[SOLVED] ReadyNAS Duo v2: cannot turn on! - FW 3.5.6

Upon a factory default the NAS automatically downloads the latest firmware and installs it. It can take a few updates to update the U-Boot so if you'd updated to 5.3.7 the U-Boot would have been updated and you most likely wouldn't have started this thread. Most likely you have an old U-Boot. If the Duo v2 was only recently purchased ask the friend who gave the Duo v2 to you if it's still within the return period for the reseller they purchased it from. If so they could exchange it for another new unit. If not, NetGear would need to RMA the unit and you'd get a refurb via RMA.

Hi,

The Duo was purchased on 13th October and delivered at the beginning of November (it was a present from my wife). It was brought on an online store here in Italy and I will immediately check if we can still apply for a new one.

I hope Netgear will not propose me a refurbished unit since we did not pay our money for a brand new to get a "cleaned from factory" just one week later. We could have done a better deal buying directly a refurbished one from eBay (warranty included).

I will keep you informed, thanks for the instantaneous reply ;)

Probably a bit late now to return it for a new one unfortunately but still worth asking just in case.

What a fast response! :shock: :shock:

I have been instructed to remove the battery. Since the request came from the Netgear Technical Support it will not void the warranty in Italy... as confirmed with a fast phone call 8)
(sorry, the response is in italian but you will translate easily with Google :roll: )

Gentile cliente, in questi casi potrebbe aprire il readynas e togliere la batteria tampone (quella tipica degli orologi) per farlo riaccendere senza problemi. Tolga la batteria per qualche secondo, dopodichè la reinserisca, richiuda il readynas e lo riaccenda. Consigliamo poi di effettuare un reset alle impostazioni di fabbrica aggiornandolo all'ultima versione (5.3.7) Cordiali saluti Supporto tecnico Netgear

From my point of view I strongly prefer this solution, since an RMA will cost me more in terms of money and time (first you have to send at your cost the NAS and wait for the "new" HW to arrive). I also appreciate a company that do not fear to let customers opening by themselves their products :D

This evening I will open the little thing, again I will keep you informed.

Cheers,
Simon.

Well if they're happy with you doing it go ahead and do it. You don't have to do a factory default afterwards. After updating to 5.3.7 check to make sure that the U-Boot has been updated. If not, install the update over the top of itself.

I finally find some time to disassemble the unit and remove the battery. First of all: YES, it solved my problem (obviously but it is always better to confirm :D )

It is not difficult, assuming you have at least a little experience with PC assembly, since the Readynas is a very little PC in a very small case ;). Since I did not find a complete tutorial, I decided to post a detailed instruction.

1) REMOVE THE SIDE PANELS: first remove the single screw that keep the panel fixed with the rest of the case, then SLIDE each panel out toward the rear ot the unit.
2) REMOVE THE REAR PANEL: there is no need to remove the fan, but you have to remember first to unplug the 3-cables connector that connect it to the small board with the USB and power connectors. The panel it kept in place by four screws: two on the bottom, one on top-left side, the other one on top-right side.
3) (OPTIONAL) LOOSEN TOP PANEL: is just to make easier to remove the motherboard later and the screw for the next step, there are only 4 screws on the top. Honestly I did not remove it completely, just moved a little bit to make it easier to remove the motherboard
4) REMOVE THE USB/POWER PLUG BOARD: there is only one screw that keep it firmly in place, once it is done you have to slide it to the left (facing the rear of the unit) to unplug it from the motherboard.
5) (OPTIONAL) REMOVE THE DISK CONNECTOR BOARD: honestly, i did not do it, since the motherboard will easy unplug from it, but if you do not feel confident, then remove the 4 screw and it will come out easily.
5) REMOVE THE MOTHERBOARD: just 4 screws, and gently remove it keeping in mind that you have to unplug the disk connector board on the rear and that the LEDs and buttons on the front are inserted through small holes in the front panel.

To remove the battery, push it gently to the left keeping it in place (there is a small flat spring used to connect the battery), then, gently again use two small screwdriver to make a little bit more space from the two plastic hooks on the right and "magically" the battery will come out effortless (actually there is another contact spring on the bottom of the battery holder).

I kept the battery out for at least 5 minutes the put it all back together and now my little baby is up again!

Upgraded the firmware to 3.5.7 and verified on the bios_ver.log the Uboot version:

U-Boot 1.1.4 (Jun 29 2012 - 16:06:40) Marvell version: 3.4.27
Netgear version: Uboot-1_1_4-NetgearDUOV3-V1009\00If U-Boot Endiannes is going to change (LE->BE or BE->LE), Then Env parameters should be overriden..

It is not difficult, once you know how to do it. But honestly, I will not test again the auto powe-off function :lol:

Cheers,
Simon.