NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Techniques Following Component Wear

Recovering data after natural component wear in ⭐ NAS RAID arrays requires specific techniques.

NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Techniques Following Component Wear

Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ 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 RS818RP+ / RS818+.

NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Techniques Following Component Wear

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.

How can data fragmentation impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ devices?

Data fragmentation can have several impacts on data availability and potential loss on NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ devices:

  1. Reduced Performance: Fragmented data requires the NAS device to spend more time searching for and accessing scattered data blocks, resulting in slower read and write speeds. This can lead to reduced overall performance and slower data availability.
  2. Increased Disk Wear: Fragmentation can cause excessive disk head movement as the NAS device tries to access scattered data blocks. This increased movement can lead to increased wear and tear on the hard drives, potentially shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk of data loss.
  3. Increased Risk of Data Loss: Fragmented data is more susceptible to data loss in case of disk failure. If a fragmented file is spread across multiple disks and one of them fails, it becomes difficult to recover the complete file. This can result in partial or complete data loss, depending on the level of fragmentation.
  4. Longer Backup and Restore Times: Fragmented data can significantly increase the time required for backup and restore operations. Backup processes may take longer as the NAS device needs to read scattered data blocks from different areas of the disk. Similarly, restoring fragmented data can be time-consuming as the device needs to locate and reassemble the scattered blocks.
  5. Difficulty in Data Recovery: In the event of data corruption or accidental deletion, fragmented data can make data recovery more challenging. The scattered nature of the data makes it harder for data recovery tools to locate and recover the complete files, increasing the risk of permanent data loss.

To mitigate the impact of data fragmentation, it is recommended to regularly defragment the NAS device's hard drives. This process rearranges the fragmented data blocks, optimizing data storage and improving overall performance. Additionally, implementing a proper backup strategy, including off-site backups, can help protect against data loss caused by fragmentation or other issues.

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

Although NAS Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ 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 RS818RP+ / RS818+. 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

Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ 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 RS818RP+ / RS818+ 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 RS818RP+ / RS818+, 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

  • Which operating systems are compatible with the NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+?

    The NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ is compatible with the following operating systems:

    1. Windows 7 and later
    2. Windows Server 2003 and later
    3. Mac OS X 10.11 and later
    4. Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and later
    5. CentOS 7.0 and later
    6. Fedora 24 and later

    These are some of the commonly used operating systems that are compatible with the NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+. However, it is always recommended to check the official Synology website for the most up-to-date list of compatible operating systems.

  • Can the NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ be used with Windows operating systems?

    Yes, the NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+ can be used with Windows operating systems. It supports various file sharing protocols such as SMB, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV, which are compatible with Windows. Additionally, Synology provides a software called Synology Assistant that allows users to easily find and access the NAS on a Windows computer.

  • Are there any specific requirements or limitations for operating systems when using the NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+?

    Yes, there are specific requirements and limitations for operating systems when using the NAS Synology Rack Station RS818RP+ / RS818+.

    The RS818RP+ / RS818+ is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, there are certain limitations and requirements to consider:

    1. Compatibility: The RS818RP+ / RS818+ is compatible with Windows 7 and onwards, Mac OS X 10.11 and onwards, and various Linux distributions.
    2. File System: The NAS supports multiple file systems, including EXT4, Btrfs, and FAT. However, it is recommended to use the default EXT4 file system for optimal performance and features.
    3. RAID Support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. Different RAID levels offer different levels of data protection and performance.
    4. Network Protocols: The RS818RP+ / RS818+ supports a wide range of network protocols, including SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV. This ensures compatibility with different operating systems and network environments.
    5. DSM Compatibility: The RS818RP+ / RS818+ runs on Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system. It is important to ensure that your chosen operating system is compatible with the version of DSM installed on the NAS.
    6. Hardware Requirements: While there are no specific hardware requirements for operating systems, it is recommended to have a compatible network interface card (NIC) for optimal network performance.

    It is always recommended to consult the official documentation and specifications provided by Synology for the RS818RP+ / RS818+ to ensure compatibility with your desired operating system.

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