NAS Synology DiskStation DS3617xsII / DS3617xs RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Methods, and Data Recovery Tips

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology DiskStation DS3617xsII / DS3617xs
• 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 known limitations or issues related to specific NAS Synology DiskStation DS3617xsII / DS3617xs device models that can lead to data loss?

There are no specific limitations or issues related to the Synology DiskStation DS3617xsII / DS3617xs device models that can directly lead to data loss. However, as with any storage device, there are certain factors that can contribute to potential data loss:

1. Hardware Failures: Although the DS3617xsII / DS3617xs models are designed with high-quality components, hardware failures can still occur. This includes issues with hard drives, power supply units, or other components. Regular backups and redundancy measures can help mitigate the risk of data loss in such cases.
2. Power Outages: Sudden power outages or fluctuations can cause data corruption or loss if the device is not properly protected. Using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can help prevent data loss due to power-related issues.
3. User Error: Accidental deletion or overwriting of files by users can lead to data loss. It is important to educate users about proper data management practices and implement access controls to minimize the risk of accidental data loss.
4. RAID Configuration: The DS3617xsII / DS3617xs models support various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection. However, incorrect RAID setup or management can result in data loss. It is crucial to understand the RAID configuration and follow best practices for managing and maintaining it.
5. Firmware and Software Updates: While firmware and software updates often bring improvements and bug fixes, there is always a small risk of compatibility issues or unforeseen bugs that could potentially lead to data loss. It is recommended to keep the device's firmware and software up to date, but also to perform backups before any major updates.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is advisable to regularly back up your data to an external location or cloud storage, implement a proper disaster recovery plan, and follow best practices for data management and device maintenance.

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

Although the NAS DiskStation DS3617xsII / DS3617xs 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.

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   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 DS3617xsII / DS3617xs. 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.

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How to recover data from a Synology

DiskStation DS3617xsII / DS3617xs has 12 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);

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 DS3617xsII / DS3617xs 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