NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
ChunkySocks
Jan 29, 2022Guide
Trying to install Syncthing on ReadyNAS (Debian / Ubuntu packages)
Hi all, I am attempting to install Syncthing on my RN212 but having a couple of issues. I have already posted about them in the Syncthing forum but have been advised that these aren't issues to do w...
Sandshark
Jan 29, 2022Sensei - Experienced User
ChunkySocks wrote:
I previously had Syncthing installed on an older ReadyNAS Ultra 2 but had installed it with root priviliges which wasn't a wise thing to do so after migrating my date to this RN212 unit, I am attempting to do it properly.
Thanks in advance for any assistance, advice or links to instructions that help.
You actually did it in another completely "proper" way when you installed as root. On the command you are using, the leading sudo temporarilly makes you root, so the end result is exactly the same. So, you can try installing it again as root, though I don't really think that's your problem.
Since Netgear has failed to update the Linux core of ReadyNAS OS, updates of apps are becoming more and more difficult as the OS does not meet and cannot be updated to a required minimum version of a dependancy to the app. There is a ReadyNAS specific version avaiolable for a very reasonable price at rnxtras.com/ .
ChunkySocks
Feb 10, 2022Guide
Thanks for replying.
Sandshark wrote:You actually did it in another completely "proper" way when you installed as root. On the command you are using, the leading sudo temporarilly makes you root, so the end result is exactly the same. So, you can try installing it again as root, though I don't really think that's your problem.
Not according to the installation. If you install as root you get this warning whenever you start up Syncthing:
Syncthing should not run as a privileged or system user. Please consider using a normal user account.
Hence my desire to do it "properly" this time. I also asked about the warning in a separate thread in the Syncthing support forums (Attempting to install & use Syncthing on a ReadyNAS) and was advised that the reason to not install as root was because:
There are many risks, we introduce a bug and wipe all your data, even in the system directories, bricking your machine. We introduce a bug in the protocol which allows an attacker to escape syncthing process and get a shell, a root shell in this case, etc, etc.
Someone pinged me from another thread there, where they had grabbed & installed Syncthing from Syncthing (R6x86) — RNXtras.com where it installed and runs as root, and included instructions on how to remedy that: HowTo: Syncthing on ReadyNas (not as root)
but I didn't go along that route as I found this info on RNXtras.com:
I downloaded and installed the fix and then was able to install Syncthing successfully. The only additional step I had to perform was amending some file / folder permissions so my non-root user could run Syncthing.
Hope the above will help someone.
Thanks to RNExtras for providing the fix free of charge, I will sling a donation their way soon.
- SandsharkFeb 10, 2022Sensei - Experienced User
ChunkySocks wrote:Thanks for replying.
Sandshark wrote:You actually did it in another completely "proper" way when you installed as root. On the command you are using, the leading sudo temporarilly makes you root, so the end result is exactly the same. So, you can try installing it again as root, though I don't really think that's your problem.
Not according to the installation. If you install as root you get this warning whenever you start up Syncthing:
Syncthing should not run as a privileged or system user. Please consider using a normal user account.
Nothing on a ReadyNAS will run under a "normal user account". I stand by my statement. This incorrect assumption by the author(s) may be a part of your problem. On a ReadyNAS, the proper way to access SSH and install anything is as root. sudo isn't even installed by default.
- ChunkySocksFeb 10, 2022GuideOK, thanks.
I've no skin in this, just relaying conflicting advice and not especially knowledgeable or skilled at using the CLI. Hence my questions and queries as I'm open to learning and for this to be helpful to anyone coming after who may wish to do the same.- SandsharkFeb 10, 2022Sensei - Experienced User
Sorry if I came off sounding harsh (it seems that way to me, now that I re-read it). I just wanted to let you know you are probably going down a rabbit hole looking for the problem there.
Related Content
NETGEAR Academy

Boost your skills with the Netgear Academy - Get trained, certified and stay ahead with the latest Netgear technology!
Join Us!