Recovering Data After NAS Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Methods

Has your NAS Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ 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?

Recovering Data After NAS Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Methods

Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ 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 RS2416RP+ / RS2416+. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Recovering Data After NAS Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes and Methods

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 improper handling or maintenance of NAS Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ device hardware lead to data loss?

Yes, improper handling or maintenance of the NAS Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ device hardware can potentially lead to data loss. The hardware components of the device, such as hard drives, power supply units, and fans, need to be properly maintained and handled to ensure the integrity and safety of the data stored on the NAS.

For example, mishandling or dropping the device can cause physical damage to the hard drives, leading to data corruption or loss. Similarly, inadequate cooling due to improper fan maintenance or ventilation can result in overheating, which can damage the hard drives and cause data loss.

It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for handling, maintenance, and regular backups to minimize the risk of data loss. Additionally, proper security measures should be in place to protect against unauthorized access or accidental deletion of data.

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

Although the NAS RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ 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 RS2416RP+ / RS2416+. 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 RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ 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 RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ 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 RS2416RP+ / RS2416+, 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

  • How do I configure the network settings on the Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+?

    To configure the network settings on the Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+, follow these steps:

    1. Connect the Synology RackStation to your network using an Ethernet cable.
    2. Power on the RackStation and wait for it to boot up.
    3. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
    4. Enter the IP address of the RackStation in the address bar of the web browser. The default IP address is usually "http://find.synology.com" or "http://diskstation:5000".
    5. The Synology Assistant will launch and detect the RackStation. Click on the RackStation to start the setup process.
    6. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an administrator account and set up the basic settings for the RackStation.
    7. Once the setup is complete, log in to the DiskStation Manager (DSM) using the administrator account credentials.
    8. In DSM, go to "Control Panel" > "Network" > "Network Interface".
    9. Select the LAN interface that you want to configure and click on the "Edit" button.
    10. In the "General" tab, you can configure the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. Choose the appropriate settings for your network.
    11. In the "IPv6" tab, you can configure IPv6 settings if necessary.
    12. Click on the "Apply" button to save the changes.
    13. Test the network connection to ensure that the RackStation is properly configured.

    Note: It is recommended to consult the Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+ user manual or contact Synology support for detailed instructions specific to your model and firmware version.

  • What are the recommended security settings for the NAS Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+?

    Here are some recommended security settings for the NAS Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+:

    1. Change the default administrator password: Upon initial setup, change the default password to a strong and unique one to prevent unauthorized access.
    2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your NAS. This will require users to provide a second form of verification, such as a code from a mobile app, in addition to their password.
    3. Keep the NAS firmware up to date: Regularly update the NAS firmware to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched. Enable automatic updates if available.
    4. Enable firewall: Enable the built-in firewall on the NAS to restrict incoming and outgoing traffic. Configure the firewall rules to allow only necessary services and block any unnecessary ports.
    5. Disable unnecessary services: Disable any services that are not required for your specific usage scenario. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes potential vulnerabilities.
    6. Use strong and complex passwords: Enforce strong password policies for all users. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords or common words.
    7. Enable account lockout policy: Configure the NAS to lock user accounts after a certain number of unsuccessful login attempts. This helps prevent brute-force attacks.
    8. Enable network encryption: Enable SSL/TLS encryption for network connections to secure data transmission between the NAS and connected devices. This is particularly important when accessing the NAS remotely over the internet.
    9. Regularly backup data: Implement a backup strategy to regularly backup critical data stored on the NAS. This ensures that data can be recovered in case of any security incidents or hardware failures.
    10. Monitor system logs: Regularly review system logs for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Enable email notifications for critical events to stay informed about potential security issues.

    Remember that security is an ongoing process, and it is important to stay updated with the latest security best practices and recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

  • Can you guide me through the process of setting up user accounts and access permissions on the Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+?

    Sure! Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up user accounts and access permissions on the Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+:

    1. Log in to the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) web interface using your admin credentials.
    2. Go to the "Control Panel" and click on "User" to open the User Management page.
    3. Click on the "Create" button to add a new user account.
    4. In the "General" tab, enter the user's name, password, and email address. You can also set the account to expire on a specific date if needed.
    5. In the "Group" tab, you can assign the user to an existing group or create a new group. Groups allow you to manage permissions collectively for multiple users.
    6. In the "Quota" tab, you can set storage quotas for the user if you want to limit their disk space usage.
    7. In the "Applications" tab, you can select which applications the user will have access to. You can enable or disable access to File Station, Audio Station, Video Station, etc.
    8. In the "Shared Folder Permissions" tab, you can specify the user's access rights to shared folders. You can choose between "No Access," "Read Only," or "Read/Write" permissions. Click on the "+" button to add specific shared folders.
    9. In the "Advanced" tab, you can configure additional settings such as account locking, password strength rules, and 2-step verification.
    10. After configuring all the necessary settings, click on the "Next" button to review the user account details.
    11. Finally, click on the "Apply" button to create the user account.

    To set up access permissions for shared folders:

    1. Go to the "Control Panel" and click on "Shared Folder" to open the Shared Folder Management page.
    2. Select the shared folder you want to modify permissions for and click on the "Edit" button.
    3. In the "Permissions" tab, you can set access rights for individual users or groups. Click on the "+" button to add users or groups.
    4. Choose the desired access rights from the drop-down menu: "No Access," "Read Only," or "Read/Write."
    5. You can also enable advanced permissions such as "Subfolder Permissions" and "Advanced Permissions" for more granular control.
    6. Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.

    That's it! You have now successfully set up user accounts and access permissions on your Synology RackStation RS2416RP+ / RS2416+.