RT-AC3200 Merlin 384.13.10 - e2fsck abort with 'Memory Allocation failed' (10 GB swapfile!)

[itibi]

Hi! Networkers,

RT-AC3200 Merlin 384.13.10 - e2fsck abort with 'Memory Allocation failed'

using USB 3.0 Seagate Expansion 4TB for entware & swapfile (2GB)

Two days ago, my daily system backup failed;
syslog indicates 'kernel ext4-fs error, add_direct_to_buf, Bad entry in directory'

I then did this:
# e2fsck -y /dev/sda1 which aborted with 'Memory Allocation Failed'

Note that my previous swapfile was configured on my Seagate drive wich is not currently mounted
so it seems that the 256 MB default router's memory is insufficient.


I decide to add a flash drive (Sandisk 64GB) on my USB 2.0 port
The command '# df -h' confirm that the drive is mounted

then using AMTM, I create the recommended 2 GB swapfile on that flash drive

The command '# free' confirm that the swapfile is active.

I then redid the command '# e2fsck -y /dev/sda1' which same abort message !

So, I decide to go to the maximum swapfile that amtm permits: 10GB
'#free' confirm that the 10 GB swapfile is active

The command '# e2fsck -y /dev/sda1' report the same abort message !

I am confused.

Can someone help ?

I will really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

 

[ColinTaylor]

You might have more luck with:

e2fsck -E inode_count_fullmap /dev/sda1

Otherwise just plug it into a Linux PC and repair it from there.

 

[itibi]

You might have more luck with:

e2fsck -E inode_count_fullmap /dev/sda1

Otherwise just plug it into a Linux PC and repair it from there.

Thanks Colin for your fast reply. It is appreciated.

Sadly, that extended options does not seems to be available with # e2fsck v1.42.13

So, as recommended, I will use my ubuntu server to correct the culprit
and will report the result.

 

[itibi]

@colin: After connecting that USB drive on my ubuntu desktop, I notice that the drive is not detected by my ubuntu.

# fdisk -l
just freeze after listing the /dev/loop* drives

I try it also on my Windows 10 PC; same result.

So I have to order a new external USB 3.0 for my router
but this time, it will be a 2 TB capacity
which seems to be less prone to failure if I remember correctly.

Isn't it ?

Any recommended model ?

Thanks for your support

 

[ColinTaylor]

Crucial X9 pro ssd

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Crucial USB-C to USB-A Adapter | CTUSBCFUSBAMAD | Crucial.com

Buy Crucial USB-C to USB-A Adapter CTUSBCFUSBAMAD. FREE US Delivery, guaranteed 100% compatibility when ordering using our online tools.

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EDIT: Just remembered you're using an old unsupported low-spec router. So take RMerlin's advice in his reply below.

 

[itibi]

Thanks, I will take a look at your suggestion.

Have a nice weekend.

 

[RMerlin]

Any recommended model ?

For this type of capacity, I strong recommend a NAS. Even an entry level NAS with two bays would be much better than relying on a USB drive plugged to a router.

 

[itibi]

@Colin: Before reading your updated advice, I did just ordered a new Crucial X9 Pro SSD 2TB.
so I just sent a cancel request for my order which has been accepted.

@Eric: thanks for your suggestion.


You are right about the old unsupported router. NAS seems to be the way to go.

So, I will ask this gift from my wife aka 'SAN'ta Claus ;-)

1. In the mean time, on my actual router, I will add a 'Sandisk Cruzer Glide 64GB USB 3.0 Flash drive'
that I already have in stock to be use for swapfile, entware, nsru and easy-rsa

2. Now, it is time for the fun part: configure a NAS setup
- Can you recommend an 'Entry level NAS with two bays' model ?
- in which I will insert 2 HDD @ 4TB set as Raid-level-1 mirror (preferably hardware RAID)

3. I never configure a NAS but I assume that there are some excellent walkthrough recipes on the net.

Thank you both for your replies.

 

[ColinTaylor]

3. I never configure a NAS but I assume that there are some excellent walkthrough recipes on the net.

I can't give you a recommendation for a specific NAS. But whichever one you chose just configure it using the instructions that come with it. If should be straightforward.

 

[itibi]

Thanks,

I just did a quick search on Newegg.ca, it give me the following result:

Synology 2-bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
+ 2 x WD Red Plus 3TB NAS Hard Disk Drive - 5400 RPM Class SATA 6Gb/s, CMR, 128MB Cache, 3.5 Inch - WD30EFZX

Is it a good choice ?

 

[ColinTaylor]

Is it a good choice ?

I couldn't say. But for other, more informed people to comment they'd really need to know what and how you intend to use this NAS.

 

[itibi]

I will definitively not using it as a media server.

It will be use only for backup/archival for my local network (1 x windows 10 PC + Ubuntu 22.04 desktop + Ubuntu 22.04 server)

Currently, each machine are using ftp and/or rsync to store on my Router-attached USB drive.
Those scripts run daily during the night.

 

[RMerlin]

Thanks,

I just did a quick search on Newegg.ca, it give me the following result:

Synology 2-bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
+ 2 x WD Red Plus 3TB NAS Hard Disk Drive - 5400 RPM Class SATA 6Gb/s, CMR, 128MB Cache, 3.5 Inch - WD30EFZX

Is it a good choice ?

Both Synology and QNAP are good choices there. Personally, aside of my QNAP TS-464 main NAS, I also have an entry-level QNAP TS-228A which I use strictly to store backups. I believe this one is now replaced with the TS-233. Either the QNAP or the Synology would be good budget-friendly options.

As for the drives, look at the price difference when you go up in capacity. It might be worth spending an extra $10 if it gets you 33% more storage space, for instance. A good pair of drives in a NAS are more likely to last you longer than a typical USB drive, so more capacity is a good idea if the price jump fits your budget.

 

[sfx2000]

For this type of capacity, I strong recommend a NAS. Even an entry level NAS with two bays would be much better than relying on a USB drive plugged to a router.

I agree - even a single bay NAS is going to offer capabilities outside of a router/AP...

 

[itibi]

Per your suggestions, I had order the following:
QNAP TS-233-US + 2 * WD Red 4TB WD40EFPX

Hope to receive it before Christmas.

Many thanks for your help

Have a nice and safe end of the year.