RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology RackStation RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs: Data Recovery Strategies and Consequences

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Synology RackStation RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs
• 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 compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS Synology RackStation RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs devices to different operating systems or platforms?

Synology RackStation RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs is compatible with various operating systems and platforms. However, there might be some limitations or compatibility issues depending on the specific features or functionalities you require. Here are a few points to consider:

1. File System Compatibility: Synology NAS devices typically use the Btrfs file system, which is compatible with most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, if you plan to use advanced features like snapshots or file versioning, you may need to ensure that your operating system supports Btrfs.
2. Network Protocols: Synology NAS supports a wide range of network protocols such as SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV. These protocols are generally compatible with various operating systems. However, it's essential to verify that your OS supports the specific protocol you intend to use.
3. Third-Party Applications: Synology NAS devices offer a variety of third-party applications and packages that enhance functionality. While many of these applications are cross-platform, some may be limited to specific operating systems. Before installing any third-party applications, ensure they are compatible with your OS.
4. Hardware Compatibility: Synology NAS devices are designed to be hardware-agnostic and can connect to different operating systems and platforms via standard network protocols. As long as your operating system supports the required protocols, you should be able to connect to the NAS without compatibility issues.
5. Firmware Updates: Synology regularly releases firmware updates to improve performance, security, and compatibility. It's essential to keep your NAS firmware up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems and platforms.

In summary, while Synology RackStation RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs devices are generally compatible with different operating systems and platforms, it's crucial to verify specific requirements and features to ensure seamless integration.

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

Although the NAS RackStation RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs 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 RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs. 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 RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs 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.

   

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 RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs 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