RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology FlashStation FS1018: Data Recovery Solutions and Consequences

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology FlashStation FS1018
• 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.

How can RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Synology FlashStation FS1018 devices?

RAID configurations in NAS Synology FlashStation FS1018 devices can have a significant impact on data loss prevention. Here are a few ways RAID configurations can help minimize data loss:

1. Redundancy: RAID configurations, such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6, provide redundancy by distributing data across multiple disks. This redundancy ensures that if one disk fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining disks. This helps prevent data loss in case of disk failures.
2. Hot Spare: Some RAID configurations, like RAID 5 or RAID 6, allow for the inclusion of a hot spare disk. A hot spare is an extra disk that remains idle until another disk fails. When a failure occurs, the hot spare automatically replaces the failed disk, minimizing the downtime and reducing the risk of data loss.
3. Rebuild Capability: In the event of a disk failure, RAID configurations allow for the rebuilding of data on the failed disk using the redundancy information stored on other disks. The process of rebuilding automatically restores the lost data and ensures the system remains operational, thereby reducing the chances of data loss.
4. RAID Scrubbing: Synology NAS devices, including the FlashStation FS1018, offer a feature called RAID Scrubbing. This feature periodically checks the integrity of the data stored on the disks and repairs any inconsistencies or errors. By proactively identifying and resolving potential issues, RAID scrubbing helps prevent data loss.
5. RAID Expansion and Migration: Synology FlashStation FS1018 devices support RAID expansion and migration. This means you can add more disks to increase storage capacity or migrate to a different RAID configuration without losing any data. These features provide flexibility and scalability while minimizing the risk of data loss during storage upgrades or changes.

It is important to note that while RAID configurations can help mitigate the risk of data loss, they do not guarantee complete protection. Other factors, such as human error, malware, or natural disasters, can still pose threats to data integrity. Therefore, it is advisable to implement additional data backup and disaster recovery solutions alongside RAID configurations for comprehensive data protection.

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

Although the NAS FlashStation FS1018 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 FlashStation FS1018. 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

FlashStation FS1018 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 FlashStation FS1018 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