Understanding NAS Synology RackStation RS2211RP+ / RS2211+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Approaches, and Consequences

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology RackStation RS2211RP+ / RS2211+
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 type of file system used on NAS Synology RackStation RS2211RP+ / RS2211+ devices affect data loss risks?

Yes, the type of file system used on NAS devices like the Synology RackStation RS2211RP+ / RS2211+ can affect data loss risks. The file system is responsible for organizing and managing the data stored on the NAS, and different file systems have varying levels of reliability and data protection features.

Some common file systems used on NAS devices include:

1. EXT4: This is a widely used file system known for its stability and data protection features. It supports journaling, which helps recover data in case of power outages or system crashes. It also has built-in data checksums to detect and correct errors.
2. Btrfs: This is a modern file system that offers advanced features like snapshots, data deduplication, and data integrity checks. Btrfs can help protect against data loss by allowing users to revert to previous versions of files and by automatically detecting and repairing corrupted data.
3. ZFS: This is another advanced file system that provides data integrity through its checksumming mechanism. ZFS also offers features like snapshots, data compression, and RAID-Z, which can enhance data protection and recovery capabilities.

The choice of file system can impact data loss risks in several ways. A more robust file system with features like journaling, checksums, and snapshots can help protect against data corruption, accidental deletions, and other data loss scenarios. It can also provide better recovery options in case of hardware failures or software issues.

However, it's important to note that while the file system plays a significant role in data protection, it is not the sole factor. Proper backup strategies, redundant storage configurations, and regular maintenance are also crucial to minimize data loss risks on NAS devices.

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

Although the NAS RackStation RS2211RP+ / RS2211+ 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

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology RackStation RS2211RP+ / RS2211+. 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

RackStation RS2211RP+ / RS2211+ 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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Synology RackStation RS2211RP+ / RS2211+ 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