NAS Synology UC3200 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Techniques, and Consequences

RAID controller failure on ⭐ NAS can be devastating—understand its causes and how to recover your data.

NAS Synology UC3200 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Techniques, and Consequences

Synology UC3200 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from UC3200.

NAS Synology UC3200 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery Techniques, and Consequences

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 the number of drives in a NAS Synology UC3200 device's RAID array impact data recovery and potential loss?

The number of drives in a NAS Synology UC3200 device's RAID array can impact data recovery and potential loss in the following ways:

  1. Data redundancy: RAID arrays use various levels (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, etc.) to distribute and duplicate data across multiple drives. The more drives in the array, the higher the level of redundancy, which means better protection against drive failures. With more drives, the RAID array can sustain multiple drive failures without losing data.
  2. Rebuild time: When a drive fails in a RAID array, the data needs to be rebuilt onto a replacement drive. The larger the RAID array, the longer it takes to rebuild the data. During the rebuild process, if another drive fails, it can lead to data loss. So, larger RAID arrays have a longer vulnerability window where data is at risk.
  3. Drive failure risk: As the number of drives in the RAID array increases, so does the probability of drive failures. More drives mean more potential points of failure, which can increase the risk of data loss. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the drives are crucial to minimize this risk.
  4. Data recovery complexity: In the event of multiple drive failures, data recovery becomes more complex with larger RAID arrays. If too many drives fail, it may become impossible to recover the data using traditional methods. In such cases, specialized data recovery services may be required, which can be costly and time-consuming.
  5. Cost: More drives in a RAID array mean higher hardware costs, as each drive adds to the overall storage capacity. Additionally, larger RAID arrays may require more powerful hardware, which can further increase the cost.

Overall, while larger RAID arrays provide better data redundancy and storage capacity, they also come with increased risk and complexity in terms of data recovery and potential loss. It is essential to balance the benefits and risks based on your specific needs and requirements.

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

Although NAS UC3200 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 UC3200. 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

UC3200 has 60 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID F1;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 10;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 0;
  • Basic;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Btrfs;

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 UC3200 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 UC3200, 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 to set up and configure iTunes support on a NAS Synology UC3200 device?

    To set up and configure iTunes support on a NAS Synology UC3200 device, follow these steps:

    1. Connect the NAS device to your network and ensure it is powered on.
    2. Open a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the NAS device in the address bar. Press Enter to access the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface.
    3. Log in to DSM using your administrator credentials.
    4. Once logged in, click on the "Package Center" icon on the DSM desktop.
    5. In the Package Center, search for "iTunes Server" using the search bar.
    6. Click on the "Install" button next to the "iTunes Server" package to begin the installation process.
    7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the iTunes Server package.
    8. After the installation is complete, go to the "Control Panel" in DSM.
    9. In the Control Panel, click on "iTunes Server" under the "Applications" section.
    10. In the iTunes Server settings, enable the "Enable iTunes Server" option.
    11. Customize the "Server Name" and "Shared Folder" options as per your preference. The shared folder will be the location where your iTunes media files will be stored on the NAS.
    12. If you want to enable password protection for accessing the iTunes server, enter a password in the "Password" field.
    13. Click on "Apply" to save the settings.
    14. You can now access the iTunes Server on your NAS from iTunes on your computer. Open iTunes, go to the "Shared" section in the sidebar, and you should see your NAS device listed. Click on it to access your media files.
    15. Optionally, you can further configure advanced settings like enabling "Smart Playlist" support or specifying a different port for iTunes server access in the iTunes Server settings.

    By following these steps, you should be able to successfully set up and configure iTunes support on your NAS Synology UC3200 device.

  • Is it possible to stream music and videos stored on a NAS Synology UC3200 through iTunes on multiple devices simultaneously?

    Yes, it is possible to stream music and videos stored on a Synology NAS UC3200 through iTunes on multiple devices simultaneously. Synology NAS devices support DLNA/UPnP media server protocols, which allow you to access and stream media content stored on the NAS to various devices including iTunes.

    To achieve this, you need to enable the media server on your Synology NAS and make sure the media files are properly indexed and available for streaming. Then, on your iTunes-enabled devices, you can access the Synology NAS media server and stream the music and videos stored on it.

    Here are the general steps to set up and stream media from a Synology NAS UC3200 to iTunes on multiple devices:

    1. Set up your Synology NAS UC3200 and ensure it is connected to your network.
    2. Install and configure the media server package (such as Synology Media Server or Plex) on your NAS.
    3. Add your music and video files to the media server library by specifying the appropriate folders or directories.
    4. Ensure the media server has indexed and scanned the media files properly.
    5. On your iTunes-enabled devices (such as Mac, PC, or iOS devices), open iTunes and go to the "Shared" section.
    6. Look for your Synology NAS in the list of available shared libraries.
    7. Select the NAS library and browse through the media files.
    8. Choose the music or video you want to play and start streaming.

    By following these steps, you can stream music and videos stored on your Synology NAS UC3200 through iTunes on multiple devices simultaneously.

  • Can the NAS Synology UC3200 be used as a centralized media server for iTunes, allowing access to music and videos from any device within a network?

    Yes, the Synology UC3200 can be used as a centralized media server for iTunes. It supports the iTunes Server package, which allows you to store and stream your music and videos to any device within your network that has the iTunes client installed. You can access your media library from devices such as computers, laptops, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.

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