Recovering Data from NAS Synology ioSafe 218 RAID Arrays: Coping with Component Wear Challenges

Has your NAS Synology ioSafe 218 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?

Recovering Data from NAS Synology ioSafe 218 RAID Arrays: Coping with Component Wear Challenges
Data Recovery Tool

Synology ioSafe 218 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 218. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Recovering Data from NAS Synology ioSafe 218 RAID Arrays: Coping with Component Wear Challenges

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 the use of specific data compression or deduplication techniques impact the performance and data integrity on NAS Synology ioSafe 218 devices?

The use of specific data compression or deduplication techniques can indeed impact the performance and data integrity on NAS Synology ioSafe 218 devices.

Data compression techniques aim to reduce the size of data by encoding it in a more efficient manner. While this can save storage space, it may also require additional processing power and time to compress and decompress the data. Consequently, the performance of the NAS device may be affected, especially during read and write operations.

Deduplication techniques identify and eliminate duplicate data blocks, thus reducing storage requirements. However, deduplication also requires additional processing power and memory to identify and manage the duplicate data. This can impact the overall performance of the NAS device, particularly during deduplication processes.

Furthermore, data integrity can be affected if the compression or deduplication processes are not implemented correctly. If there are any issues or errors during compression or deduplication, it may result in data corruption or loss. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the chosen compression or deduplication techniques are properly implemented and regularly tested for data integrity.

In summary, while data compression and deduplication techniques can provide storage efficiency benefits, they can also impact performance and data integrity on NAS Synology ioSafe 218 devices. It is important to carefully evaluate and monitor the impact of these techniques to ensure optimal performance and data reliability.

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

Although the NAS ioSafe 218 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 218. 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 218 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Synology Hybrid RAID(SHR);
  • 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.

    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 218 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 218, 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 functionalities of the NAS Synology ioSafe 218 web interface?

    The key features and functionalities of the NAS Synology ioSafe 218 web interface include:

    1. Dashboard: The web interface provides a dashboard that gives an overview of the system status, including CPU and memory usage, network activity, and storage capacity.
    2. File Management: Users can easily manage their files and folders through the web interface. They can create, delete, copy, and move files, as well as perform file searches and organize files into folders.
    3. File Sharing: The web interface allows users to share files and folders with others, either by generating download links or by granting specific access permissions to individual users or groups.
    4. Backup and Restore: Users can set up and manage backup tasks to protect their data. The web interface supports various backup methods, including local backups, remote backups, and cloud backups. It also provides options for scheduling backups and restoring data from backups.
    5. Storage Management: The web interface allows users to configure and manage their storage devices. They can create storage volumes, set up RAID configurations, expand storage capacity, and monitor disk health and performance.
    6. User and Group Management: Administrators can create and manage user accounts and groups through the web interface. They can assign different access privileges to users and groups, control file access permissions, and manage user quotas.
    7. Application Management: The web interface provides access to a wide range of applications and services that can be installed and managed on the NAS. These include media servers, file synchronization tools, surveillance software, and more.
    8. Network Settings: Users can configure and manage network settings through the web interface. This includes setting up network connections, configuring network protocols, and managing firewall and security settings.
    9. System Settings: The web interface allows users to customize various system settings, such as time and date, language preferences, notification settings, and system updates.
    10. Monitoring and Logging: The web interface provides real-time monitoring of system resources, network activity, and storage usage. It also keeps logs of system events and activities, which can be useful for troubleshooting and auditing purposes.
  • How user-friendly is the web interface of the NAS Synology ioSafe 218, and what customization options does it offer?

    The web interface of the NAS Synology ioSafe 218 is generally considered to be user-friendly and intuitive. It offers a clean and organized layout, making it easy for users to navigate and access various features.

    The web interface provides a range of customization options to suit individual preferences and requirements. Some of the key customization options include:

    1. Desktop customization: Users can personalize the desktop layout by arranging and organizing icons, creating folders, and selecting different themes.
    2. App installation: The NAS supports a wide range of applications that can be installed and customized based on user needs. These apps include file management, multimedia streaming, backup solutions, surveillance, and more.
    3. Widgets and shortcuts: Users can add widgets to the desktop to display information such as system resources, network status, or storage usage. Shortcuts can also be created for frequently accessed features or folders.
    4. User and group management: The NAS allows for the creation of multiple user accounts with customizable permissions and access rights. User groups can also be created to simplify management.
    5. File and folder settings: Users can customize file and folder permissions, set up advanced file sharing options, enable encryption, and configure access controls.
    6. Network settings: The web interface provides various network customization options, including configuring LAN/WAN settings, setting up port forwarding, enabling VPN services, and managing network protocols.
    7. Security and privacy settings: Users can customize security settings such as firewall rules, enable two-factor authentication, set up IP blocking, and manage SSL certificates.
    8. Notification and alert settings: The NAS allows users to customize notifications and alerts for various events such as system updates, storage capacity warnings, or backup completion.

    Overall, the web interface of the NAS Synology ioSafe 218 offers a user-friendly experience with extensive customization options to tailor the NAS to individual preferences and requirements.

  • Can you provide a step-by-step guide on how to access and navigate the web interface of the NAS Synology ioSafe 218 for configuration and management purposes?

    Certainly! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to access and navigate the web interface of the NAS Synology ioSafe 218 for configuration and management purposes:

    1. Connect your NAS Synology ioSafe 218 to your local network using an Ethernet cable.
    2. Make sure your computer is also connected to the same network.
    3. Open a web browser on your computer (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and enter the default IP address of the NAS into the address bar. The default IP address for the NAS Synology ioSafe 218 is usually "http://find.synology.com" or "http://diskstation:5000". Press Enter.
    4. The web browser will search for the NAS on your network and display a list of available devices. Click on your NAS Synology ioSafe 218 from the list.
    5. If prompted, enter the default username and password to log in. The default username is "admin," and the default password is "admin" as well. Click on the "Sign in" or "Log in" button.
    6. You will be directed to the web interface dashboard of your NAS Synology ioSafe 218. This dashboard provides an overview of the system status, storage, and other relevant information.
    7. To configure and manage the NAS, navigate through the different options and settings available in the web interface. You can usually find these options in the left or top menu bar. Some common sections include "Control Panel," "File Station," "Storage Manager," "Package Center," etc.
    8. Click on the desired section to access its settings and configurations. For example, if you want to create shared folders, go to "Control Panel" > "Shared Folder" or if you want to manage users, go to "Control Panel" > "User."
    9. Within each section, you will find various options and settings that you can customize according to your requirements. Explore the different menus and submenus to configure your NAS as desired.
    10. Remember to save any changes you make before leaving a section or closing the web interface.

    That's it! You have successfully accessed and navigated the web interface of the NAS Synology ioSafe 218 for configuration and management purposes.
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