NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Methods, and Data Recovery Strategies

RAID controller failure on ⭐ NAS: causes, consequences, and recovery methods explained.

NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Methods, and Data Recovery Strategies

Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs 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 RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs.

NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Methods, and Data Recovery Strategies

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 virtualization technologies impact data loss risks in NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs devices?

Yes, virtualization technologies can help mitigate data loss risks in NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs devices. Here are a few ways virtualization can impact data loss risks:

  1. Snapshot and backup: Virtualization platforms often provide snapshot and backup features that allow you to take point-in-time copies of your virtual machines (VMs) running on the NAS devices. These snapshots can be used to recover data in case of accidental deletion, corruption, or other data loss events.
  2. High availability (HA): Virtualization technologies can enable high availability configurations, where multiple NAS devices are clustered together to provide redundancy and failover capabilities. In the event of a hardware failure or other issues, the VMs can automatically migrate to another NAS device, minimizing downtime and data loss.
  3. Disaster recovery (DR): By leveraging virtualization technologies, you can replicate your VMs to another NAS device or off-site location, creating a disaster recovery site. This ensures that in case of a major failure or disaster, your data can be quickly restored from the replicated VMs, reducing the risk of data loss.
  4. Data integrity checks: Virtualization platforms often have built-in mechanisms to validate the integrity of data stored on the NAS devices. These checks can help identify and rectify any data corruption issues, minimizing the risk of data loss.

However, it's important to note that while virtualization technologies can help mitigate data loss risks, they are not foolproof. It's still crucial to have a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery strategy in place, including regular backups, off-site storage, and testing the recovery process to ensure data can be restored successfully.

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

Although NAS RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs 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 RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs. 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 RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs 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);

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 RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs 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 RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs, 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 advantages of using a NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs over regular external hard drives in terms of storage capacity and scalability?

    Using a NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs over regular external hard drives offers several advantages in terms of storage capacity and scalability:

    1. Higher storage capacity: NAS systems like Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs are designed to accommodate multiple hard drives, allowing for a higher total storage capacity compared to a single external hard drive. You can start with a few drives and easily expand the storage capacity by adding more drives as needed.
    2. RAID support: NAS systems typically support various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, etc. This allows for data redundancy and improved performance. With RAID, your data is distributed across multiple drives, ensuring that even if one drive fails, your data remains intact.
    3. Scalability: NAS systems are highly scalable, meaning you can easily increase the storage capacity by adding more hard drives or upgrading to larger capacity drives. This scalability makes it suitable for businesses or individuals who anticipate their storage needs to grow over time.
    4. Centralized storage and access: NAS systems provide a centralized storage solution, allowing multiple users or devices to access and share files from a single location. This eliminates the need for individual external hard drives and simplifies file management and collaboration.
    5. Advanced features: NAS systems often come with advanced features such as data encryption, automated backups, remote access, file synchronization, and media streaming capabilities. These features enhance data security, accessibility, and convenience.
    6. Redundancy and data protection: NAS systems offer various data protection mechanisms, such as RAID, snapshot backups, and replication. These features ensure that your data is protected against hardware failures, accidental deletions, or other unforeseen events.
    7. Network connectivity: NAS systems are designed to connect to your network, allowing multiple users or devices to access the storage simultaneously. This network connectivity enables seamless file sharing and collaboration across different devices and platforms.

    Overall, using a NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs provides a more reliable, scalable, and feature-rich storage solution compared to regular external hard drives. It offers higher storage capacity, data protection, centralized access, and advanced features, making it suitable for both personal and business use.

  • How does a NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs provide better data protection and reliability compared to regular external hard drives?

    The NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs provides better data protection and reliability compared to regular external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Redundancy: The RackStation supports multiple hard drives in a RAID configuration, such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6. This redundancy ensures that even if one or more drives fail, the data remains accessible and protected. Regular external hard drives typically do not offer such redundancy.
    2. Hot-swappable drives: The RackStation allows for hot-swapping of drives, meaning you can replace a failed drive without shutting down the system. This feature minimizes downtime and ensures continuous data availability. External hard drives usually require manual replacement and system restart.
    3. Multiple drive bays: The RackStation has multiple drive bays, allowing for the expansion of storage capacity. You can easily add more drives as your storage needs grow. In contrast, external hard drives generally have limited capacity and cannot be expanded.
    4. Network connectivity: The RackStation connects to the network, enabling multiple users to access and share data simultaneously. It offers various network protocols like SMB, NFS, FTP, etc., making it suitable for small businesses or organizations. External hard drives usually connect directly to a single computer, limiting accessibility and sharing options.
    5. Data backup and synchronization: The RackStation includes features like automated backups, versioning, and synchronization with cloud storage services. These features help protect against data loss due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or disasters. Regular external hard drives often lack such advanced backup and synchronization capabilities.
    6. Centralized management: The RackStation provides a web-based management interface, allowing easy administration of storage, users, and permissions. It offers advanced features like user quotas, access controls, and data encryption. External hard drives typically lack centralized management capabilities.

    Overall, the NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs offers a more robust and reliable storage solution with advanced data protection features, scalability, and network accessibility, making it a better choice for businesses or individuals requiring secure and reliable storage.

  • What additional features and functionalities does a NAS Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs offer that make it a superior choice for businesses or individuals needing efficient and centralized data management, compared to regular external hard drives?

    The Synology RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs offers several additional features and functionalities that make it a superior choice for businesses or individuals needing efficient and centralized data management compared to regular external hard drives:

    1. Scalability: The RackStation supports expansion units, allowing businesses to easily scale up their storage capacity as their needs grow. This makes it highly flexible and future-proof.
    2. Redundancy and Data Protection: The RackStation supports RAID configurations, offering data redundancy and protection against drive failures. It can also support hot-swappable drives, allowing for seamless replacement without downtime.
    3. Centralized Management: The RackStation can be managed through a web-based interface, providing a centralized control panel for managing storage, users, and applications. This simplifies administration and reduces the complexity of managing multiple external hard drives.
    4. File Sharing and Collaboration: The RackStation supports various file sharing protocols such as SMB, FTP, and WebDAV. It also offers advanced collaboration features like file versioning, access controls, and integration with popular cloud storage services.
    5. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The RackStation provides comprehensive backup solutions, including scheduled backups, incremental backups, and support for offsite backup to other Synology devices or cloud storage providers. It also offers snapshot technology for point-in-time recovery.
    6. Application Ecosystem: The RackStation runs Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which supports a wide range of applications such as file syncing, multimedia streaming, virtualization, surveillance, and more. This expands its functionality beyond just storage.
    7. Energy Efficiency: The RackStation is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power compared to multiple external hard drives. This leads to cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
    8. Remote Access and Mobile Apps: Synology offers mobile apps and remote access capabilities, allowing users to access their data and manage the RackStation from anywhere using smartphones or tablets.

    Overall, the RackStation RS3411RPxs / RS3411xs provides a comprehensive and robust solution for efficient and centralized data management, offering scalability, data protection, collaboration features, backup solutions, a wide range of applications, and remote access capabilities.

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