feature-rich platform for setting up and managing a surveillance system, catering to various storage capacities and performance requirements.

  • How does the NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se integrate with surveillance cameras and software to provide a comprehensive surveillance solution?

    The NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se can integrate with surveillance cameras and software to provide a comprehensive surveillance solution in the following ways:

    1. Surveillance Station: Synology's Surveillance Station is a powerful surveillance management software that comes pre-installed on the NAS. It allows you to connect and manage multiple IP cameras, providing a central interface to monitor and control the surveillance system.
    2. Camera Compatibility: The DiskStation supports a wide range of IP cameras from various manufacturers. You can check the compatibility list on Synology's website to ensure your cameras are compatible. This flexibility allows you to choose cameras that meet your specific needs and budget.
    3. Camera Configuration: Using Surveillance Station, you can easily configure and manage the connected cameras. You can set up recording schedules, motion detection, and customize other camera settings according to your requirements.
    4. Live View and Playback: Surveillance Station provides a live view interface where you can monitor multiple cameras simultaneously. You can also review recorded footage and playback specific events using the timeline feature. This allows you to quickly find and analyze incidents.
    5. Mobile Access: Synology offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access your surveillance system remotely. You can view live feeds, play back recordings, receive push notifications for events, and even control PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras using your mobile device.
    6. Storage and Backup: The DiskStation provides ample storage capacity for storing surveillance footage. You can configure the NAS to record and store footage locally, and even set up automated backups to external devices or cloud storage for redundancy and data protection.
    7. Advanced Features: Surveillance Station offers advanced features like motion detection, object tracking, and people counting. It also supports integration with other security systems such as access control and alarm systems, allowing you to create a comprehensive security solution.

    Overall, the integration of the NAS Synology DiskStation with surveillance cameras and software provides a robust and scalable surveillance solution. It offers centralized management, flexible camera compatibility, remote access, and advanced features to meet the needs of both home and business users.

  • What are the advantages and limitations of using the NAS Synology DiskStation DS216+II / DS216+ / DS216 / DS216play / DS216j / DS216se for a surveillance system compared to other dedicated surveillance solutions?

    Advantages of using the NAS Synology DiskStation for a surveillance system:

    1. Cost-effective: The Synology DiskStation offers a more affordable solution compared to dedicated surveillance systems, as it eliminates the need for purchasing separate hardware for storage and video management.
    2. Scalability: Synology DiskStation allows for easy scalability, allowing you to add more cameras and storage as your surveillance needs grow. It supports a wide range of IP cameras, making it flexible for different surveillance setups.
    3. Centralized management: With Synology's Surveillance Station software, you can manage and monitor multiple cameras from a single interface. This centralized management simplifies the administration and control of the surveillance system.
    4. Storage capacity: The DiskStation offers ample storage capacity, allowing you to store a large amount of video footage. It also supports various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection.
    5. Remote access and mobile app: Synology provides mobile apps that allow you to access and monitor your surveillance system remotely from anywhere. This feature is beneficial for users who need to monitor their premises while on the go.

    Limitations of using the NAS Synology DiskStation for a surveillance system:

    1. Processing power: The processing power of the DiskStation might be limited compared to dedicated surveillance solutions. This could potentially affect the number of cameras it can handle simultaneously and the overall performance of video processing.
    2. Limited camera compatibility: Although the DiskStation supports a wide range of IP cameras, there might be some compatibility limitations with certain camera models. It is essential to check the compatibility list provided by Synology before purchasing.
    3. Lower camera integration: Dedicated surveillance solutions often offer more advanced features and integrations with cameras, such as advanced analytics, facial recognition, or license plate recognition. These advanced features might not be available or limited in the Synology DiskStation.
    4. Technical expertise required: Setting up and configuring the DiskStation for surveillance purposes might require some technical knowledge. Users who are not familiar with network configuration and software setup might find it challenging to install and maintain the system.
    5. Limited support: While Synology provides technical support for their products, the level of support might not be as comprehensive as what is offered by dedicated surveillance solution providers.
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