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[rcblackwell]

I currently own one DNS323 with a 320 gb drive and a 1.2 TB drive installed. The 320gb drive is used to store user data and the 1.2 tb drive is used to store backup data; data from the 3.2 gb drive and a couple of PC's.

Over the last few months I've been thinking about adding a second DNS that would be used solely for data backup. My reason for doing so; if the current DNS dies a hard death and takes out both drives then I've lost my data as well as its backup. I know chances of this happening are very slim however I'd rather be safe than sorry.

If I add the second DNS I'd move the 1.2 TB drive to that unit then install a second 320 GB drive in the first unit. I'd then configure RAID on the first DNS and use it to store user data. The second DNS would be used as the backup repository. I'd like to do this without reformatting the current drives but don't know if its possible.

Could the 1.2 TB drive, which is currently volume 2, be moved from the first DNS to the second DNS as Volume 1 without reformatting?

Could a RAID array be constructed in the first NAS without formatting the 320 GB drive that currently exists as Volume 1? If so, how would I go about doing so.

Bob Blackwell
Pickering, ON

[gunrunnerjohn]

I actually tried migrating between my DNS-321 and DNS-323, and moving one or both of the drives over didn't work worth a hoot, I had to reformat the whole bunch and go from there.

I recommend you equip the secondary unit first and get it working, then migrate the data from the first unit.

[fordem]

Bob - if we're discussing 2 x DNS-323, the answer to both your questions is YES.

YES - you can remove the 1.2TB drive to the new unit and it should show up as Volume_1 without a reformat.

YES - you can install a second 320GB drive in the first DNS-323 and - depending on the firware version - when it prompts you to format the new drive, there will be a check box that you can tick to create a RAID1 array.

Please backup the data on the 320GB drive before installing the new drive and creating the array - just as a precaution - these units will reportedly, occasionaly format the wrong drive - I say reportedly because I have seen anecdotal reports of it happening, but been unable to reproduce the problem personally.

[rcblackwell]

Bob - if we're discussing 2 x DNS-323, the answer to both your questions is YES.

Yes, I am talking of adding a second DNS. The first in a RAID format to store user data, the second with a single (1.2 TB) disk to act as the backup repository.

YES - you can remove the 1.2TB drive to the new unit and it should show up as Volume_1 without a reformat.

YES - you can install a second 320GB drive in the first DNS-323 and - depending on the firware version - when it prompts you to format the new drive, there will be a check box that you can tick to create a RAID1 array.

Excellent! This will make the conversion process that much easier  .

Please backup the data on the 320GB drive before installing the new drive and creating the array

I'm aware of the referenced anomaly and will absolutely perform a data backup before taking any action.

With appreciation

[gunrunnerjohn]

I tried to move my drives to a different unit, and they were unrecognized, I'd be ready for that eventuality. 

[fordem]

gunrunnerjohn - were you going DNS-323-to-DNS-323 or DNS-323-to-DNS-321 (or vice versa)?

You CAN move disks between DNS-323s with no problems, this is in fact a part of the design philosophy - in the event of hardware failure of the DNS-323 itself, you can swap the disks into a new unit and have access to your data.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I did try to move to the DNS-321, bummer that they didn't use the same structure.  I guess I should have bought a second DNS-323, would have been a better choice.  That's what I get for trying to save $30-40.

[rcblackwell]

I did try to move to the DNS-321, bummer that they didn't use the same structure.  I guess I should have bought a second DNS-323, would have been a better choice.  That's what I get for trying to save $30-40.

I was thinking of doing the same. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Having heard this I'll stick with a DNS323.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Good plan, I'd do that too if I had it to do over.