NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Strategies After Component Wear

Understand natural component wear in ⭐ NAS RAID arrays and how it affects data recovery efforts.

NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Strategies After Component Wear

Synology DiskStation DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j 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 DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j.

NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Strategies After 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.

Can the type of file system used on NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j devices affect data loss risks?

Yes, the type of file system used on NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j devices can affect data loss risks. The file system is responsible for organizing and managing the data stored on the NAS device. Different file systems have varying levels of robustness, reliability, and data protection mechanisms.

For example, the most commonly used file system on Synology NAS devices is the Btrfs (B-tree file system), which offers advanced features like data checksums, snapshots, and data scrubbing. These features help in detecting and recovering from data corruption or disk errors, reducing the risk of data loss.

On the other hand, older file systems like EXT4 or FAT32 may not have the same level of built-in data protection features. They may be more susceptible to data corruption or file system errors, increasing the risk of data loss.

It is important to choose a file system that suits your needs and provides the necessary data protection mechanisms. Additionally, regularly backing up your data to a separate storage device or offsite location is always recommended to mitigate the risk of data loss.

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

Although NAS DiskStation DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j 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 DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j. 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 DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j has 4 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);

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 DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j 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 DS416 / DS416play / DS416slim / DS416j, 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 measures provided by the NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 series to ensure data security?

    The NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 series provides several key features and measures to ensure data security. Some of these features include:

    1. RAID Protection: The DS416 series supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10) to protect against data loss in case of drive failure. This redundancy ensures that data remains accessible even if one or more drives fail.
    2. Data Encryption: The DS416 series supports AES 256-bit encryption, which encrypts the data stored on the NAS. This encryption ensures that even if the drives are physically stolen, the data remains secure and inaccessible without the encryption key.
    3. User Access Control: The DS416 series allows administrators to control access to the NAS by setting up user accounts and assigning different levels of permissions. This ensures that only authorized users can access and modify the data stored on the NAS.
    4. Firewall and IP Blocking: The DS416 series has built-in firewall and IP blocking features to prevent unauthorized access to the NAS. These features help protect against potential attacks and ensure that only trusted devices can connect to the NAS.
    5. Antivirus and Malware Protection: Synology provides a built-in antivirus solution that scans files for viruses and malware. This helps to prevent the NAS from becoming infected and ensures the integrity of the stored data.
    6. Snapshot and Backup: The DS416 series supports the creation of snapshots, which capture the state of the system at a specific point in time. Snapshots can be used to quickly restore data in case of accidental deletion or modification. Additionally, the NAS supports various backup methods, including local backup, remote backup, and cloud backup, providing additional layers of data protection.
    7. Two-Factor Authentication: The DS416 series supports two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to user accounts. This requires users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a verification code from a mobile app, in addition to their password.

    These features and measures provided by the NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 series help ensure the security and integrity of data stored on the device.

  • How does the NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 series protect against unauthorized access and potential data breaches?

    The NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 series incorporates several security measures to protect against unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Here are some of the key security features:

    1. User Access Control: The DiskStation DS416 series allows administrators to create multiple user accounts with customizable access privileges. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific files and folders.
    2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Synology supports 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second authentication factor, such as a verification code from a mobile app, in addition to their password.
    3. Firewall and IP Blocking: The built-in firewall on the DiskStation DS416 series helps prevent unauthorized access to the system. It also supports IP blocking, allowing administrators to restrict access from specific IP addresses or IP ranges.
    4. Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit encryption for shared folders, ensuring that data stored on the device is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
    5. HTTPS and SSL/TLS: The DiskStation DS416 series supports HTTPS connections, encrypting data transmitted between the NAS and connected devices. It also supports SSL/TLS certificates for secure remote access.
    6. Antivirus and Malware Protection: Synology provides a built-in antivirus solution that can scan files and folders for potential threats, protecting the NAS from malware and viruses.
    7. Network Intrusion Prevention: The NAS includes a Network Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS) that can detect and block suspicious network traffic, preventing unauthorized access attempts.
    8. Automatic Security Updates: Synology regularly releases security updates and patches to address any vulnerabilities. The DiskStation DS416 series can be set to automatically install these updates, ensuring the system is always up to date with the latest security enhancements.

    It is important to note that while the DiskStation DS416 series incorporates these security features, users should also follow best practices such as using strong passwords, regularly updating firmware, and implementing additional security measures to further protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.

  • Can you explain the backup and disaster recovery options available on the NAS Synology DiskStation DS416 series to safeguard data in case of hardware failure or other emergencies?

    The Synology DiskStation DS416 series offers several backup and disaster recovery options to ensure data safety in case of hardware failure or emergencies. These options include:

    1. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): The DS416 series supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10. RAID provides data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, so if one drive fails, the data can be rebuilt from the remaining drives.
    2. Snapshot Replication: This feature allows you to take point-in-time snapshots of your data, capturing its state at a specific moment. In case of accidental deletion or data corruption, you can easily restore your files or folders from a previous snapshot.
    3. Hyper Backup: Synology's Hyper Backup application provides a comprehensive backup solution. It allows you to schedule backups to remote destinations, including other Synology NAS devices, external hard drives, cloud storage services like Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, or even to another DiskStation at a different location.
    4. USB Copy: With USB Copy, you can connect an external USB drive to the DS416 series and easily create backups by pressing a button. It provides a quick and convenient way to safeguard important data.
    5. Cloud Sync: This feature allows you to sync your data stored on the DS416 series with various cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and more. It ensures that your data is replicated to the cloud, providing an additional layer of protection.
    6. High Availability: The DS416 series supports High Availability (HA) configuration, where two DiskStations are set up in a redundant manner. In case of a hardware failure in one DiskStation, the other takes over seamlessly, ensuring continuous access to data.
    7. External Backup: You can also use the DS416 series as a backup target for other devices on your network. This can be achieved through various backup protocols such as rsync, FTP, or using Synology's own backup applications like Synology Drive or Active Backup.

    These backup and disaster recovery options offered by the Synology DiskStation DS416 series provide a range of choices to safeguard your data and ensure business continuity in case of hardware failure or emergencies.

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