How do you know what ReadyNAS version you have?

wgmeisheid wrote:
Thanks for the Sparc insight - that was a bit confusing.

The early ReadyNAS models (all Infrant models) used an Infrant Sparc processor. The latest models use Intel processors (i.e. NVX, Ultra, Pro, 2100, 3200, 3100 and 4200). Two Sparc models (Duo, NV+) are still being sold new (there may also be a few 1100 around but these are no longer in production). Due to the large differences between the x86 (Intel) platform and Sparc platform, the OS had to be rewritten from the ground up for x86. As the X6 was never sold by NetGear and it's a very old model there is no HCL for the X6, so best to look at the lists for models on the same platform (i.e. NV, NV+, Duo and 1100) for an indication of what should work.

wgmeisheid wrote:
As to the new disks - I do not have any problems relative to speed with my current setup, so since the new disks will be faster by default, reliability is the paramount issue (I have gotten 5 years of trouble free service out the current set after all). So best price for the most reliable, speed being secondary, mostly non issue. What fits that?

Enterprise disks are most reliable. These tend to have 5 year warranties and rotational vibration safeguard. They do tend to be considerably more expensive than desktop class drives though. Perhaps have a look on the internet for reviews of a drive model you are interested in.

Here's what I'd suggest you do:

1. Ensure your backup is up to date.
2. Verify backup is good.
3. Update to latest RAIDiator (currently 4.1.7: http://www.readynas.com/RAIDiator_4_1_7_Notes)
4. Do a System > Config Backup
5. Power down
6. Remove all disks, label order (this way you can go back to old set of disks if something goes majorly wrong).
7. Insert new disks
8. Power on, perhaps doing a factory default: http://www.readynas.com/forum/faq.php#How_do_I_reset_the_ReadyNAS_to_factory_default%3F
9. Restore Config Backup
10. Restore data from backup