How to recover data from Synology Rack Station RS816 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 Rack Station RS816

Synology Rack Station RS816 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from Rack Station RS816.

How to recover data from NAS Synology Rack Station RS816

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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 accidental deletion or user error cause data loss in NAS Synology Rack Station RS816 devices?

Yes, accidental deletion or user error can cause data loss in NAS Synology Rack Station RS816 devices. If a user accidentally deletes important files or folders, or if they mistakenly format the drives or volumes, it can result in the loss of data stored on the device. It is always recommended to have proper backup solutions in place to prevent data loss in such situations.

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

Although NAS Rack Station RS816 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 Rack Station RS816. 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

How to recover data from a Synology

Rack Station RS816 has 4 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 Rack Station RS816 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 Rack Station RS816, 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 key features and capabilities of the Synology Rack Station RS816 that make it suitable for use as a database server?

    The Synology Rack Station RS816 has several key features and capabilities that make it suitable for use as a database server:

    1. High Performance: The RS816 is equipped with a powerful Marvell Armada 385 88F6820 dual-core processor and 1GB DDR3 RAM, providing sufficient processing power for running database applications efficiently.
    2. Scalability: The RS816 supports up to four 3.5" or 2.5" SATA drives, allowing for flexible storage expansion as the database size grows. It also supports Synology Expansion Unit RX415, which provides an additional four drive bays for increased storage capacity.
    3. RAID Support: The RS816 supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This is crucial for database servers, as it ensures data integrity and minimizes downtime.
    4. Network Connectivity: The RS816 comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for fast and reliable network connectivity. This is essential for database servers, as it ensures smooth data access and communication between clients and the server.
    5. Data Backup and Protection: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which runs on the RS816, offers comprehensive backup and data protection features. It supports various backup methods, including local backups, remote backups, and cloud backups, ensuring that critical database data is safely stored and recoverable in case of any disaster.
    6. Virtualization Support: The RS816 is compatible with virtualization technologies such as VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft Hyper-V. This enables the RS816 to be integrated into virtualized environments, allowing for efficient utilization of resources and easier management of database servers.
    7. Security: The RS816 offers robust security features, including built-in firewall, encryption, and access controls. It also supports SSL/TLS certificates for secure data transmission. These security measures are crucial for protecting sensitive database information from unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

    Overall, the Synology Rack Station RS816 provides a combination of performance, scalability, data protection, and security features that make it a suitable choice for use as a database server.

  • How does the Synology Rack Station RS816 handle data storage and management, and what are the advantages of using it as a database server compared to traditional database solutions?

    The Synology Rack Station RS816 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that offers data storage and management capabilities. It is designed to handle data storage for small to medium-sized businesses. Here's how it handles data storage and management:

    1. Storage Capacity: The RS816 supports up to four hard drives, allowing for a maximum storage capacity of 64TB (with 16TB drives). It utilizes the RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology to provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    2. File Sharing: The RS816 supports various file sharing protocols such as SMB, AFP, NFS, and FTP. This enables easy file sharing and collaboration among users within the network.
    3. Data Backup: It offers comprehensive backup solutions, including local backups, remote backups, and cloud backups. Users can schedule backups, perform incremental backups, and even backup data to external drives or other NAS devices.
    4. Data Protection: The RS816 provides advanced data protection features like snapshot technology, which allows users to take point-in-time snapshots of their data. This helps in recovering previous versions of files or restoring data in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    5. Data Management: It includes powerful data management features such as data deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning. These features optimize storage utilization and help reduce storage costs.

    Now, let's discuss the advantages of using the Synology Rack Station RS816 as a database server compared to traditional database solutions:

    1. Cost-Effective: The RS816 offers a cost-effective solution as compared to traditional database servers. It eliminates the need for expensive server hardware and software licenses, making it a more affordable option for small businesses.
    2. Scalability: With the RS816, you can easily scale up your storage capacity by adding additional hard drives or expanding to a larger Synology NAS. This flexibility allows you to accommodate growing database needs without significant upfront costs.
    3. Data Protection: The RS816 provides built-in data protection features like RAID and snapshot technology. These features ensure data integrity and minimize the risk of data loss or corruption, enhancing the reliability of your database.
    4. Easy Management: The RS816 offers a user-friendly web-based interface, making it easy to set up and manage your database server. It provides intuitive tools for database administration, backup scheduling, and monitoring, simplifying the overall management process.
    5. High Availability: The RS816 supports high availability configurations, allowing you to set up redundant systems for your database server. This ensures continuous availability and minimizes downtime in case of hardware failures.

    Overall, the Synology Rack Station RS816 provides a cost-effective, scalable, and reliable solution for small to medium-sized businesses looking to set up a database server. Its data storage and management capabilities, coupled with the advantages mentioned above, make it a compelling choice compared to traditional database solutions.

  • Can the Synology Rack Station RS816 effectively handle the performance and scalability requirements of a database server, particularly for businesses with growing data needs?

    The Synology Rack Station RS816 is primarily designed as a network-attached storage (NAS) solution rather than a dedicated database server. While it can handle basic database operations for small-scale applications, it may not be the most suitable choice for businesses with growing data needs and high-performance requirements.

    The RS816 is equipped with a Marvell Armada 385 1.3GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, which may not provide sufficient processing power and memory for demanding database workloads. Database servers typically require more robust hardware configurations, including faster processors, higher amounts of RAM, and dedicated storage systems optimized for database operations.

    Additionally, the RS816 has a maximum storage capacity of four hard drives, limiting the amount of data that can be stored and potentially impacting scalability. As a business's data needs grow, they may require more storage capacity and higher performance capabilities than the RS816 can provide.

    For businesses with growing data needs and performance-critical database applications, it is recommended to consider dedicated database servers or more powerful NAS solutions specifically designed for database workloads. These options can offer better performance, scalability, and reliability to meet the increasing demands of a growing business.

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