How to recover data from Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+

Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from RackStation RC18015xs+.

How to recover data from NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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.

What are the common causes of data loss in NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ devices?

There are several common causes of data loss in NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ devices, including:

  1. Hardware Failure: This can include issues with the hard drives, power supply, or other components of the device. If any of these fail, it can result in data loss.
  2. Human Error: Accidental deletion of files or formatting of the wrong drive can lead to data loss. It is important to be cautious when managing files on the NAS device.
  3. Software Corruption: If the operating system or firmware of the device becomes corrupted, it can lead to data loss. This can happen due to improper shutdowns, power outages, or other software-related issues.
  4. Virus or Malware Attacks: NAS devices are not immune to viruses or malware. If the device becomes infected, it can result in data loss or corruption.
  5. Natural Disasters or Physical Damage: Fire, flood, or other natural disasters can damage the NAS device and result in data loss. Physical damage to the device, such as dropping or impact, can also cause data loss.
  6. Theft or Loss: If the NAS device is stolen or lost, the data stored on it can be lost as well unless proper backup measures are in place.

To mitigate the risk of data loss, it is important to regularly backup the data stored on the NAS device to an external location or cloud storage. Additionally, implementing RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) or other redundancy measures can help protect against hardware failures.

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

Although NAS RackStation RC18015xs+ 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 RackStation RC18015xs+. 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

RackStation RC18015xs+ 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 RackStation RC18015xs+ 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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Comments (1)

  • 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 RackStation RC18015xs+, 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 available cloud services that can be used to copy data from NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+?

    There are several cloud services that can be used to copy data from a NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+. Some popular options include:

    1. Amazon S3: Synology provides a built-in Cloud Sync app that allows you to sync data with Amazon S3 cloud storage.
    2. Microsoft Azure: Synology also offers a Cloud Sync app for syncing data with Microsoft Azure cloud storage.
    3. Google Cloud Storage: You can use Synology's Cloud Sync app to sync data with Google Cloud Storage.
    4. Dropbox: Synology has a dedicated app called Cloud Sync that enables syncing data with Dropbox cloud storage.
    5. OneDrive: Synology supports syncing data with Microsoft OneDrive using its Cloud Sync app.
    6. Backblaze B2: Synology offers a Cloud Sync app that allows you to sync data with Backblaze B2 cloud storage.
    7. Wasabi: Synology also supports syncing data with Wasabi cloud storage using its Cloud Sync app.

    These are just a few examples, and there may be other cloud services that are compatible with Synology RackStation RC18015xs+. It is recommended to check the official Synology website or consult the user manual for the most up-to-date information on supported cloud services.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of copying data from NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ to cloud services?

    Advantages of copying data from NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ to cloud services:

    1. Data backup: Cloud services provide an additional layer of data backup, ensuring that your data is safe and secure even if something happens to your local NAS device.
    2. Disaster recovery: In case of a catastrophic event like fire, flood, or theft, having your data stored in the cloud ensures that you can easily recover it and resume operations quickly.
    3. Accessibility: Cloud services allow you to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection, making it convenient for remote work, collaboration, or accessing files on the go.
    4. Scalability: Cloud storage offers virtually unlimited storage capacity, allowing you to easily scale up as your data storage needs increase without the hassle of purchasing and managing additional hardware.
    5. Cost-effectiveness: Cloud storage eliminates the need for investing in and maintaining on-premises storage infrastructure, reducing hardware and maintenance costs.

    Disadvantages of copying data from NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ to cloud services:

    1. Internet dependency: Uploading and downloading large amounts of data to and from the cloud requires a stable and high-speed internet connection. If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, it can significantly impact data transfer speeds and accessibility.
    2. Data transfer time: Transferring large volumes of data to the cloud can be time-consuming, especially if you have limited bandwidth. Initial data uploads may take a significant amount of time, and subsequent updates or backups can also be time-consuming.
    3. Data security concerns: Storing data in the cloud raises concerns about data security and privacy. While most cloud providers have robust security measures in place, there is always a risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
    4. Cost considerations: While cloud storage can be cost-effective in the long run, it may involve recurring subscription fees based on the amount of data stored. If you have large amounts of data, the costs can add up over time.
    5. Data sovereignty and compliance: Depending on the cloud service provider and the location of their data centers, there may be concerns about data sovereignty and compliance with data protection regulations. It is important to ensure that the cloud service provider meets your specific compliance requirements.
  • What are the recommended steps or best practices for copying data from NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ to cloud services securely and efficiently?

    To copy data from a NAS Synology RackStation RC18015xs+ to cloud services securely and efficiently, you can follow these recommended steps and best practices:

    1. Choose a reliable cloud service provider: Research and select a reputable cloud service provider that suits your needs in terms of storage capacity, security features, pricing, and compatibility with Synology NAS devices.
    2. Enable encryption: Enable encryption on your Synology NAS to ensure that data transferred to the cloud remains secure. Synology provides options for both data in transit (SSL/TLS) and data at rest (AES-256 encryption).
    3. Set up a backup task: Use the built-in backup and replication features of the Synology NAS to create a backup task. This allows you to schedule automatic backups of your data to the cloud service provider of your choice.
    4. Optimize backup settings: Configure backup settings to optimize efficiency and minimize data transfer time. Consider options like incremental backups (only transferring changed data), compression, and bandwidth throttling to avoid network congestion.
    5. Use a dedicated backup account: Create a separate account with limited privileges on your Synology NAS specifically for backup purposes. This helps ensure that only authorized processes can access and modify backup data.
    6. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for both the Synology NAS and the cloud service provider to add an extra layer of security. This ensures that even if someone gains access to your login credentials, they cannot access your data without the second authentication factor.
    7. Monitor backup progress and logs: Regularly check the backup progress and review logs to ensure that backups are running successfully. This helps identify any issues or errors that may require attention.
    8. Test backup and restore procedures: Periodically test the backup and restore procedures to verify the integrity of the data and ensure that you can recover your data effectively in case of an emergency.
    9. Consider hybrid backup solutions: For larger datasets or critical data, consider implementing a hybrid backup solution that combines local backups on the Synology NAS with cloud backups. This provides both local availability and off-site redundancy.
    10. Regularly update firmware and software: Keep your Synology NAS firmware, applications, and cloud service provider's software up to date to benefit from the latest security patches and improvements.

    Remember to consult the user manuals, documentation, and support resources provided by Synology and your chosen cloud service provider for specific instructions and guidelines tailored to your setup.

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