RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology RackStation RS18017xs+: Recovery Plans and Consequences

Has your NAS Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ 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 RS18017xs+: Recovery Plans and Consequences
Data Recovery Tool

Synology RackStation RS18017xs+ 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 RS18017xs+. 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 RS18017xs+: Recovery Plans and Consequences

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.

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

Although the NAS RackStation RS18017xs+ 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 RS18017xs+. 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 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);

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 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.

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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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 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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