RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+: Recovery Methods and Data Recovery Tips

Has your NAS Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+: Recovery Methods and Data Recovery Tips

Synology RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+. 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+: Recovery Methods and Data Recovery Tips

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

Although the NAS RackStation RS2418RP+ / RS2418+ 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 RS2418RP+ / RS2418+. 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 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);

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 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.

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 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.