Backup ReadyNas 214 to External HDDs

[kncowans]

Hello all

I have recently purchased the ReadyNas 214 (Diskless) and it will eventually have 4 x WD Red 5TB HDD.

My question concerns backing up the ReadyNas to External HDDs.

Are there any things to take into account when looking for External HDDs, obviously I will be purchasing USB3.0 units as the ReadyNas 214 has USB 3.0 Ports but are there anyother things to consider?

Also, what would be the best Filesystem to Format the External HDDs to?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

[StephenB · Accepted solution]

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@kncowans wrote:

Also, what would be the best Filesystem to Format the External HDDs to?

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Don't use a file system you can't read on another device.  If you use Windows PCs that means format using NTFS (not EXT4).

[JohnRo]

Hello kncowans, 

The suggested format for backup using USB HDD is EXT4, you'll have to format the disk using the ReadyNAS' UI. There is a KB with a step-by-step guide on how this is done properly (click here). I'd go for enterprise type drives all the time, IMHO they have a better reliability and longer life.

If you want to know more about backup, click here. 

Thanks, 

[StephenB · Accepted solution]

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@kncowans wrote:

Also, what would be the best Filesystem to Format the External HDDs to?

---

Don't use a file system you can't read on another device.  If you use Windows PCs that means format using NTFS (not EXT4).

[kncowans]

Hello

Thanks Stephen, NTFS it is.

Kevin

[kncowans]

Hello John

Thanks for the Links.

Kevin