How to Recover Data from NAS Synology ioSafe 214 RAID Arrays with Natural Component Wear

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology ioSafe 214
• 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.

Can remote access to NAS Synology ioSafe 214 devices pose additional data loss risks?

Remote access to NAS Synology ioSafe 214 devices can potentially pose additional data loss risks if proper security measures are not in place. Here are some potential risks:

1. Unauthorized access: If remote access is not properly secured, hackers or unauthorized individuals may gain access to the NAS device. This can lead to data theft, modification, or deletion.
2. Weak passwords: If users do not set strong passwords for remote access, it becomes easier for attackers to guess or crack them. Weak passwords can compromise the security of the NAS device and the data stored on it.
3. Vulnerabilities and outdated software: If the NAS device or its remote access software is not regularly updated, it may contain security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. Outdated software may lack necessary security patches, increasing the risk of data loss.
4. Network attacks: Remote access to a NAS device requires network connectivity, which means it is exposed to potential network attacks. This includes attacks like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), Man-in-the-Middle (MitM), or brute-force attacks.
5. Data transmission security: If data is transmitted over an insecure network or without encryption, it can be intercepted by attackers. This can lead to data loss or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

To mitigate these risks, it is important to follow security best practices such as:

• Enabling strong passwords and two-factor authentication for remote access.
• Keeping the NAS device and its software up to date with the latest security patches.
• Using a secure and encrypted connection (such as VPN) for remote access.
• Regularly backing up data to an off-site location to protect against potential data loss.
• Monitoring network traffic and using intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts.

By implementing these security measures, the risks associated with remote access to NAS Synology ioSafe 214 devices can be significantly reduced.

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

Although the NAS ioSafe 214 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 ioSafe 214. 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

ioSafe 214 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• Synology Hybrid RAID;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 0;
• Basic;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• EXT4;
• EXT3 (External Disk Only);
• FAT32 (External Disk Only);
• exFAT (External Disk Only);
• NTFS (External Disk Only);
• HFS+ (External Disk 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 ioSafe 214 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