How to recover data from Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ 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 RS18017xs+

Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ 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 RS18017xs+.

How to recover data from NAS Synology RackStation RS18017xs+

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 data recovery services or software options are available for NAS Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ devices?

There are several data recovery services and software options available for NAS Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ devices. Some of the popular ones include:

  1. Synology Data Recovery: Synology offers its own data recovery service specifically designed for Synology NAS devices. It can help recover lost data due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other issues.
  2. Ontrack Data Recovery: Ontrack is a well-known data recovery service provider that offers services for various storage devices, including NAS devices. They have expertise in recovering data from RAID arrays and can handle complex data loss scenarios.
  3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a popular software option for data recovery. It supports NAS devices, including Synology RackStation, and can recover lost data from various file systems.
  4. R-Studio: R-Studio is a comprehensive data recovery software that supports NAS devices, including Synology RackStation. It can recover data from various file systems and handle complex data loss scenarios.
  5. DiskInternals RAID Recovery: DiskInternals RAID Recovery is specialized software for recovering data from RAID arrays, including NAS devices. It supports Synology RackStation and can handle various RAID configurations.

It is important to note that data recovery can be a complex process, and success may vary depending on the specific situation. It is recommended to consult with professional data recovery services or use reliable software options to maximize the chances of successful data recovery.

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

Although NAS RackStation RS18017xs+ 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 RS18017xs+. 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 RS18017xs+ 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 RS18017xs+ 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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  • 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 RS18017xs+, 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 benefits of using the Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ as an email server?

    The Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ offers several key features and benefits when used as an email server:

    1. High performance: The RS18017xs+ is powered by a powerful Intel Xeon processor and supports up to 128GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient email server operations even with a large number of users and heavy workloads.
    2. Scalability: With support for up to 180 drives and the ability to expand storage capacity as needed, the RS18017xs+ offers excellent scalability for growing email server requirements. This ensures that organizations can easily accommodate increasing email storage demands.
    3. High availability and reliability: The RS18017xs+ supports Synology High Availability (SHA) technology, which provides seamless failover between two RackStations for continuous email service availability. Additionally, redundant power supplies and multiple network ports ensure high reliability and minimize downtime.
    4. Advanced security: The RS18017xs+ offers comprehensive security features to protect sensitive email data. It supports SSL/TLS encryption for secure email communication, and features built-in firewall and IP blocking to prevent unauthorized access. Advanced security packages, such as MailPlus and MailPlus Server, provide additional protection against spam and malware.
    5. Easy management: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system provides a user-friendly web-based interface for easy management of the RS18017xs+. Administrators can easily configure email settings, manage user accounts, and monitor system performance through a centralized management console.
    6. Collaboration features: The RS18017xs+ supports Synology's MailPlus suite, which offers a feature-rich email client and collaboration tools. Users can access their emails, calendars, and contacts from anywhere, and easily share files and collaborate with colleagues.
    7. Cost-effective solution: By using the RS18017xs+ as an email server, organizations can avoid the recurring costs associated with third-party email hosting services. The RS18017xs+ offers a cost-effective solution for managing email communications in-house while providing enterprise-level features and performance.

    Overall, the Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ offers high performance, scalability, reliability, security, and ease of management, making it a robust choice for organizations looking to deploy an email server.

  • How does the Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ compare to other email server solutions in terms of performance and scalability?

    The Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ is a high-end network-attached storage (NAS) solution that can be used as an email server. In terms of performance and scalability, here's how it compares to other email server solutions:

    1. Performance: The RS18017xs+ is powered by a high-performance Intel Xeon processor and supports up to 128GB of ECC RAM. It also features a 10GbE network interface, which ensures fast data transfer speeds. These hardware specifications make it capable of handling a large number of email users and processing a high volume of emails efficiently.
    2. Scalability: The RS18017xs+ offers excellent scalability options. It supports up to 18 drive bays, allowing you to easily expand storage capacity as your email server needs grow. Additionally, it can be connected to multiple expansion units, allowing for even more storage expansion. This makes it suitable for businesses with increasing email storage requirements.
    3. Redundancy and High Availability: The RS18017xs+ supports Synology's High Availability (HA) technology, which ensures continuous uptime and data availability. In an HA setup, two RS18017xs+ units can be configured for automatic failover, so if one unit fails, the other takes over seamlessly, minimizing downtime. This redundancy feature is crucial for email servers, as email communication is often critical for businesses.
    4. Software Features: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which runs on the RS18017xs+, offers a wide range of email server features. It supports popular email protocols like SMTP, POP3, and IMAP, as well as features such as anti-spam and anti-virus protection. DSM also includes a user-friendly web-based interface for easy management and configuration of the email server.

    Overall, the Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ offers high performance, scalability, and redundancy features that make it a competitive option for businesses in need of an email server solution. However, it's important to consider specific requirements and compare it with other solutions to determine the best fit for your organization.

  • What are the recommended configurations and setup steps for using the Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ as an email server in a business environment?

    To use the Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ as an email server in a business environment, you need to follow these recommended configurations and setup steps:

    1. Install and configure the DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system on the RS18017xs+. Ensure that the DSM is up to date with the latest version.
    2. Connect the RS18017xs+ to your network and assign a static IP address.
    3. Open the Package Center in DSM and install the MailPlus Server package. MailPlus Server is the email server software provided by Synology.
    4. Launch the MailPlus Server package and go through the initial setup wizard. You'll be prompted to create an administrator account and set up the domain name for your email server.
    5. Configure the network settings for your email server. Specify the IP address, port numbers, and SSL/TLS settings for incoming and outgoing email connections. You may need to consult your network administrator or internet service provider for the correct settings.
    6. Set up your email domains and user accounts. Add the domain names you want to host emails for and create user accounts for your employees.
    7. Configure the email client access settings. Decide whether you want to support IMAP, POP3, or both protocols for email retrieval. Enable SSL/TLS encryption for secure connections.
    8. Set up email routing and forwarding rules. Define how incoming emails should be routed to the appropriate mailboxes and configure any forwarding rules required.
    9. Configure spam and antivirus settings. Enable spam filtering and antivirus scanning to protect your email server and users from malicious content.
    10. Set up backup and disaster recovery. Configure regular backups of your email server data to ensure data integrity and quick recovery in case of any failures.
    11. Test the email server functionality. Send and receive test emails to ensure everything is working correctly. Verify that email clients can connect and retrieve emails without any issues.
    12. Implement security measures. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for user accounts, configure password policies, and regularly update the MailPlus Server package to stay protected against security vulnerabilities.
    13. Provide user training and support. Educate your employees on how to set up and use the email client software and provide documentation or training sessions as needed.

    It's important to note that the RS18017xs+ is a powerful hardware solution, but the performance of the email server also depends on factors like network infrastructure, storage configuration, and the number of concurrent users. It's recommended to consult with a Synology representative or an IT professional to ensure optimal performance and scalability for your specific business requirements.

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