ReadyNAS Ultra 4, stuck on boot.

StephenB wrote:

Hmm. The unit bricked, and you let it sit around for 2 years until the warranty expires. Then you ask the community forum (not netgear) for help, and then you say that if we don't then it "weakens your desire". Why should I care? Like almost all posters here I don't work for Netgear. Just to confirm warranty status - warranty is 3 years. You are saying you purchased prior to Jan 7, 2012? I am wondering, since the unit was set up around October 2012 according to the thread. So there would have been at least 9 months between purchase and setup, which seems unusual.

I'm asking here because it's out of warranty. If you don't work for Netgear and don't care, I understand. :)

Yes, I purchase two units in 2010, one of them sat on the shelf for two years before I even unboxed it. That's my fault, not Netgears, as well. I agree this is highly unusual, but it is the case in this instance.

mdgm wrote:
I guess you could try USB Boot Recovery if you want to.

That's what I'd like to try, but I've searched and can't find the procedure. At this time, I'm viewing it as a last ditch effort to get some value out of the chassis.

manowell wrote:
I'm asking here because it's out of warranty. If you don't work for Netgear and don't care, I understand. :) Yes, I purchase two units in 2010, one of them sat on the shelf for two years before I even unboxed it. That's my fault, not Netgears, as well. I agree this is highly unusual, but it is the case in this instance.

In this case mdgm is probably the best resource (and he does happen to work for Netgear).

The reason for my initial response was the perceived tone (help me or I'll start buying synology :shock: ). It didn't sit quite right. I do hope you get it up and running, despite the long time on the shelf. :)

StephenB wrote:

manowell wrote: I'm asking here because it's out of warranty. If you don't work for Netgear and don't care, I understand. :) Yes, I purchase two units in 2010, one of them sat on the shelf for two years before I even unboxed it. That's my fault, not Netgears, as well. I agree this is highly unusual, but it is the case in this instance. In this case mdgm is probably the best resource (and he does happen to work for Netgear). The reason for my initial response was the perceived tone (help me or I'll start buying synology :shock: ). It didn't sit quite right. I do hope you get it up and running, despite the long time on the shelf. :)

Sorry if the tone was offputting, I was very frustrated, but most of the frustration was aimed at myself. I was p##sed off that I HAD the USB recoverry link before, but had lost it and couldn't even find it. p##sed off that the unit MAY HAVE BEEN DOA, but I let it sit in the box while support expired. Lesson learned, hopefully.

mdgm got me the links (Thanks, mdgm!), but haven't been able to recover it. Followed that whole thread with varous USB sticks, which worked according to the procedure, but the unit still comes with with a solid LED 4 ("Flash error", I think) and remains bricked.

I've only used Buffalo for one client that insisted, other than that I've only installed NetGear and have had nothing but good results (30+ units) other than this one, which is mine.

Did you check the RAM was properly seated as I suggested earlier. If the warranty is expired then I guess that would be a logical next step.

Does the NAS show in RAIDar at all now after trying USB Boot Recovery? If so, what do you see in the Info (far right) column?