NV NIC P/N RNV1-S2-0000

No.

If you still have access to the data, back it up now, the critical data first.

Depending on how old the NV+ is, it may still be under warranty. You can open an on line case with technical support and then edit the header of your first post to add the case number.

I'm guessing out of warranty. I bought it in 2006, before NETGEAR bought Infrant.

You are correct. Do you have a current and complete backup?

Not all of it. That is why I currently have it powered down.

I need to pick up a 2TB external drive and see if I can (if it doesn't drop connection in the process).

Otherwise I'll may see if I can pick up another NV and move the drives. That would work, wouldn't it? If so, does it have to be the same NV or will a different model work.
I'm using X-RAID w/4 500GB drives.

That should work. If it is more than a two drive array, only an NV or NV+ will work. If it is a two drive array, a Duo would work.

Do you have any ideal what version of RAIDiator you were on? Had you upgraded to 4.1.x? or still running 3.x?

RAIDiator 4.1.7

4 drive array

You said I can move my existing drives to another NV or NV+.

Will a ReadyNAS X6 version A work? It has the same version of RAIDiator.

Any Sparc ReadyNAS (ReadyNAS that runs RAIDiator 4.1.x) in a working condition with 4 or more drive bays will work. Migration would work fine provided all your disks are fine (you have a redundant array). I would ensure the NAS you migrate to is running 4.1.7 then power down, both NASes and migrate as follows: http://www.readynas.com/kb/faq/boot/how_do_i_migrate_disks_over_from_an_existing_readynas_to_another

Of course after powering down the X6 you should remove all disks from it and label the order of the disks.

It might be time to get your first x86 ReadyNAS and transfer the data across your network from the X6 to e.g. an Ultra or Pro.

If I attach a external USB HD to the ReadyNAS, can I use the one touch backup to transfer the data from my ReadyNAS to the external drive?

I'm afraid trying to backup via windows will fail since the network connection dies on the ReadyNAS, hopefully everything else is functioning fine.

Do you know if there is a max size of drive that I can attach to it? is 1.5TB or 2TB too big?

I really don't want to have to purchase another NV just to get my data off.... I'd rather upgrade to a newer model.

Have you tried removing the drives from you X6 Rev A with it off (marking them as to bay) and then moving the drives from the NV+ (again with it off) and placing them in the same respective bay in the X6 and see if it boots ok?