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

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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.

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

Although NAS RackStation RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology RackStation RS3621xs+ / RS3621RPxs. 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.

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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);

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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery