NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Approaches After Component Wear

Has your NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ 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?

NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Approaches After Component Wear
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Synology ioSafe 220+ 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 220+. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Approaches After 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 regular data integrity checks help prevent data loss in NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ devices?

Yes, regular data integrity checks can help prevent data loss in NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ devices. Data integrity checks involve verifying the consistency and accuracy of data stored on the device. By regularly performing these checks, you can identify and correct any potential data corruption or errors before they lead to data loss.

Synology NAS devices offer various data integrity features, such as data scrubbing and RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technologies, which can help detect and repair data inconsistencies. Data scrubbing involves periodically scanning the data stored on the NAS to identify and repair any errors or inconsistencies. RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 (mirroring), provide redundancy by storing data on multiple drives, allowing for data recovery in case of drive failures.

Regularly scheduling and performing data integrity checks, along with utilizing RAID and other built-in features, can significantly reduce the risk of data loss on NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ devices. Additionally, it's crucial to maintain proper backup strategies to ensure data protection in case of catastrophic events or multiple drive failures.

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

Although the NAS ioSafe 220+ 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 220+. 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 220+ has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Synology Hybrid RAID;
  • 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 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 220+ 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 220+, 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 advantages of using a NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ over regular external hard drives in terms of data security and protection?

    Using a NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ over regular external hard drives offers several advantages in terms of data security and protection. Some of these advantages include:

    1. Disaster-proof design: The ioSafe 220+ is built with a fireproof and waterproof enclosure, providing protection against natural disasters such as fires and floods. This ensures that your data remains safe even in extreme situations.
    2. Data redundancy: The ioSafe 220+ supports RAID configurations, allowing you to create redundant copies of your data across multiple hard drives. In case of a drive failure, your data remains accessible and protected.
    3. Network accessibility: Unlike regular external hard drives, the ioSafe 220+ is a network-attached storage (NAS) device. This means that it can be connected to your local network, allowing multiple users to access and share files simultaneously. It also enables remote access to your data, providing flexibility and convenience.
    4. Data encryption: The ioSafe 220+ supports hardware-based encryption, ensuring that your data is protected from unauthorized access. This is especially important when storing sensitive or confidential information.
    5. Data backup and synchronization: The ioSafe 220+ comes with built-in backup and synchronization features. You can schedule automatic backups of your data to external drives or cloud storage services, providing an additional layer of protection against data loss.
    6. Scalability: The ioSafe 220+ offers the flexibility to expand storage capacity as your needs grow. You can easily add additional hard drives to the device, allowing you to accommodate larger amounts of data without the need to purchase new external drives.

    Overall, the ioSafe 220+ provides enhanced data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives, making it a reliable solution for individuals and businesses looking to safeguard their valuable data.

  • How does a NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ provide better accessibility and convenience compared to traditional external hard drives?

    The NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ provides better accessibility and convenience compared to traditional external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Network Accessibility: The ioSafe 220+ is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, which means it connects directly to your network router. This allows multiple devices on the same network to access and share files simultaneously. In contrast, traditional external hard drives typically connect to a single computer via USB, limiting accessibility to that specific device.
    2. Remote Access: With the ioSafe 220+, you can access your files remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly useful for accessing files when you are away from home or the office. Traditional external hard drives require physical connection to the computer they are connected to, making remote access impossible.
    3. Centralized Storage: The ioSafe 220+ acts as a centralized storage solution for all your devices. You can store and access files from various devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, without the need to transfer files between devices or carry the external hard drive with you. Traditional external hard drives require physically connecting and disconnecting them from different devices to access files.
    4. Data Redundancy and Protection: The ioSafe 220+ offers data redundancy and protection features such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which can help protect your data from drive failures. It also supports automatic backups and synchronization, ensuring your data is safely stored and protected. Traditional external hard drives do not typically offer these built-in data protection features.
    5. Expandable Storage: The ioSafe 220+ allows for easy expansion of storage capacity by adding additional hard drives to its available drive bays. This enables you to increase storage space without having to purchase a new device. Traditional external hard drives have fixed storage capacities and require purchasing additional drives if more space is needed.

    Overall, the NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ provides better accessibility and convenience by offering network accessibility, remote access, centralized storage, data redundancy and protection, and expandable storage options compared to traditional external hard drives.

  • In what ways does a NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ offer enhanced data management and collaboration features that are not available with regular external hard drives?

    The NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ offers several enhanced data management and collaboration features that are not available with regular external hard drives. Some of these features include:

    1. Centralized storage: The NAS provides a centralized storage solution where multiple users can access and store their data in one location. This allows for better organization and easier management of files.
    2. User and group permissions: The NAS allows administrators to assign specific access permissions to individual users or groups. This ensures that only authorized users can access certain files or folders, enhancing security and control over data.
    3. File sharing and syncing: The NAS enables easy file sharing and syncing between multiple devices and users. It supports various protocols like SMB, FTP, and WebDAV, allowing seamless collaboration and file access from anywhere.
    4. Version control and file history: The NAS offers version control, allowing users to track and revert to previous versions of files. It also keeps a history of file changes, enabling users to review and restore previous versions if required.
    5. Data backup and recovery: The NAS provides built-in backup and recovery features, allowing users to schedule automatic backups of their data. In case of data loss or accidental deletion, users can easily restore their files from the backup.
    6. RAID support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that data remains accessible even if one or more drives fail.
    7. Remote access and mobile apps: The NAS offers remote access capabilities, allowing users to access their files and collaborate remotely. Additionally, mobile apps provided by Synology enable users to access and manage their data using smartphones or tablets.
    8. Additional applications: The NAS supports a wide range of additional applications that enhance data management and collaboration. These include document management systems, multimedia servers, email servers, and more, expanding the functionality of the device beyond just storage.

    Overall, the NAS Synology ioSafe 220+ offers a comprehensive set of features that go beyond basic external hard drives, enabling enhanced data management, collaboration, security, and accessibility.
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