How to Recover Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS920+ RAID Arrays: Overcoming Component Wear

Recovering data after natural component wear in ⭐ NAS RAID arrays: specific recovery methods.

How to Recover Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS920+ RAID Arrays: Overcoming Component Wear

Synology DiskStation DS920+ 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 DS920+.

How to Recover Data from NAS Synology DiskStation DS920+ RAID Arrays: Overcoming 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 data be lost during the process of upgrading or updating the NAS Synology DiskStation DS920+ device's firmware?

Yes, there is a potential risk of data loss during the process of upgrading or updating the firmware of a NAS device like the Synology DiskStation DS920+. While the chances of data loss are generally low, unforeseen issues or power interruptions during the firmware update can lead to data corruption or loss.

To minimize the risk, it is recommended to follow some best practices:

  1. Backup your data: Before performing any firmware update, ensure that you have a backup of all important data stored on the NAS. This can be done by creating a separate backup on an external storage device or using Synology's built-in backup solutions.
  2. Use UPS: Connect your NAS device to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect it from sudden power outages. This will help prevent any power interruptions during the firmware update process.
  3. Stable network connection: Ensure that your NAS device has a stable network connection during the firmware update. Any interruptions or network issues can cause the update process to fail or result in data loss.
  4. Follow manufacturer instructions: Always follow the official instructions provided by Synology for updating the firmware. These instructions typically include precautions and steps to follow to minimize the risk of data loss.

By following these precautions, the risk of data loss during a firmware update can be significantly reduced. However, it's important to remember that there is always a small chance of data loss, so having a backup of your data is crucial.

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

Although NAS DiskStation DS920+ 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 DS920+. 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 DS920+ 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 DS920+ 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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  • 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 DS920+, 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 steps involved in connecting the Synology DiskStation DS920+ NAS to a router?

    To connect the Synology DiskStation DS920+ NAS to a router, you can follow these steps:

    1. Power on the Synology DiskStation DS920+ NAS and connect it to a power source using the provided power adapter.
    2. Connect the NAS to your router using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the LAN port on the back of the NAS, and the other end into an available LAN port on your router.
    3. Ensure that your router is powered on and connected to the internet.
    4. On your computer or mobile device, open a web browser and enter the default IP address of the Synology NAS in the address bar. The default IP address is usually "find.synology.com" or "diskstation:5000". Press Enter.
    5. The Synology Assistant software should detect the NAS on your network. Click on the NAS in the list of detected devices.
    6. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the NAS. This typically involves creating a new administrator account, setting a password, and configuring network settings.
    7. Once the initial setup is complete, you can access the NAS by entering its IP address in a web browser or by using the Synology Assistant software.
    8. To access the NAS remotely, you may need to configure port forwarding on your router to allow external access to the NAS.

    Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your specific NAS model and router. It is recommended to refer to the user manual or documentation provided by Synology for detailed instructions specific to your device.

  • What are the recommended network settings for ensuring a stable and reliable connection between the DS920+ and the router?

    To ensure a stable and reliable connection between the DS920+ and the router, you can follow these recommended network settings:

    1. Use a wired connection: Whenever possible, connect the DS920+ to the router using an Ethernet cable rather than relying on a wireless connection. Wired connections generally offer better stability and speed.
    2. Use a Gigabit Ethernet switch: If you have multiple devices connected to the router, consider using a Gigabit Ethernet switch to distribute the network connection. This will help avoid congestion and ensure each device gets sufficient bandwidth.
    3. Enable jumbo frames: If your network devices and router support jumbo frames, enable this feature. Jumbo frames allow for larger data packets to be transmitted, which can improve network performance.
    4. Configure a static IP address: Assign a static IP address to the DS920+ instead of relying on DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This ensures that the IP address of the NAS remains consistent, preventing any potential conflicts or IP address changes.
    5. Adjust MTU settings: The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) determines the maximum size of data packets transmitted over the network. You can experiment with adjusting the MTU settings on the DS920+ to find the optimal value for your network. The default value is usually 1500, but you may try lowering it to improve stability.
    6. Update firmware: Ensure that both the DS920+ and the router have the latest firmware installed. Manufacturers often release firmware updates to address performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and improve compatibility.
    7. Use quality cables and hardware: Invest in good quality Ethernet cables and networking hardware. Low-quality cables or outdated networking equipment can introduce signal degradation and impact the overall network performance.
    8. Optimize Wi-Fi settings: If you are using a wireless connection, make sure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal. Position the router and DS920+ in close proximity, reduce interference from other devices, and use a Wi-Fi channel with minimal interference from neighboring networks.
    9. Prioritize network traffic: If your router supports Quality of Service (QoS) settings, prioritize the network traffic for the DS920+. This ensures that the NAS gets sufficient bandwidth and reduces the chances of other devices causing congestion.
    10. Monitor network performance: Use network monitoring tools to keep an eye on the performance of the DS920+ and the network. This helps identify any potential issues and allows for timely troubleshooting.

    Remember, network environments can vary, so it's essential to test and adjust these settings based on your specific network configuration and requirements.

  • Are there any specific router requirements or compatibility considerations when connecting the Synology DiskStation DS920+ NAS to a network?

    When connecting the Synology DiskStation DS920+ NAS to a network, there are no specific router requirements or compatibility considerations. The DS920+ NAS can be connected to any standard router or network switch using an Ethernet cable. It supports both Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) and can automatically negotiate the connection speed with the router.

    However, to ensure optimal performance and functionality, it is recommended to connect the DS920+ NAS to a Gigabit Ethernet port on the router or switch. This will provide faster data transfer speeds, especially when accessing the NAS remotely or transferring large files over the network.

    Additionally, it is important to configure the router's network settings properly to allow access to the NAS from other devices on the network or remotely over the internet. This may involve setting up port forwarding or enabling certain network services like Dynamic DNS (DDNS) if remote access is required.

    Overall, as long as the router or network switch supports Gigabit Ethernet and has available Ethernet ports, it should be compatible with the Synology DiskStation DS920+ NAS.

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