Synology DiskStation RAID arrays are widely used in creative industries and businesses for high-capacity, fault-tolerant storage. However, when a RAID initialisation is accidentally performed, it resets the RAID array, often resulting in data loss or corruption.
This case study details how we successfully recovered critical design files and business data from a Synology DiskStation with 4 hard drives in a RAID setup, after an accidental RAID initialization wiped the array’s configuration.
As Leeds Data Recovery, with 25 years of RAID recovery experience, we used RAID metadata reconstruction, deep file system analysis, and parity rebuilding techniques to restore lost data.
Accidental RAID Initialisation Causing Data Loss
A design company contacted us after their Synology DiskStation RAID system was accidentally initialized, with the following issues:
- A RAID 5/RAID 6 array was reset during an accidental reconfiguration.
- The system appeared to be working, but all files were missing.
- The company’s entire project portfolio, including CAD files and graphics, was at risk.
- Attempts to recover data using built-in Synology recovery tools failed.
Since continuing to use an initialised RAID system can overwrite remaining data, an immediate professional recovery solution was required.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
When the Synology DiskStation (4-drive RAID array) arrived at our cleanroom facility, we conducted a full RAID and drive-level diagnostic. Our findings:
- RAID configuration metadata was erased – Preventing normal access to stored files.
- File system structure was damaged – Making directory and folder recovery difficult.
- No mechanical disk failures – Meaning logical data recovery was highly possible.
Since initializing a RAID array does not immediately overwrite all data, we prioritized RAID metadata reconstruction and raw data extraction.
The Recovery Process
1. Cloning & Imaging All 4 RAID Drives
To preserve data integrity and prevent further overwrites, we:
- Created sector-by-sector forensic clones of all drives.
- Bypassed RAID initialisation settings to extract raw disk data.
2. Manually Rebuilding the RAID Array
Since the RAID metadata was wiped, we:
- Analyzed RAID parity and striping configurations to determine the original setup.
- Manually reconstructed the RAID array outside the Synology system.
3. Extracting & Verifying Design Company Data
Once the RAID array was rebuilt, we:
- Recovered missing design files, CAD projects, and high-resolution graphics.
- Repaired corrupted PDFs, client contracts, and business documents.
- Transferred the fully restored data to a secure external RAID storage system.
The Results: 100% Data Recovery Success
Thanks to our RAID metadata reconstruction and deep file system analysis, we successfully recovered 100% of the design company’s lost data, including:
✅ CAD drawings and 3D design projects
✅ High-resolution images, Photoshop, and Illustrator files
✅ Client invoices, contracts, and project documentation
The design company was able to restore all of its essential project files, preventing financial and operational setbacks.
Why Choose Us?
With 25 years of experience and tens of thousands of successful RAID recoveries, we are the leading Synology RAID data recovery specialists in Leeds and the UK. Our expertise includes:
✔ Accidental RAID initialisation recovery
✔ Synology RAID 5/RAID 6 metadata reconstruction
✔ Parsons file system recovery & data integrity checks
✔ Secure & confidential business data retrieval
If your Synology DiskStation RAID has been accidentally initialized, formatted, or is missing files, stop using the system immediately and contact us for professional RAID data recovery.