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[random404]

Here's the situation, I had 2 drives (call them A and B) that were formatted in a RAID 1 setup and populated with data. I then took out both those drives and obtained 2 more drives (call them C and D), which I formatted in a Standard setup and didn't do anything more with.

(As a note, after formatting C and D, the drive contained only a web_page, Volume_1, and Volume_2 folder on the device. Volume_1 and Volume_2 each contained only a .systemfile folder.)

What I'd like now is to have drive A along with drive C or drive D in the device at the same time, in a Standard setup. (This would allow me, among other things, to copy certain data from A over to C or D.) I'd also like to retain the data on A - so formatting A with C or D in a Standard setup is not possible, as it would erase the data.

Here's the strange thing - when I put drive A and C in together, I only see a web_page, BT, and Volume_1 folder. Volume_1 is from drive A. (BT is the BitTorrent folder from drive A.) Volume_2 is now missing, even though drive C is also in there?

I figured that maybe when C and D were formatted together, maybe C became Volume_1 and D became Volume_2, so perhaps putting drives A and C in together created a conflict between 2 Volume_1s, so I tried putting A and D in together, and it's the exact same problem.

The drive lights are always both blue, so there doesn't seem to be a problem there. When I log into the web console of the device, under the 'Status' page, in the Physical Disk Info section both drives successfully appear. And in the Hard Drive Info section, both drives appear and start with:

Volume Name:    Volume_1
Volume Type:    Standard
   
Volume Name:    Volume_2
Volume Type:    Standard

How can I get drive A to show up along with drive C or D in a Standard setup, while maintaining the data that A already has on it?

[jamieburchell]

You sure like to complicate things eh? I would rethink your strategy because AFAIK you can't successfully mix and match drives with different modes - it will confuse the hell out of the NAS. I believe it stores information about the selected mode on one of the partitions of the drive. By inserting a drive it believes to be part of a RAID array and a standard drive, is a recipe for disaster.

[random404]

That's scary to hear, because if what you say is true then there's no easy way to make a copy of nearly 1 TB of data on drive A onto another drive - it's essentially trapped there (as I have very limited intermediate forms of storage, such as my computer or other drive enclosures).

I'm disappointed that the DNS 323 can't simply expose the data of two drives that are within it simultaneously, especially when the formatting shows up as Standard for both. Whether it was initially formatted as RAID or not shouldn't confine my ability to use it in any other situation, particularly such a basic scenario. But I'm just ranting my frustration, if anyone knows of a solution for the problem in my original post I'd love to hear it.

(Just a guess but perhaps something related to logging in through telnet, as I have fun plug enabled on drive A, and seeing if the other drive is available there, then using linux commands to copy the data over? Though I don't know exactly where to search for the other drive...)

[jamieburchell]

I've posted this elsewhere and those that know are probably sick of hearing it - but I've got an external USB hard drive enclosure connected to the USB port of the NAS. I've written a script to copy off specific data from the NAS to the USB drive on boot-up, providing the USB drive is on and ready. It then emails me the log file. It uses rsync (FFP is required) so that it only copies changes/new files. I now have it on a monthly rotation with three hard drives so that at any given point there's 3 months of backup. A similar solution might be good for you.

[random404]

That actually sounds like a brilliant solution! I actually didn't realize you could do anything special with the USB port of the NAS, but it's making me seriously consider buying a hard drive enclosure now.

Out of curiosity, couple questions about your particular solution: So you have 2 drives in RAID 1 which never leave the NAS, and you have 1 external enclosure that you share between 3 other drives that you switch once per month? So 5 drives total?

Would you mind allowing me to see your script? If so, don't worry I realize I'm using it at my own risk, but it would be a fantastic starting point for me. I particularly like the fact that it only copies changes and new files, and that it emails you a log file. If you'd be alright with me seeing your script, I'd love to! Thanks.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I suspect that Jamie has three USB enclosures, it would be silly to keep removing the drive from an enclosure.  Since USB enclosures are only around $20 or so, it's not a difficult solution.

[jamieburchell]

Actually, I only have one enclosure - but you're right they are not expensive. I just plop the hard disk in on the 1st of the month and store it in a protective box when it's not in use.

I'm not sure if you live in the UK but here's what I have:

3 of these to store the drives in when they are not being backed up to in the USB enclosure:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Icy-Box-IB-AC602-35-Hard-drive-protection-box-(Anti-Shock-Dust-free-Stackable)

And something from this site, similar to this product. Looks like mine is discontinued:
http://www.usbnow.co.uk/Hard_Drive_Docking_Stations/c172/p1745/USB_2.0_to_SATA_Docking_Station_with_3_Port_Hub/product_info.html

Not very expensive either way.

I did have my NAS with two drives in a RAID1 setup and this solution worked fine. I have recently decided however to ditch RAID and use 1 drive for normal files and a second, much larger drive for DVD rips to ISO for media streaming. I don't want to backup DVD ISO rips so this doesn't affect my backup script/solution.

I will happily show you my scripts - but we aren't allowed to post such things here. If you are happy to PM me your email address I'll send some stuff over...

Jamie