Initial Case Overview

A client reached out to us for assistance with their Synology NAS model DS1815+, with three Western Digital 3.5-inch 6TB hard drives. The system had stopped functioning after they changed their internet service provider. Following the switch, the NAS could no longer connect to the new Wi-Fi network, and they were unable to access any of their stored data. Concerned about potential data loss, they sent the equipment to us for diagnosis and recovery if possible.

Diagnosis and Recovery Approach

Upon receiving the NAS and drives, our recovery team conducted a thorough assessment. RAID 5 structure found in those HDDs. One of the drives showed signs of degradation. However, it was still responsive enough for us to proceed with logical-level recovery methods. The remaining two drives were fully functional and contributed to the integrity of the RAID array.

With careful planning, we recreated the RAID structure. Once the logical reconstruction was complete, we were able to access and retrieve all available data. A clone of each drive was made to preserve the data from the original source.

The outcome of the Recovery

All data was successfully recovered. After completing the extraction, we reconfigured the Synology NAS as per requested so that the client could access their files normally. An online data verification session was held to confirm the results. The client reviewed their recovered data and confirmed that everything was intact. They expressed both relief and satisfaction with the service provided.

Our Recommendation

Hard drives can degrade over time due to factors such as mechanical wear, physical impact, electrical fluctuations, or repeated cable stress. A system failing to connect may be more than just a network issue. If you are experiencing similar problems, especially with RAID systems or NAS devices, we recommend that you stop further use and consult a data recovery specialist promptly. Early action can make a significant difference in the success of data recovery.