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Forum Discussion
Andreas64nl
Jan 11, 2023Aspirant
ReadyNAS Ultra 6 Review (RNDU6000) no network activity???
I have a Netgear ReadyNAS Ultra 6 Review (RNDU6000) that I suddenly couldn't access through my computer last night. The NAS is in my network and is my storage of miscellaneous. It's in a kind of raid...
- Jan 15, 2023
Andreas64nl wrote:How to install OS 6 because I have a ReadyNAS Ultra 6?
I recommend increasing the RAM before you begin. Shipping OS-6 NAS have at least 2 GB of RAM, your ReadyNAS only has 1 GB. It might work, but there have been folks who have run into out-of-memory issues after converting. The upgrade is inexpensive, and is simple to do. If you aren't sure what to purchase, you can open the chassis and examine the RAM that's already installed in order to find something compatible.
Also, if you have the skills, you should probably back up the VPD before conversion. Netgear Mods so far have resolved the VPD problem for users who have run into it, but backing it up would allow you to resolve the issue on your own if you run into it. More information on this is here:
The conversion steps are:
(Optionally) make sure the latest BIOS is installed before you do the conversion. To do this you install http://www.readynas.com/download/addons/x86/4.2/BIOS_Update_Package_0.5-x86.bin as an add-on and reboot the NAS. Do this after you backup the NAS. This isn't necessary, but if you do want to update the BIOS it is easiest to do it prior to conversion
Basic instructions for the conversion itself are
- BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP
- Upload PREPR4TOR6_0.1-x86.bin as an add-on using the ReadyNAS web gui, but do not reboot afterwards (avoids the need to do manual factory resets)
- Upload R4toR6_6.9.5.bin using the ReadyNAS web gui firmware update
- After you upload the addon+firmware and reboot, it will update the firmware and start a factory default.
- Go through the setup process on the converted NAS
- Update the NAS to the current OS 6 (check for updates will work).
- Restore files from the backup.
There is a small risk that the process could fail, and if that were to happen it might not be possible to get the NAS running again.
Note that if you ever need to do a USB recovery later on, you will need to use the procedure for 4.2 systems - substituting an OS-6 image for the 4.2.31 one.
Andreas64nl
Jan 11, 2023Aspirant
The network circuity and the power on/off are powered by a separate voltage from the supply called +5VSB (+5 Volt StandBy). If you have also experienced issues with the unit shutting down or powering up properly, it's likely the problem is with the power supply. It's a typical failure -- your NAS is just old, and the +5VSB is always on, even when the NAS is "off". I have no poroblems with power on and off. I hear the disks spinning up and later on tik a tik tik some relays I think. The fan is blowing and further nothing happens.
If you have no problem with the on/off, then look to see if the LED on the Ethernet port comes on while the NAS is booting -- indicating it may be a software issue rather than a hardware one. No led blinking on de ethernet port.
Fortunately, it's a standard SFX form factor supply if that is the issue. The main cable is longer on the ReadyNAS supply than most, so you need a 5" or so extender. You also need 3 4-pin Molex ("ATA hard drive") connections, so will likely need a Y cable or SATA-to-4-pin adapter. While the original is a 300W supply, I recommend at least a 400W replacement because the 12V rail on many 300W isn't as capable as the Seasonic supply the ReadyNAS uses. The Seasonic is no longer available, BTW, so don't bother looking. I have found the
APEVIA SFX-AP400W to be a reasonably priced replacement, at least in the USA. You can also purchase a replacement already modified for the ReadyNAS on eBay (same as for the ReadyNAS Pro6).
I think I am good about te powersupply?
If you have a "spare" standard ATX12V supply available, you can connect it externally just to see it that fixes it before you invest in a new supply.
Andreas64nl
Jan 11, 2023Aspirant
I try this also but not working;
https://kb.netgear.com/30267/RAIDiator-4-2-USB-Recovery-Tool
- StephenBJan 12, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Andreas64nl wrote:
I try this also but not working;
https://kb.netgear.com/30267/RAIDiator-4-2-USB-Recovery-Tool
Try removing the disks with the NAS powered down (labeling them by slot).
Then power up the NAS, and see if RAIDar can find it.
- SandsharkJan 12, 2023Sensei - Experienced User
If you see nothing (including not even a blip on the Ethernet LED) with no drives, then it seems you probably have a bad Ethernet transceiver or hardware supporting it, which is not repairable. Given you are still running OS4.2.31, your options for replacement are more limited. Another Ultra6, and Ultra6Plus, or a Pro6. If the replacement has been converted to OS6, you can convert it back, but have to do that using a spare drive before you install your drives.
- Andreas64nlJan 12, 2023Aspirant
It is booting I think. I get the message ERR: No disks detected. And I see the NAS with RAIDar but with a different IP: 192.168.168.168 so I can not reach it. And there is network activity. What to do now?
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