RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+: Causes, Recovery Measures, and Data Recovery Steps

Has your NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ 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?

RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+: Causes, Recovery Measures, and Data Recovery Steps

Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ 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 RackStation RS10613xs+. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+: Causes, Recovery Measures, and Data Recovery Steps

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 snapshot or versioning features on NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ devices aid in data recovery after data loss?

Yes, the use of snapshot or versioning features on NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ devices can aid in data recovery after data loss. These features allow you to take regular snapshots or versions of your data, which can be extremely helpful in recovering files or folders that have been accidentally deleted, modified, or corrupted.

Snapshots create point-in-time copies of your data, capturing the state of your files and folders at a specific moment. If you experience data loss, you can easily restore the affected files or folders from a previous snapshot, effectively rolling back your data to a previous state.

Versioning, on the other hand, keeps track of different versions of your files as they are modified over time. Each time a file is changed, a new version is created, allowing you to access and restore previous versions of the file if needed.

By utilizing these features, you can significantly improve your chances of recovering lost or corrupted data, providing an added layer of protection and peace of mind.

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

Although the NAS RackStation RS10613xs+ 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 RackStation RS10613xs+. 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

RackStation RS10613xs+ has 10 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 RackStation RS10613xs+ 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 RackStation RS10613xs+, 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 steps involved in setting up remote access to the NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ for file access from a remote location?

    To set up remote access to the NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ for file access from a remote location, you can follow these steps:

    1. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a public IP address for your network.
    2. Connect your Synology NAS to your network and power it on.
    3. Access the DiskStation Manager (DSM) web interface by typing the NAS IP address into a web browser.
    4. Log in to the DSM using your admin credentials.
    5. Go to the "Control Panel" and select "Network" to configure network settings.
    6. Set up port forwarding on your router to allow external access to the NAS. Forward the necessary ports (e.g., port 5000 for HTTP, port 5001 for HTTPS).
    7. Enable QuickConnect in the DSM settings. This allows you to access the NAS using a unique QuickConnect ID and eliminates the need for port forwarding.
    8. Configure the firewall settings on your NAS to allow remote access. Go to "Control Panel" > "Security" > "Firewall" and make sure the necessary ports are open.
    9. Set up a DDNS (Dynamic DNS) service if your public IP address is dynamic. This ensures that you can always access your NAS using a fixed domain name.
    10. Enable the File Station service in the DSM settings to allow remote file access.
    11. Set up user accounts with appropriate permissions for remote access. You can create new users or use existing ones.
    12. Configure shared folders on the NAS and assign access permissions to users or user groups.
    13. Install the Synology mobile apps (DS file, DS cloud, etc.) on your remote devices to access files on the NAS.
    14. Test the remote access by accessing the NAS using the QuickConnect ID or DDNS domain name from a remote location. You should be able to browse and access files on the NAS.

    Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the version of DSM and specific settings on your NAS model. It's always recommended to refer to the official Synology documentation or consult their support resources for detailed instructions.

  • What security measures should be taken to ensure safe and secure access to files on the NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ from a remote location?

    To ensure safe and secure access to files on the NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ from a remote location, the following security measures should be taken:

    1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Set up a VPN on the NAS device to create a secure encrypted connection between the remote location and the NAS. This will protect the data transmitted over the internet from unauthorized access.
    2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA for remote access to add an extra layer of security. This requires users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a code generated on their mobile device, in addition to their password.
    3. Use Secure File Transfer Protocols: Utilize secure file transfer protocols like SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) instead of regular FTP. These protocols encrypt the data during transit, preventing eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
    4. Set Up Firewall Rules: Configure the firewall settings on the NAS device to only allow access from specific IP addresses or IP ranges. This will restrict access to the NAS from known and trusted locations, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
    5. Regularly Update Firmware and Software: Keep the NAS firmware and software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This ensures that any known vulnerabilities are addressed, reducing the risk of exploitation.
    6. Implement Strong User Authentication: Enforce strong and unique passwords for all user accounts accessing the NAS remotely. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords. Additionally, consider implementing account lockouts or password expiration policies to enhance security.
    7. Enable Network Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS): Enable IDS/IPS features on the NAS to monitor and detect any suspicious network activity. This can help identify and prevent potential attacks or unauthorized access attempts.
    8. Regularly Backup Data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that important data stored on the NAS is backed up to a separate location. This protects against data loss due to hardware failure, ransomware attacks, or other unforeseen events.
    9. Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable any unused or unnecessary services on the NAS to reduce the potential attack surface. Only enable the services required for remote access and file sharing.
    10. Educate Users: Provide training and awareness to users about best practices for remote access security. This includes avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords, and being cautious while accessing the NAS remotely.

    By implementing these security measures, you can significantly enhance the safety and security of accessing files on the NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ from a remote location.

  • Are there any limitations or restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ from a remote location, and how can they be overcome?

    Yes, there are limitations and restrictions when accessing files on the NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ from a remote location. Some of the common limitations include:

    1. Network Speed: The speed of file access may be limited by the upload and download speeds of both the remote location and the NAS.
    2. Bandwidth: If multiple users are accessing files simultaneously, it can consume a significant amount of bandwidth, leading to slower access speeds.
    3. Security: Accessing files remotely opens up potential security risks, so it's important to ensure proper security measures are in place to protect the data.

    To overcome these limitations, you can take the following steps:

    1. Network Optimization: Ensure that both the remote location and the NAS have sufficient internet speeds to handle file transfers. Consider upgrading the internet connection if necessary.
    2. Bandwidth Management: Implement a Quality of Service (QoS) system to prioritize file transfer traffic, ensuring that it gets sufficient bandwidth even during high network traffic periods.
    3. VPN Connection: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to establish a secure and encrypted connection between the remote location and the NAS. This helps protect data during transmission.
    4. Firewall and Access Control: Configure the NAS's firewall and access control settings to allow remote access only from trusted IP addresses or through secure protocols like SSH or HTTPS.
    5. File Compression and Optimization: Compressing files before transferring them can help reduce the file size and speed up the transfer process. Additionally, optimizing file formats (e.g., converting large videos to smaller formats) can also improve transfer speeds.
    6. File Synchronization: Utilize file synchronization tools or software to keep local copies of frequently accessed files on the remote location. This can help reduce the need for constant remote access and improve file access speeds.
    7. Remote File Caching: Enable remote file caching on the NAS to store frequently accessed files locally at the remote location. This can help improve access speeds by reducing the need for data transfer over the internet.

    By implementing these measures, you can overcome many of the limitations and restrictions associated with accessing files on the NAS Synology RackStation RS10613xs+ from a remote location.