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Help [!] Data recovery issue
My RND4000 (3x2T) wouldn't start when I returned from a recent trip. I suspect a PSU failure. Most of the data contained therein are replicated elsewhere, but not all. I'd like access to my drives to recover the remainder. I don't think I had any disk errors prior to this: the device was running without any problems prior to shutdown.
So, I read here extensively, then ultimately bought a Netgear support incident. The support people suggested that I get a new 4 bay device so my data could be recovered. It was inferred that doing a RAIDiator to OS6 recovery would be straighforward. I note that, save this advice, I would have bought another brand of NAS as a replacement. I bought the device. I got a RN214 and a bare 4T drive. Now they indicate that I need to buy a $200 data recovery package, and that they will need access to my device. The cost is not trivial. Also, I'm a physician. I have HIPAA affected data on the device. I would prefer that nobody else access it.
Is there some fairly straightforward means by which I can see whether I have any recoverable data, using the RN214? Can I accomplish this readily on my own?
I have read much about this prior to asking for help, including:
So, can I do this myself? I would like to recover a few items from the old drives, largely some disk images. But, if I can't do it myself, it's not worth an additional $200 to me to get the data back.
Help, please. Much appreciated.
As it's not a warranty replacement we would always need to charge for data recovery. Attempting to recover data is an advanced process requiring an advanced set of skills. We don't just need to know a set of commands. We need to make judgment calls as to what to do and when, be able to react appropriately to any problems identified etc.
Unfortunately it's not as simple for Sparc as it is for x86. With legacy x86 systems moved to current OS6 x86 systems you can move the disks across and the NAS will try to boot the old OS off the disks to allow you to copy your data off. Quite a straightforward process if it all goes smoothly. Note this is assuming that the disks are fine and that the RAID, OS and volume on the disks are also fine. This may not be the case.
If the data's important (e.g. patient medical records) then presumably you'd backup the data rather than store it on the one device so restoration from backup would be another option.
With a ~ 10 year old device it was bound to fail eventually. Some units do last longer than others but by that age the chances of hardware failure would have risen a lot.
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SzDoc wrote:
Now they indicate that I need to buy a $200 data recovery package, and that they will need access to my device.
Did they say why you needed the data recovery contract? Was there some evidence that the RAID array was damaged?
SzDoc wrote:
So, can I do this myself?
Note the step that says "At this point please contact support, they will determine the necessary steps to attempt recovery of the data."
SzDoc wrote:
I would like to recover a few items from the old drives, largely some disk images. But, if I can't do it myself, it's not worth an additional $200 to me to get the data back.
There are two ways you could proceed.
One is to replace the PSU in the old NAS. The cheapest way to do this is to get a stock ATX supply and then modify the 20 pin cable (changing a couple of pins). Sandshark is a good resource if you want to attempt this. The cost would be closer to $50 and you'd get your old NAS back.
You can also find some replacement PSUs that don't need the pinout change, but they do tend to be overpriced. At the moment there is one available on ebay for $99 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/272625699604?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true
A second option is to mount the NAS RAID array in a PC that is booted up running linux. Pretty much any windows PC can be booted that way using a linux "live CD" (or USB thumb drive). You will need to connect at least two of the three disks to the PC via USB. It'd be best to connect all of them. The steps are outlined here: http://jim-st.blogspot.com/2012/07/mouning-readynas-drives-on-x86-systems.html If you have a suitable PC that is free.
They did not indicate why the contract would be required. There is NO evidence that the array is damaged or impaired.
I had seen the posts about PSU replacment. I don't have the time to do wire mods and I agree the replacements are pretty overpriced.
And, I don't have a Linux box. I'm just a doc. I'm fairly adept with Windows but have little knowledge of the ways of the Bash prompt. My last coding experience was C+ (I'm sort of old.)
$99 for the modified supply isn't too bad actually, I've seen a lot higher.
Looking over the thread, I see I made an assumption that you have a v1 NAS (4.1.x firmware). You should check this thread, and confirm the model http://www.rnasguide.com/2012/01/09/how-to-tell-whether-i-have-a-duo-v1-or-duo-v2-or-nv-v1-or-nv-v2/.
Also - are you the original purchaser? If so, when did you purchase?
SzDoc wrote:
And, I don't have a Linux box. I'm just a doc. I'm fairly adept with Windows but have little knowledge of the ways of the Bash prompt. My last coding experience was C+ (I'm sort of old.)
As I tried to say, you can get a linux "live" USB boot flash for free. That will let you boot your Windows PC under linux (leaving the normal Windows boot completely unchanged). Linux shell commands of course would have to be learned (though most of them are the same as unix, so they go back a long way).
It would require some time investment.
Bought a new PSU from a person recommended in these boards. Worked flawlessly. Device started right up and runs rather cooler.
I'm pulling old data off now and will sell the device when I'm done, since I bought the 4 Bay newer device that the support people suggested
earlier in this course of events.
Thanks to all for advices.
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