RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology SA3200D: Recovery Solutions and Consequences

Has your NAS Synology SA3200D suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology SA3200D: Recovery Solutions and Consequences

Synology SA3200D NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an SA3200D. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

RAID Controller Failure on NAS Synology SA3200D: Recovery Solutions and Consequences

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

Can the use of redundant power supplies reduce the chances of data loss on NAS Synology SA3200D devices?

Yes, the use of redundant power supplies can help reduce the chances of data loss on NAS Synology SA3200D devices. Redundant power supplies provide a backup power source in case one power supply fails, ensuring continuous power to the device. This helps prevent sudden shutdowns or power outages that could result in data loss or corruption. By having redundant power supplies, the NAS device remains operational even if one power supply fails, increasing the overall reliability and reducing the risk of data loss.

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

Although the NAS SA3200D 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology SA3200D. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Synology

How to recover data from a Synology

SA3200D 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Synology SA3200D 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows 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 SA3200D, 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 steps involved in setting up remote access to files on the NAS Synology SA3200D?

    To set up remote access to files on the NAS Synology SA3200D, follow these steps:

    1. Connect your NAS to the network: Ensure that your NAS is properly connected to your local network using an Ethernet cable.
    2. Configure network settings: Access the NAS administration interface by entering its IP address in a web browser. Go to the Control Panel and navigate to the Network section. Set up the network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server.
    3. Enable File Services: In the Control Panel, go to File Services and enable the necessary protocols such as SMB (Windows file sharing), AFP (Apple File Protocol), or NFS (Network File System) depending on your requirements.
    4. Create shared folders: In the Control Panel, go to Shared Folder and create folders that you want to remotely access. Assign appropriate permissions to users or groups.
    5. Set up user accounts: In the Control Panel, go to User & Group and create user accounts with their respective passwords. Assign appropriate permissions to these accounts for accessing the shared folders.
    6. Enable QuickConnect or Dynamic DNS: Synology offers a feature called QuickConnect that simplifies remote access. Enable QuickConnect in the Control Panel and create a unique QuickConnect ID. Alternatively, you can set up a Dynamic DNS service if you have a registered domain name.
    7. Configure router settings: If you are accessing the NAS remotely over the internet, you need to configure your router to forward the necessary ports to the NAS. Refer to your router's documentation for instructions on port forwarding.
    8. Set up remote access applications: Synology provides various remote access applications like Synology Drive, Synology File Station, or FTP. Install and configure the desired application on your computer or mobile device.
    9. Access files remotely: Using the QuickConnect ID or Dynamic DNS address, access the NAS remotely through the configured remote access application. Enter your NAS username and password to authenticate and access your files.

    Note: It is important to ensure that your NAS is secure by using strong passwords, enabling firewall settings, and keeping the firmware up to date.

  • What security measures should be taken when accessing files on the NAS Synology SA3200D from a remote location?

    When accessing files on the NAS Synology SA3200D from a remote location, several security measures should be taken to ensure the safety and integrity of the data. Here are some recommended security measures:

    1. Enable HTTPS: Use HTTPS (HTTP over SSL/TLS) to encrypt the communication between your remote device and the NAS. This prevents eavesdropping and ensures secure transmission of data.
    2. Set up a VPN: Establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection to access the NAS remotely. VPNs provide a secure and encrypted tunnel for data transmission, protecting it from unauthorized access.
    3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA for remote access. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code generated on a mobile device, in addition to the username and password.
    4. Use a strong password: Set a strong, unique password for accessing the NAS. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
    5. Regularly update firmware: Keep the NAS firmware up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Synology regularly releases updates to address vulnerabilities and improve security.
    6. Enable firewall and IP blocking: Configure the NAS firewall to restrict access from unauthorized IP addresses. Enable IP blocking to automatically block repeated failed login attempts.
    7. Restrict access permissions: Set appropriate access permissions for different users and groups. Only grant access to the necessary files and folders, limiting exposure to potential security risks.
    8. Enable network encryption: Utilize network encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3 for the Wi-Fi network used to access the NAS remotely. This ensures that the network traffic is encrypted and secure.
    9. Regularly backup data: Implement a backup strategy to regularly back up the data on the NAS. This protects against data loss due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or security breaches.
    10. Monitor and log activity: Enable logging and monitoring features on the NAS to track any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review the logs to identify and mitigate potential security threats.

    By implementing these security measures, you can enhance the protection of your data when accessing files on the NAS Synology SA3200D from a remote location.

  • Are there any limitations or considerations to keep in mind when accessing files on the NAS Synology SA3200D remotely, such as bandwidth or connectivity requirements?

    When accessing files on the NAS Synology SA3200D remotely, there are a few limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

    1. Bandwidth: The speed and quality of your internet connection will directly affect the performance of remote file access. If you have a slow or unstable connection, accessing large files or streaming media from the NAS may be slower or may experience buffering issues.
    2. Upload and Download Speeds: Both the upload speed of your local network and the download speed of the remote network will impact file access. If either of these speeds is limited, it can affect the overall performance.
    3. Network Latency: The distance between your remote location and the NAS can introduce latency, which can cause delays in file access. This latency can be more noticeable when transferring large files or performing real-time tasks.
    4. Port Forwarding and Firewall Configuration: To access the NAS remotely, you may need to configure port forwarding on your router and ensure that the necessary ports are open. Firewall settings on both ends should also be configured to allow access to the NAS.
    5. Security: Remote file access involves transmitting data over the internet, which can introduce security risks. It is crucial to use secure protocols such as HTTPS or VPN to protect your data during transmission. Additionally, ensure that your NAS firmware is up to date to address any security vulnerabilities.
    6. Power and Connectivity: The NAS needs to have a stable power supply and a reliable internet connection to be accessible remotely. Power outages or internet disruptions may result in temporary unavailability of the NAS for remote access.
    7. Concurrent Connections: The NAS may have limitations on the number of concurrent connections it can handle. If multiple users are accessing files remotely simultaneously, it can affect performance.
    8. NAS Configuration: Properly configuring the NAS for remote access is essential. This includes setting up user accounts, permissions, and access controls to ensure secure and controlled file access.

    It is recommended to consider these limitations and requirements to ensure a smooth and reliable remote file access experience with the Synology SA3200D NAS.