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ReadNAS Pro 6 stuck on 'ReadyNAS' when booting
My ReadyNAS Pro6 isn't booting and is stuck on the logo. I have tried the reset button but I don't even think it is getting to that point. I am about to go through and disconnect and reconnect as many cables as I can to see if there is a connection issue then will proceed to the USB rescue method. Assuming that those don't work, would/should I be able to use another chassis of the same model, put my disks into it in order, and get everything to boot back up? Don't really want to drop $400 for a replacement but also don't want to lose some files that never got backed up elsewhere.
Any tips on that sort of swap would also be appreciated.
Start with a test install using a single disk in slot 1. This disk will be reformatted, so make sure there is nothing on it that you care about. No need to worry about the compatibility list, any SATA disk will work for this.
After you've confirmed that the test install worked, then power down the NAS and move the disk to slot 2. Power up, and confirm that the system boots with the disk in the slot. Repeat this process for slots 3-6.
Then update the firmware to match what you are running in the old NAS. If you aren't sure, then just install the newest firmware. That would be 4.2.31 unless you converted the NAS to run OS-6.
Once the firmware matches, then power down again, and migrate your existing disks to the new NAS.
When the new NAS is up and running, then you could consider replacing the power supply and using it as a backup NAS. If you decide to sell it for parts instead, then I suggest selling the drive trays (with the screws) separately.
12 Replies
My ReadyNAS Pro6 isn't booting and is stuck on the logo.
Usually that indicates that the power supply has failed. It can be replaced - Sandshark can give you some guidance if you need it. You can find them for ~ 100 $USD (or less). Stock supplies usually need a 24-pin extension and more MOLEX connectors, but you can also find some PSUs pre-modified for ReadyNAS.
Assuming that those don't work, would/should I be able to use another chassis of the same model, put my disks into it in order, and get everything to boot back up?
If you are still using 4.2.x firmware, then you can get a replacement Pro 6, Ultra 6 chassis, or Ultra 6 plus.
OS-6 platforms are also possible- RN316,RN426, RN428, RN516, RN526, RN528, RN626, RN628. Even if your NAS is still running 4.2. firmware, the array can be mounted read-only in the OS-6 platforms. The OS-6 platforms would be somewhat newer, as Netgear stopped manufacturing Pro and Ultra models back in 2013.
A less expensive approach is to get a 6-bay USB chassis and connect that to a PC. Then you use either Linux (including the Windows WSL package), or RAID recovery software to access the files.
Thanks for your response. Any recommendation for a 6-bay USB chassis that you might be familiar with?
Make sure it's not one with internal RAID capability. Even where RAID can be turned off, most with that capability don't work because they don't actually give "raw" access to the drives.
Another option for recovery is to make images of your drives and mount them in a virtual machine, either a ReadyNAS VM or a Linux one. See Mounting-ReadyNAS-drives-in-a-virtual-NAS-for-data-access.
Thank you. I actually found a Pro 6 chassis on ebay for not too much so I and going to go that route. Any tips on that sort of swap would also be appreciated. This thing has basically run like a champ for 14 years. I think I have had 1 drive go out but that's been the only issue.
There are actually a multitude of things that can cause that, as the "ReadyNAS" message is stored in the display and the NAS just needs +5V (and not very well regulated +5V) to display that. But StephenB is correct that the power supply is the most common. I've bought (and then repaired and resold) several with that symptom, and only one in the 6 I bought had something wrong other than the PSU.
The 6-bay legacy units (Pro and Ultra 6 models) actually have a standard pin-out and a standard ATX supply can be used externally with no pin-out modification. If you have one available (even if you need to temporarily "borrow" it from a working PC), you can quickly find if that's the issue doing that. If you use an external supply for a long period (if you just want to get your files and then plan to ditch the NAS, for example), then make sure you take precautions to insure the fan moves enough air over the drives. Cover the PSU fan hole and any gaps where the cable comes out with masking tape.
A standard SFX supply will work as an internal replacement, but most need a 24-pin extension and more 4-pin MOLEX connectors. While the original is 250W, it has more +12V wattage than most 250W, so I recommend at least a 350W one.
While it used to be a bit cheaper to buy a standard supply and add those features to it, there is a pre-modified one available on eBay that now has a price that's about what it would cost to do it yourself and is a whole lot easier.
If it's not the power supply, there isn't a lot more that's user serviceable. RAM and the CPU are it. A bad CPU is rare, but bad RAM is a possibility.
The 6-bay legacy units (Pro and Ultra 6 models) actually have a standard pin-out
Oops. I've edited my earlier response, so other readers won't get misinformation.
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