So i have a loyal RDN4000 V3 ReadyNas+ with RAID set up and 4 disks loaded - UPS blew up the other night fused the whole house (no other damage thank goodness) brought new power supply cannot get back into the unit/Frontview at the moment now though.
But the question is...if anyone can help please - is there a simple way to take my 4 disks/data from this device into a new unit - or is it a full slow transfer even if working or not?? Maybe time to do an upgrade in kit but always been worried about the risks, time, effort in learning and loading a new unit - are there quicker ways??
If not i was looking at sourcing a like for like unit and loading my backup into that and then putting the disks into the new host (once tested as live) - Assumming everything will run as was in the new unit without formatting my data ???
First off is that you have to make sure your disks are healthy then RND4000v3 if correct is a NV+ v1. There are actually two versions using two different firmwares, you need to make sure you will be sourcing the same model. You can use this as reference on how to tell if you have a V1 or V2.
Once you have determined what version you really have, sourcing the same model might be difficult since it's a legacy NAS but if you are fortunate enough to be able to purchase one in a very good condition, plugging in the drives to the same model will just be a breeze and will get access to your data instantly. However, it is still advisable to go with a newer model but getting back the data may need assistance. Please see the following article
You can always DIY data recovery but if you are not comfortable doing so, Support might be able to help. Using ReCLAIMe is one option if you want to recover data. Another option is conrtacting Support and getting their Data Recovery service, it costs $200.
But the question is...if anyone can help please - is there a simple way to take my 4 disks/data from this device into a new unit - or is it a full slow transfer even if working or not??
No, there is not. Current ReadyNAS platforms use different CPUs, different disk partitioning, and different file systems.
One particular risk you seem to be overlooking - the power surge might have damaged the disks, and not just the NAS PSU. Hopefully that is not the case. But if you can connect the disks to a Windows PC (either sata or usb adapter/dock), you should probably start by testing them (ideally with vendor tools - Seatools for Seagate, Lifeguard for Western Digital). Label the disks by slot number as you remove them.
Other options:
Connect all 4 disks to a PC (windows or mac) using SATA or USB adapter/docks, and recover the data with RAID recovery software: https://www.r-studio.com/
Connect all 4 disks to a linux PC (or use a linux live boot), and use Linux commands to mount the array. This assumes you are comfortable with linux.
brought new power supply cannot get back into the unit/Frontview at the moment now though.
Your NV+ uses a non-standard pin-out from the power supply. Did you purchase one that has this modification already made? If not, did you make it yourself?
Are you seeing normal indications on the LCD panel when you power up the NAS? If not, what are you seeing?
If not i was looking at sourcing a like for like unit and loading my backup into that and then putting the disks into the new host (once tested as live) - Assumming everything will run as was in the new unit without formatting my data ???
It is possible to purchase a used NV+ and migrate the disks. Some caveats:
Any compatible NAS you purchase will be at least 9 years old (likely older)
Several users here have purchased used NAS that in fact didn't work.
It is easy to purchase an incompatible ReadyNAS. You need to be careful to get one that says "ReadyNAS NV+" on the front panel. Not "NV+ v2" or something else.
If you go this route, start by installing a spare disk (not part of the array). Make sure the NAS works. Then install the firmware version that was on your old NAS. If you don't know what that is, then install 4.1.16. After that, power down the NAS and migrate the disks (preserving the slot order).
but always been worried about the risks, time, effort in learning and loading a new unit - are there quicker ways??
I think you were focused on the wrong risks. The big risk was (and is) data loss. You have an old NAS, and apparently no backup of the files on it.
Hopefully you will be able to get the data back. One takeaway here - RAID isn't enough to keep your data safe. You need to have a backup on at least one another device. Ideally at least two backups (one local and one off-site).
so yes the key question was looking for an easy way to fast track my disks into a new updated system - i thought i was doing the right thing on the NAS and could just transfer discs if an issue with hardware - clearly not that simple...!! Doh!.
I changed the PSU with a compatible out of box - system started, waited a while for ok etc I could access my data all was well, went into FrontView to do fresh back up and check logs and the system hung, just as i wanted to do a scan reboot....so could not reboot or anything had to do a power off restart - i can see the server in the network but it will not respond now - assume i need to do an OS reload then a disk scan - and cross fingers. Hardly overloaded my system its 25% data use of 4 disks so thought was well safe - little knowledge as they say!!
I changed the PSU with a compatible out of box - system started, waited a while for ok etc I could access my data all was well, went into FrontView to do fresh back up and check logs and the system hung, just as i wanted to do a scan reboot....so could not reboot or anything had to do a power off restart - i can see the server in the network but it will not respond now - assume i need to do an OS reload then a disk scan - and cross fingers. !!
Checking/repairing the file system likely will increase the data loss.
I'd go the other direction (at least at first) - boot up the NAS using the boot option to skip the volume checks. Then back up what I could.
You could also proceed directly to R-studio RAID recovery.
