How to recover data from Synology DiskStation DS918+ NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+
Data Recovery Tool

Synology DiskStation DS918+ 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 DS918+.

How to recover data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+

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 elevation of privileges or compromised user accounts lead to data loss or unauthorized access on NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+ devices?

Yes, elevation of privileges or compromised user accounts can potentially lead to data loss or unauthorized access on NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+ devices. If an attacker gains administrative privileges or compromises a user account with sufficient privileges, they can potentially modify or delete data, gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, or even take control of the entire device.

It is important to ensure that strong security practices are followed, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, regularly updating the firmware and applications, and restricting user privileges to minimize the risk of such attacks. Additionally, regularly backing up important data to an external location can help mitigate the impact of data loss in case of a compromise.

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

Although NAS DiskStation DS918+ 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 DS918+. 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 DS918+ 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 Tools – Save 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 DS918+ 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 DS918+, 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 available cloud services that can be used to copy data from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+?

    There are several cloud services that can be used to copy data from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+. Some of the popular options include:

    1. Synology C2: This is a cloud backup service provided by Synology specifically for their NAS devices. It offers secure and encrypted storage for backing up your data.
    2. Amazon S3: Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) is a scalable object storage service offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). You can use tools like Synology Cloud Sync to synchronize your data from the NAS to an S3 bucket.
    3. Google Drive: Google Drive is a cloud storage service provided by Google. Synology Cloud Sync also supports syncing data from the NAS to Google Drive.
    4. Dropbox: Dropbox is a popular cloud storage service that allows you to store and sync your files across multiple devices. Synology Cloud Sync can be used to copy data from the NAS to your Dropbox account.
    5. Microsoft OneDrive: OneDrive is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft. Similar to other cloud services, Synology Cloud Sync supports syncing data from the NAS to your OneDrive account.
    6. Backblaze B2: Backblaze B2 is an affordable and scalable cloud storage service. You can use Synology Hyper Backup to back up your NAS data to Backblaze B2.

    These are just a few examples, and there are many other cloud services available that can be used to copy data from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+. The choice of service depends on your specific requirements, such as storage capacity, pricing, and integration options.

  • How can data be securely transferred from the NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+ to a cloud service?

    To securely transfer data from the NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+ to a cloud service, you can follow these steps:

    1. Set up a secure connection: Ensure that your DiskStation is connected to the internet using a secure connection, such as HTTPS or SSL/TLS. This will encrypt the data transmission between your DiskStation and the cloud service.
    2. Choose a reliable cloud service: Select a reputable and secure cloud service provider that offers encryption and data protection features. Popular options include Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Storage, or Synology C2 Cloud.
    3. Set up cloud service integration: On your DiskStation, install and configure the cloud service integration package for the specific cloud service you have chosen. Synology NAS devices usually have built-in support for major cloud services.
    4. Create a sync or backup task: Use the DiskStation's file management software (e.g., File Station or Hyper Backup) to create a sync or backup task. Select the files or folders you want to transfer to the cloud service and configure the destination as the cloud storage.
    5. Enable encryption: Enable encryption options provided by the cloud service integration package or the file management software. This will ensure that your data is encrypted before it leaves your DiskStation and remains encrypted in the cloud.
    6. Configure access controls: Set up appropriate access controls and permissions for the cloud service. This includes strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and restricting access to authorized users only.
    7. Schedule regular transfers: Set up a schedule for regular data transfers to the cloud service. This ensures that your data remains up to date and protected in case of any local failures or disasters.
    8. Monitor and audit: Regularly monitor the data transfer process and review logs for any irregularities or errors. Perform periodic audits to ensure the integrity and security of your data in the cloud.

    By following these steps, you can securely transfer your data from the NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+ to a cloud service, protecting it during transmission and storage.

  • Are there any limitations or restrictions when copying data from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+ to cloud services?

    Yes, there can be limitations or restrictions when copying data from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+ to cloud services. Some common limitations include:

    1. Bandwidth limitations: The speed of data transfer may be limited by the available bandwidth of your internet connection. If you have a slow internet connection, it may take a long time to upload or download large amounts of data.
    2. Storage space limitations: Cloud services often have limitations on the amount of storage space available to users. If your NAS contains a large amount of data, you may need to purchase additional storage space from the cloud service provider.
    3. Transfer limits: Some cloud services impose limits on the amount of data that can be transferred within a specific time period. This can affect the speed at which you can copy data from your NAS to the cloud.
    4. File size limitations: Certain cloud services may have restrictions on the maximum file size that can be uploaded or downloaded. If you have large files on your NAS, you may need to split them into smaller parts or use alternative methods to transfer them.
    5. Compatibility issues: Not all cloud services are compatible with the NAS operating system or file systems. Ensure that the cloud service you choose supports the protocols and file systems used by your NAS.
    6. Network stability: Any interruptions or instability in your network connection can disrupt the data transfer process and may result in incomplete or failed transfers.

    It is important to carefully review the limitations and restrictions of the specific cloud service you plan to use and consider these factors when copying data from a NAS Synology DiskStation DS918+ to the cloud.
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