How to Recover Data from NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 RAID Arrays with Component Wear

Has your NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

How to Recover Data from NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 RAID Arrays with Component Wear
Data Recovery Tool

Synology ioSafe 1517 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an ioSafe 1517. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Recover Data from NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 RAID Arrays with Component Wear

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

Can excessive drive spin-down or power-saving settings impact data retrieval in case of failure on NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 devices?

Excessive drive spin-down or power-saving settings can potentially impact data retrieval in case of failure on NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 devices.

When drives are spun down or power-saving features are enabled, it means that the drives are not constantly active and are put into a low-power state. While this can help save energy and reduce wear on the drives, it can also cause delays in accessing data when a failure occurs.

In the event of a failure, such as a drive malfunction or a system crash, the NAS device may need to access the data on the drives to recover or rebuild the system. If the drives are in a spin-down state or powered off due to power-saving settings, it may take longer for the NAS device to access the data, leading to potential delays in data retrieval or recovery.

To ensure better data retrieval in case of failure, it is recommended to balance power-saving settings with the need for timely access to data. Some NAS devices allow you to configure the spin-down or power-saving settings based on specific schedules or usage patterns, allowing you to strike a balance between energy efficiency and data accessibility.

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

Although the NAS ioSafe 1517 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology ioSafe 1517. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Synology

How to recover data from a Synology

ioSafe 1517 has 5 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard

  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Synology ioSafe 1517 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows 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 ioSafe 1517, 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 some of the basic features of the NAS Synology ioSafe 1517?

    Some of the basic features of the NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 are:

    1. Robust Disaster Recovery: The ioSafe 1517 is built to withstand disasters such as fire, flood, or other physical damage, providing data protection in extreme conditions.
    2. High Storage Capacity: It supports up to 5 hard drives, allowing for a large storage capacity of up to 70TB (when using 14TB drives).
    3. RAID Support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD), providing options for data redundancy and performance optimization.
    4. Scalability: It offers the ability to expand storage capacity by connecting additional expansion units, allowing for future growth.
    5. Data Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring data security and privacy.
    6. Multiple Backup Options: It provides various backup options, including local backups, remote backups, and cloud backups, ensuring data protection and redundancy.
    7. High-speed Data Transfer: With its Gigabit Ethernet ports and Link Aggregation support, the NAS offers high-speed data transfer rates for efficient file sharing and multimedia streaming.
    8. Comprehensive File Management: It includes a user-friendly operating system (Synology DiskStation Manager) with a range of file management features, such as file sharing, file syncing, and file versioning.
    9. Multimedia Support: The NAS supports media streaming to various devices, including TVs, computers, and mobile devices, making it suitable for home entertainment purposes.
    10. App Ecosystem: It has an extensive app ecosystem, with a wide range of applications available for download, including surveillance, file syncing, backup, and productivity apps.

    Please note that this information is based on general specifications and features, and it's always recommended to refer to the official product documentation or manufacturer's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

  • How does the ioSafe 1517 differ from other NAS devices in terms of its basic features?

    The ioSafe 1517 differs from other NAS devices in several ways in terms of its basic features:

    1. Disaster-proof design: The ioSafe 1517 is built with a rugged and fireproof enclosure, providing protection against physical damages, water submersion, and extreme temperatures. This feature ensures data safety even in catastrophic events.
    2. Data recovery service: In case of any data loss or damage, ioSafe offers a Data Recovery Service, which includes professional forensic recovery techniques. This service is not typically provided by other NAS devices.
    3. Military-grade encryption: The ioSafe 1517 supports AES-256 encryption, which is a high level of encryption used by the military and government agencies. This ensures that data stored on the device remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.
    4. Scalability and expandability: The ioSafe 1517 allows for easy scalability and expandability. It supports up to seven hard drives, and additional expansion units can be connected to increase storage capacity. This makes it suitable for businesses or individuals with growing storage needs.
    5. Multiple RAID configurations: The ioSafe 1517 supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing flexibility in data protection and performance optimization. This allows users to choose the most suitable RAID level based on their requirements.

    Overall, the ioSafe 1517 stands out from other NAS devices due to its focus on physical protection, data recovery service, high-level encryption, scalability, and multiple RAID options. These features make it an ideal choice for users who prioritize data security and resilience in challenging environments.

  • Can you provide an overview of the key functionalities and capabilities offered by the NAS Synology ioSafe 1517?

    The NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 is a robust and highly durable network-attached storage device designed to withstand extreme conditions. Here is an overview of its key functionalities and capabilities:

    1. Disaster-proof design: The ioSafe 1517 is built with a fireproof and waterproof enclosure, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1550°F (843°C) for 30 minutes and submersion in water up to 10 feet (3 meters) for 72 hours. This ensures the safety and protection of your data in case of fire or flood.
    2. High storage capacity: The device supports up to five 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, providing a large storage capacity for your files, documents, multimedia, and backups.
    3. RAID support: The ioSafe 1517 supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This allows for data redundancy, improved performance, and increased storage efficiency.
    4. Scalability: With the expansion unit support, you can connect up to two DX517 expansion units to the ioSafe 1517, expanding the storage capacity further if needed.
    5. Powerful hardware: The device is equipped with a quad-core 2.4 GHz processor and 2GB DDR3 memory (expandable up to 16GB). This ensures smooth performance and efficient data processing.
    6. Versatile connectivity: The ioSafe 1517 offers multiple connectivity options, including four Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and two eSATA ports. This allows for fast data transfer and easy integration with other devices.
    7. Comprehensive data protection: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) software provides a range of data protection features, including snapshot replication, backup solutions, file versioning, and data encryption. These features ensure the security and integrity of your data.
    8. File sharing and synchronization: The device supports various file sharing protocols such as SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV. It also offers synchronization capabilities with popular cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive.
    9. Multimedia streaming: The ioSafe 1517 acts as a media server, allowing you to stream and share multimedia content across different devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
    10. Application ecosystem: The device supports a wide range of applications from Synology's Package Center, including productivity tools, surveillance solutions, virtualization environments, and more. This allows you to customize and expand the functionality of your NAS according to your specific needs.

    Overall, the NAS Synology ioSafe 1517 offers a combination of durability, storage capacity, data protection, and versatile functionality, making it an ideal choice for users who require a reliable and secure storage solution in extreme environments.
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