NAS Synology RackStation RS3413xs+ RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Solutions, and Data Loss Prevention

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology RackStation RS3413xs+
• 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.

Are there any recommended practices for protecting NAS Synology RackStation RS3413xs+ devices against physical theft or unauthorized access that can lead to data loss?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for protecting NAS Synology RackStation RS3413xs+ devices against physical theft or unauthorized access that can lead to data loss. Here are some best practices:

1. Secure Physical Location: Place the NAS device in a secure, locked room or cabinet to prevent unauthorized physical access.
2. Use Strong Passwords: Set strong and unique passwords for all user accounts, including the administrator account. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for all user accounts to add an extra layer of security. This will require users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a code from a mobile app, in addition to their password.
4. Regularly Update Firmware: Keep the NAS device's firmware up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Synology regularly releases firmware updates that address security vulnerabilities.
5. Disable Unused Services: Disable any unnecessary services or features on the NAS device to minimize potential attack vectors. Only enable the services you actually need.
6. Enable Firewall: Enable the built-in firewall on the NAS device to block unauthorized access attempts from the internet. Configure the firewall to allow only necessary incoming and outgoing connections.
7. Use VPN for Remote Access: If you need remote access to the NAS device, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to establish a secure connection. This will encrypt the data transmitted between your device and the NAS.
8. Regularly Backup Data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is protected in the event of theft or data loss. Store backups off-site or in the cloud for added security.
9. Encrypt Sensitive Data: If you store sensitive data on the NAS, consider enabling encryption to protect it from unauthorized access. Synology offers built-in encryption options for shared folders.
10. Enable Security Notifications: Configure the NAS device to send security notifications to alert you of any suspicious activities or login attempts. This will help you take immediate action in case of unauthorized access.

By following these recommended practices, you can significantly enhance the security of your NAS Synology RackStation RS3413xs+ device and protect it against physical theft or unauthorized access that may lead to data loss.

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

Although the NAS RackStation RS3413xs+ 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.

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   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 RS3413xs+. 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.

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How to recover data from a Synology

RackStation RS3413xs+ 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 RS3413xs+ 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