Migratiion and Backup strategy

[jerryk]

Hi,

I just ordered a ReadyNAS NVX to replace my nearly full Linksys DNS-323. The new unit has 2-1 TB drives and the Linksys has 2-600 GB drives in RAID 1. I was wondering the best way to migrate the data to the new NAS. Is a straight file copy from my Win 7 PC the way to go? I assume swapping a mirror disk from the Linksys to a ReadyNAS would fail?

My second question is on backup. One thought is that after I get the data to the Ready NAS, I could move the 2 600 GB drives to the ReadyNAS and get a couple of larger drives (Fry's seems to have pallets of big drives going cheap) for the Linksys and use it as a backup NAS. Does this sound reasonable?

Another backup option is to get a big drive and stick it an external enclosure and use the USB port and ReadyNAS backup. Is this OK?

Thanks,

Jerry

 

[claykin]

Hi,

I just ordered a ReadyNAS NVX to replace my nearly full Linksys DNS-323. The new unit has 2-1 TB drives and the Linksys has 2-600 GB drives in RAID 1.

Linksys DNS-323? Do you mean Dlink DNS-323?

I was wondering the best way to migrate the data to the new NAS. Is a straight file copy from my Win 7 PC the way to go? I assume swapping a mirror disk from the Linksys to a ReadyNAS would fail?

Straight copy is the best and easiest way to go. Yes, swapping one of your DNS-323 disks into the NVX will cause the NVX to immediately format it (bye bye data) and add it to the current X-RAID2 (assuming you leave the NVX is default X-RAID2 mode).

My second question is on backup. One thought is that after I get the data to the Ready NAS, I could move the 2 600 GB drives to the ReadyNAS and get a couple of larger drives (Fry's seems to have pallets of big drives going cheap) for the Linksys and use it as a backup NAS. Does this sound reasonable?

NVX supports X-RAID2. See here: http://www.readynas.com/?cat=53

What make and model are those 600GB disks? If they are not on the Netgear compatibility list, I would NOT use them. If you don't believe me, poke around the Readynas forums and read about some unhappy customers. This is not a Netgear only issue, all NAS vendors have a compatibility list and disks that are problematic.

Same hold true for your DNS-323 when buying replacement disks for it.

In my opinion leave the DNS-323 alone. Don't monkey with it if it isn't broken. Get yourself another pair of the same disks that are already in your NVX. Most likely Seagate ES.2. Yes, they are $150/ea, but how much is your time worth when you potentially have to spend hours troubleshooting stupid issues that could have been avoided?

Another backup option is to get a big drive and stick it an external enclosure and use the USB port and ReadyNAS backup. Is this OK?

Yes, this is an option.

BTW, Firmware 4.2.11 was released last week for the NVX. I recommend you install it and default the unit before copying your data to the NVX. 4.2.11 supports EXT4 file system and the NVX must be reformatted in order to use EXT4. 4.2.11 has a bunch of other enhancements as well including faster speeds when writing to USB disks. See here: http://www.readynas.com/?p=3728

 

[jerryk]

Thanks for the information.

I have been reading the ReadyNAS forums and will probably leave the DNS-323 alone except to switch from RAID 1 to JBOD since it will be a Backup. I misspoke on the disks, they are Seagate 750 GB ES units.