How to recover data from Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Synology RackStation RS4021xs+
Data Recovery Tool

Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ 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 RS4021xs+.

How to recover data from NAS Synology RackStation RS4021xs+

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 the use of snapshot or versioning features on NAS Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ devices aid in data recovery after data loss?

Yes, the use of snapshot or versioning features on NAS Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ devices can aid in data recovery after data loss.

Snapshots are point-in-time copies of the data stored on the NAS device. They capture the state of the data at a specific moment, allowing you to restore files or folders to a previous version if they are accidentally deleted, modified, or corrupted. Snapshots provide a convenient way to recover data without relying on traditional backup and restore processes.

Versioning, on the other hand, keeps track of multiple versions of files, allowing you to roll back to a previous version if needed. This can be helpful if you need to recover a specific version of a file that was overwritten or modified incorrectly.

By utilizing these features, you can have an additional layer of protection against data loss and increase the chances of recovering your data in case of accidental deletion, ransomware attacks, or other data corruption incidents. It is important to regularly schedule snapshots and configure versioning settings to ensure that you have multiple restore points available.

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

Although NAS RackStation RS4021xs+ 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 RS4021xs+. 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 RS4021xs+ has 16 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.

    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 RS4021xs+ 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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Comments (1)

  • 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 RS4021xs+, 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 does the Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ function as a VPN server, and what are its key features in this regard?

    The Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ is a high-performance network-attached storage (NAS) device that can function as a VPN server. Here are its key features in this regard:

    1. VPN Protocols: The RS4021xs+ supports various VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. These protocols ensure secure and encrypted connections between remote devices and the NAS.
    2. Remote Access: With the RS4021xs+ acting as a VPN server, users can securely access their files and services on the NAS from anywhere in the world. This enables remote working capabilities and enhances productivity.
    3. Site-to-Site VPN: The NAS can establish secure connections between multiple offices or branches using site-to-site VPN. This allows seamless file sharing and collaboration across different locations.
    4. VPN Plus Server Package: Synology offers the VPN Plus Server package, which provides additional features and capabilities for the RS4021xs+. It includes features like point-to-site VPN, client VPN profile management, and a web portal for easy access.
    5. High Performance: The RS4021xs+ is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and ample RAM, ensuring high-speed VPN connections and efficient data transfer.
    6. Security and Encryption: The NAS supports strong encryption algorithms, such as AES-256, to ensure data privacy and protection during VPN connections. It also offers firewall and IP blocking features to enhance security.
    7. User Management: The RS4021xs+ allows administrators to create and manage user accounts with different access privileges. This enables granular control over VPN access and enhances security.
    8. Intuitive User Interface: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system provides a user-friendly interface for managing the VPN server settings. It offers easy setup, configuration, and monitoring of VPN connections.

    Overall, the Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ offers robust VPN server capabilities with its extensive features, high performance, and secure connections. It is suitable for businesses and individuals looking for a reliable and secure VPN solution integrated with their NAS.

  • What are the advantages and benefits of using the Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ as a VPN server compared to other solutions available in the market?

    The Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ offers several advantages and benefits as a VPN server compared to other solutions available in the market:

    1. High-performance hardware: The RS4021xs+ is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and up to 64GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient VPN performance even with heavy workloads or multiple concurrent connections.
    2. Scalability: The RackStation RS4021xs+ supports up to 40 drive bays, allowing for massive storage capacity and the ability to handle large amounts of data. This makes it suitable for businesses with growing VPN demands or those requiring extensive storage for VPN logs or backups.
    3. Flexible VPN protocols: The RS4021xs+ supports various VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP, giving users the flexibility to choose the most suitable protocol for their specific needs and compatibility requirements.
    4. High-security features: Synology provides comprehensive security features for the RS4021xs+, including firewall, intrusion prevention, and advanced encryption algorithms. This ensures that data transmitted through the VPN server remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.
    5. User-friendly management interface: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system provides a user-friendly web-based interface for managing the RS4021xs+. It offers intuitive setup wizards, monitoring tools, and VPN server configurations, making it easy for both IT professionals and non-technical users to set up and manage VPN connections.
    6. Integration with other Synology services: The RS4021xs+ seamlessly integrates with other Synology services and applications, such as Synology Drive, Active Directory Server, and Synology Office, allowing for centralized user management, file sharing, and collaboration within the VPN environment.
    7. Extensive third-party app support: Synology's DSM supports a wide range of third-party applications through its Package Center. This enables users to extend the functionality of the RS4021xs+ VPN server by installing additional apps, such as VPN clients, monitoring tools, or security add-ons.
    8. Reliability and redundancy: The RS4021xs+ supports various RAID configurations, including Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), which provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures. Additionally, it supports Synology High Availability (SHA) for seamless failover and continuous VPN service availability in case of hardware or network failures.

    Overall, the Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ offers a powerful, scalable, and secure VPN server solution with a user-friendly interface and extensive integration options, making it a highly advantageous choice for businesses requiring advanced VPN capabilities.

  • Can the Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ support multiple VPN protocols, and how does it ensure secure and reliable remote access to networks for businesses?

    Yes, the Synology RackStation RS4021xs+ can support multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. These protocols provide flexibility and compatibility with various client devices and operating systems.

    To ensure secure and reliable remote access to networks for businesses, the RS4021xs+ incorporates several features:

    1. Secure VPN Connections: The RS4021xs+ uses industry-standard encryption algorithms and protocols to secure VPN connections. It supports up to 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity during transmission.
    2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Synology's DSM operating system, which runs on the RS4021xs+, supports 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a one-time password or fingerprint, in addition to their credentials.
    3. Firewall and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): The RS4021xs+ includes a built-in firewall and IPS to protect against unauthorized access and network attacks. These features help detect and block suspicious activities, ensuring only legitimate VPN connections are allowed.
    4. VPN Server Management: Synology's DSM provides a user-friendly interface for managing VPN server settings, including user access control, connection logs, and traffic monitoring. This simplifies the setup and management of VPN connections, making it easier for businesses to maintain a secure and reliable remote access infrastructure.

    Overall, the RS4021xs+ offers robust security features and support for multiple VPN protocols, enabling businesses to establish secure and reliable remote access to their networks.
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