I am about to upgrade my ReadyNAS Pioneer Pro in a few ways...- 2x1TB disks need to be replaced by 2x3TB disks, for a total of 6x3TB- The FW needs to be upgraded from 4.2.27 to 6.2These are pretty big steps for me, and I have made sure I have updated backups of everything. I am about ready but would really like to validate the steps involved:1) I install the Prep add-on via Frontview (PREP4TOR6_0.1-x86.bin),2) Then I install the 6.2 firmware image via System > Update > Local, followed by a reboot/restart (R4toR6_6.2.0.bin),3) While the NAS is off, I can replace the 2 disks, after which I start the NAS,3) The system do a factory default reset, and I can start setting up the ReadyNAS as normal.I want to be totally sure; I replace the 2x1TB disks after the installation of the 6.2 FW, but before the factory default??? I really do not want to waste a day on the new FW setting up the NAS on the "old" setup of disks, and I can't install the 2x1TB disks on the current FW (I am up against the expansion limitations, I reset last at 6x1TB).Thanks in advance for any advice...

viewtopic.php?f=160&t=78316#p441259Personally, I would upgrade with the drives as is and once OS 6.2 was installed (and working) I would power down, replace the drives and perform a factory reset/default. It doesn't take long to run at all...

I'd also upgrade first, but there's no compelling to do a factory reset when you upgrade the two drives. Its perfect fine to hot-swap them (waiting for resync in between) instead.

I can't hot swap the drives before a factory default, and won't how swapping one at a time take forever in sync time, i.e. longer than a volume creation from scratch?

Volume creation from scratch would be quicker, yes.When you install the 6.2 image, it is not installed on the flash till during the reboot so following your procedure in the opening post in the thread you would still be on 4.2 after the factory.

That's what I was afraid of...If I do the FW upgrade and get the system back to a running system with the old disk configuration, and than shut it down, replace the two disks and do another Factory Default, that would work though, right?

Upgrading steps - just to be sure...

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CharlesR
Guide
Nov 29, 2014
viewtopic.php?f=160&t=78316#p441259

Personally, I would upgrade with the drives as is and once OS 6.2 was installed (and working) I would power down, replace the drives and perform a factory reset/default. It doesn't take long to run at all...
StephenB
Guru - Experienced User
Nov 29, 2014
I'd also upgrade first, but there's no compelling to do a factory reset when you upgrade the two drives. Its perfect fine to hot-swap them (waiting for resync in between) instead.
KillerBob
Aspirant
Nov 29, 2014
I can't hot swap the drives before a factory default, and won't how swapping one at a time take forever in sync time, i.e. longer than a volume creation from scratch?
mdgm-ntgr
NETGEAR Employee Retired
Nov 29, 2014
Volume creation from scratch would be quicker, yes.

When you install the 6.2 image, it is not installed on the flash till during the reboot so following your procedure in the opening post in the thread you would still be on 4.2 after the factory.
KillerBob
Aspirant
Nov 30, 2014
That's what I was afraid of...

If I do the FW upgrade and get the system back to a running system with the old disk configuration, and than shut it down, replace the two disks and do another Factory Default, that would work though, right?
StephenB
Guru - Experienced User
Nov 30, 2014
Maybe power down, remove all the current disks and insert 1 new disk. Then do the FW upgrade steps, and power down. Do a quick check, then install all the disks you want, and do another factory default.

That speeds up the FW upgrade process, and makes it easier to fall back to 4.2 with your existing disks if you decide you don't want 6.2 after all (or have trouble with the upgrade).
KillerBob
Aspirant
Nov 30, 2014
That's a good idea - thx.

I will;

1) Power down, pull out the 6 disks (4x3TB and 2x1TB) - keeping them labeled...,
2) Insert 1x3TB disk I have for the upgrade, boot up and go through the motions to create a new 1 disk volume,
3) Do the FW upgrade steps (install the Prep add-on, and the 6.2 firmware image), boot and Factory Default reset, setup the NAS on 6.2,
4) Power off, insert the remaining 5x3TB disks, boot up, factory default again, and set it all up finally.

If all goes bonk, will I be able to revert to 4.2.27, insert the original 6 disks and be back where I started?
StephenB
Guru - Experienced User
Nov 30, 2014
KillerBob wrote:
If all goes bonk, will I be able to revert to 4.2.27, insert the original 6 disks and be back where I started?
You should be able to revert, then when you install the original disks you'll have your existing configuration and data.
steveoelliott
Luminary
Nov 30, 2014
Do the x86 Pro 6 have the firmware on flash as well as the disks? In the days of the old NV+ it was like this...
StephenB
Guru - Experienced User
Nov 30, 2014
steveoelliott wrote:
Do the x86 Pro 6 have the firmware on flash as well as the disks? In the days of the old NV+ it was like this...
Yes they do. So reverting back requires some work with the OS6 disk in place.

There's a procedure here: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=75198&p=418500