How to recover data from Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+

Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+.

How to recover data from NAS Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+

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.

Can the use of specific encryption algorithms or protocols impact data loss risks on NAS Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ devices?

Yes, the use of specific encryption algorithms or protocols can impact data loss risks on NAS Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ devices. Implementing strong encryption algorithms and protocols can enhance the security of data stored on these devices and reduce the risk of data loss in case of unauthorized access or breaches.

Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ devices support various encryption options, including AES 256-bit encryption for shared folders, SSL/TLS encryption for network connections, and built-in hardware encryption acceleration. By enabling these encryption features, users can ensure that their data remains protected both at rest and in transit.

However, it is important to note that encryption alone may not be sufficient to mitigate all data loss risks. Other factors such as proper access controls, regular backups, and strong passwords also play crucial roles in protecting data on NAS devices.

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

Although NAS RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+. 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+, 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 can I configure the network settings on the Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ to ensure optimal performance and connectivity?

    To configure the network settings on the Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ for optimal performance and connectivity, follow these steps:

    1. Connect the 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 and enter the IP address of the RackStation in the address bar. The default IP address is usually "http://find.synology.com".
    4. You will be directed to the Synology Web Assistant page. Follow the on-screen instructions to locate and connect to your RackStation.
    5. Once connected, you will be prompted to set up the network settings. Choose a suitable IP address for your RackStation, either static or dynamic (DHCP). It is recommended to use a static IP address for better stability.
    6. Configure the DNS settings by entering the IP addresses of your DNS servers. You can use your ISP's DNS servers or popular public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).
    7. Set the gateway address to the IP address of your router.
    8. Configure the network interface settings, such as the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) size. The default MTU size is usually 1500, but you can adjust it based on your network requirements. Lowering the MTU size can help improve performance in certain scenarios.
    9. Enable Jumbo Frames if your network infrastructure supports it. Jumbo Frames increase the Ethernet frame size, allowing for more efficient data transmission. However, all devices in your network need to support Jumbo Frames for it to work effectively.
    10. Configure the link aggregation settings if you have multiple network interfaces on your RackStation. Link aggregation combines multiple network interfaces into a single logical interface, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy.
    11. Save the network settings and restart the RackStation for the changes to take effect.

    By following these steps, you should be able to configure the network settings on your Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ for optimal performance and connectivity.

  • What are the recommended security settings for the NAS Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ to protect my data and prevent unauthorized access?

    To protect your data and prevent unauthorized access on the NAS Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+, here are some recommended security settings:

    1. Enable Firewall: Activate the built-in firewall to block unauthorized access attempts to your NAS.
    2. Update Firmware: Regularly update the NAS firmware to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
    3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security by requiring a second authentication method, such as a mobile app or SMS, along with your password.
    4. Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts on the NAS, including the admin account. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords.
    5. Account Lockout Policy: Implement an account lockout policy that temporarily locks out users after a certain number of failed login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.
    6. Disable Default Accounts: Disable or delete any default accounts that are not being used to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
    7. Access Control: Configure access control lists (ACLs) to restrict access to specific users or groups. Only grant necessary permissions to users.
    8. IP Blocking: Enable IP blocking to block access from suspicious or unauthorized IP addresses or IP ranges.
    9. Network Segmentation: Separate your NAS from other devices on the network by placing it on a separate VLAN or subnet to minimize the risk of lateral movement in case of a breach.
    10. Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable any unnecessary services or protocols that are not being used to reduce the attack surface.
    11. Enable Auto Block: Enable the Auto Block feature to automatically block IP addresses that repeatedly fail login attempts within a short period.
    12. Enable HTTPS: Enable HTTPS for accessing the NAS web interface to encrypt the communication between the client and the NAS.
    13. Data Encryption: Enable data encryption on the NAS to protect your files in case of physical theft or unauthorized access to the drives.
    14. Regular Backup: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure your data is protected in case of data loss or ransomware attacks.
    15. Surveillance Station: If using the Surveillance Station app, ensure you have strong passwords, limit access to authorized users, and regularly update the app to patch any security vulnerabilities.

    It is important to note that these recommendations are general best practices, and you should also consider your specific requirements and consult the official documentation provided by Synology for your NAS model.

  • How do I set up and manage user accounts and permissions on the Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ to control access to shared folders and files?

    To set up and manage user accounts and permissions on the Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+, follow these steps:

    1. Open the DiskStation Manager (DSM) web interface by entering the IP address of your RackStation in a web browser.
    2. Log in to DSM with an administrator account.
    3. In the DSM main menu, go to "Control Panel" and click on "User".
    4. Click on the "Create" button to add a new user account.
    5. Fill in the required information, including the username, password, and email address. You can also set a quota for the user's storage space if needed.
    6. Under the "Group" tab, you can assign the user to a specific user group. User groups help simplify permission management by allowing you to apply permissions to multiple users at once.
    7. Go to the "Shared Folder" tab and select the shared folders to which you want to grant access to the user. You can also set the access permissions for each shared folder individually.
    8. Under the "Application" tab, you can enable or disable access to specific applications and services for the user.
    9. Once you have configured the user account, click "OK" to save the changes.

    To manage user permissions for shared folders and files:

    1. In the DSM main menu, go to "Control Panel" and click on "Shared Folder".
    2. Select the shared folder for which you want to manage permissions.
    3. Click on the "Permission" button.
    4. In the "Permission" window, click on the "Add" button to add users or user groups.
    5. Select the users or user groups you want to grant access to the shared folder.
    6. Choose the desired access permissions for each user or group, such as read-only, read/write, or no access.
    7. Click "OK" to save the changes.

    By following these steps, you can set up and manage user accounts and permissions on the Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ to control access to shared folders and files.

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