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[En.An]

Hi,
my DNS-320 has been in use for some years with two 500 GB hard drives in RAID 0. Now the start button broke and the otherwise fully functional device cannot be started again. To access the data on the two hard drives I am considering buying a new DNS-320 and installing the same hard drives again. Reading the manuals it seems to me that to install the two hard drives I would have to format them, loosing all the data.

Is there a way around formatting the disks when installing them in a new DNS-320?

Thanks in advance!

[FurryNutz]

Link>Welcome!

• What Hardware version is your DNS? Look at the sticker behind or under the device.
• Link>What Firmware version is currently loaded? Found on the DNSs web page under status.
• What region are you located?

How do you mean the Start button is broke? It's it damaged or does it not respond to a press?

[RYAT3]

Hi,
my DNS-320 has been in use for some years with two 500 GB hard drives in RAID 0. Now the start button broke and the otherwise fully functional device cannot be started again. To access the data on the two hard drives I am considering buying a new DNS-320 and installing the same hard drives again. Reading the manuals it seems to me that to install the two hard drives I would have to format them, loosing all the data.

Is there a way around formatting the disks when installing them in a new DNS-320?

Thanks in advance!

I think it will work, only if you're careful.

Was there a stripe size setting?  Do you remember what it was? Took default?

I haven't used one, but if you set up similar drives with the same configuration,  say 2 same size same stripe,  and replace with your data drives, you'd probably be okay.

Might not even need to be the same size.

https://youtu.be/ybXuGcIichs

Barnacules nerdgasm just screwed up and discusses issues which might help you.

[ivan]

When you say the start button broke what exactly do you mean, the external button is broken or the actual small push button attached to the main board is broken?

If it is the former then it is still possible to switch on the unit and make the necessary backup of your data.

If the actual physical switch is broken it should still be possible to switch the unit on by either replacing the switch itself or soldering a couple of wires to the contacts and touching them together for a short period. 

Unless the replacement unit is the same series and has the same firmware it is very unlikely that you will be able to recover the RAID 0 array (a RAID 0 array is very temperamental regarding moving to a new home - it is better to format the drives in the new NAS box and restore from the backup).

We have never had to replace a broken switch on any of our DNS-320 boxes in all the years we have had them - we haven't switched them off either which could be an explanation.

[En.An]

Thanks for your replies!
My problem is solved.

Indeed the actual start button broke (in two pieces), probably pressed it too hard over the years. I could not find my model of the DNS-320 on the market any more. Orders with the correct picture came with a newer version of the DNS-320. So I didn't want to risk swapping the hard drives. Instead I took the advice from ivan and connected the contacts with a paper clip. The device started again and I could safe the data on the hard drive.

[FurryNutz]

Glad the work around worked for you.

[ivan]

Glad the work around worked for you.

That was over 40 years experience talking 

[FurryNutz]

Counts for something.