NAS Synology FlashStation FS2500 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Process, and Data Loss

Recovering data after RAID controller failure on ⭐ NAS is possible with the right approach.

NAS Synology FlashStation FS2500 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Process, and Data Loss

Synology FlashStation FS2500 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from FlashStation FS2500.

NAS Synology FlashStation FS2500 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Process, and Data Loss

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 use of deduplication or compression technologies impact data loss risks on NAS Synology FlashStation FS2500 devices?

The use of deduplication or compression technologies on NAS Synology FlashStation FS2500 devices can potentially impact data loss risks in the following ways:

  1. Deduplication: Deduplication eliminates redundant data by storing only unique data blocks and creating references to them. While this can save storage space, it introduces a certain level of risk. If there is corruption or loss of a deduplicated data block, it can affect multiple files or data sets that reference that block. This increases the risk of data loss as a single error can impact multiple files.
  2. Compression: Compression reduces the size of data by encoding it in a more compact form. However, compressed data is more susceptible to loss or corruption. If there is an error during compression or decompression, it can result in data loss. Additionally, compressed data requires decompression before access, and if the decompression algorithm or software fails, it can lead to data loss.

It is important to note that both deduplication and compression technologies have been widely used and improved over the years, reducing the likelihood of data loss. However, there is always a small inherent risk associated with these technologies. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to have proper backup strategies in place, including regular backups to separate storage devices or offsite locations.

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

Although NAS FlashStation FS2500 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 FlashStation FS2500. 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

FlashStation FS2500 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);

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 FlashStation FS2500 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 FlashStation FS2500, 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 benefits of using the Synology FlashStation FS2500 for saving video files?

    The Synology FlashStation FS2500 is a high-performance all-flash storage solution designed for saving video files. Some of its key features and benefits include:

    1. High Performance: The FS2500 is powered by a dual-controller architecture with Intel Xeon processors and supports NVMe SSDs, providing exceptional performance for video storage and playback. It can handle high bandwidth requirements and deliver low-latency access to video files.
    2. Scalability: The FS2500 offers flexible scalability options, allowing users to expand storage capacity as their video storage needs grow. It supports up to 24 drive bays and can be expanded further using expansion units, ensuring ample space for storing large video files.
    3. Data Protection: It comes with advanced data protection features such as RAID support (including RAID F1 for SSDs), snapshot technology, and data integrity checks. These features help safeguard video files against data loss, corruption, and accidental deletion.
    4. High Availability: The FS2500 supports active-active controller redundancy, ensuring continuous availability of video files. In case of a controller failure, the other controller seamlessly takes over, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted access to video files.
    5. Easy Management: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system provides a user-friendly interface for easy management of the FS2500. It offers features like storage management, file sharing, user access controls, and monitoring tools, simplifying the administration of video storage.
    6. Compatibility: The FS2500 is compatible with various video surveillance applications and can integrate with popular video management systems (VMS) and network video recorders (NVR). It supports protocols like NFS, SMB, and iSCSI, enabling seamless integration into existing video storage environments.
    7. Energy Efficient: The FS2500 is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It utilizes SSDs, which consume less power compared to traditional hard drives. Additionally, it features a smart fan system that adjusts fan speeds based on system temperature, reducing power consumption and noise levels.
    8. Future-proof: The FS2500 is built to meet the demands of future video storage requirements. With its high-performance architecture and scalability options, it can handle increasing video file sizes and higher resolution formats, ensuring long-term usability.

    Overall, the Synology FlashStation FS2500 provides a reliable, high-performance, and scalable solution for saving video files, offering features and benefits tailored to the specific needs of video storage applications.

  • How does the NAS Synology FlashStation FS2500 ensure high performance and reliability when storing video files?

    The NAS Synology FlashStation FS2500 ensures high performance and reliability when storing video files through several key features:

    1. Flash-based Storage: The FS2500 utilizes solid-state drives (SSDs) for storage, which offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). This flash-based storage technology ensures high performance when accessing and transferring video files.
    2. Dual Active Controllers: The FS2500 employs dual active controllers that work in an active-active mode, providing seamless failover and load balancing. This redundant architecture ensures high availability and minimizes the risk of data loss or downtime.
    3. Data Integrity and Protection: The FS2500 supports advanced data protection mechanisms like RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) to ensure data integrity and prevent data loss. It also offers features like snapshot technology, which allows users to take point-in-time backups of their video files, providing an additional layer of data protection.
    4. High-speed Connectivity: The FS2500 supports high-speed network connectivity options like 10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet) and is equipped with multiple network ports. This enables fast data transfer rates and ensures that the NAS can handle the high bandwidth requirements of video files without performance bottlenecks.
    5. Built-in Cache: The FS2500 includes a built-in cache mechanism, which helps accelerate data access and improves overall system performance. By caching frequently accessed video files, the NAS can serve them faster, reducing latency and improving the user experience.
    6. Advanced File System: Synology's DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system, which runs on the FS2500, utilizes the Btrfs file system. Btrfs offers advanced features like data checksums, self-healing, and snapshot capabilities, ensuring data integrity and enhancing reliability when storing video files.

    Overall, the combination of flash-based storage, redundant architecture, data protection mechanisms, high-speed connectivity, cache, and advanced file system ensures that the NAS Synology FlashStation FS2500 delivers high performance and reliability for storing video files.

  • Can the Synology FlashStation FS2500 handle large video files and support seamless playback and streaming across multiple devices?

    Yes, the Synology FlashStation FS2500 is capable of handling large video files and supporting seamless playback and streaming across multiple devices. It is designed for high-performance storage needs and is equipped with powerful hardware and software features to ensure smooth video playback and streaming.

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