NAS OS Rescue and Repair

The NAS OS Rescue tool is preconfigured on a USB key for Rackmount NAS OS devices and on the motherboard for Desktop NAS OS devices. In addition to installing NAS OS, it can act as a bootable rescue tool to help you troubleshoot technical problems. The NAS OS Rescue includes three recovery options:

• Recover data: Enable FTP Access to the data on your NAS OS device. Once enabled, you can use FTP client software or a web browser to back up the data stored on your NAS.
• Restore to factory settings: Reset your NAS OS device to its factory default while attempting to preserve the shares and data. Seagate cannot guarantee that all your data will be saved. Factory default includes the reversion of all NAS OS parameters (e.g. Users, Shares, Network, etc.) to their original states.
• Format the drives and install NAS OS: The Installer will format the NAS's hard drives before reinstalling NAS OS. Since all data will be deleted during the format, Seagate highly recommends that you back up your files before selecting this option. 

Rackmount NAS

 Note for NAS OS devices shipped with NAS OS 3: The NAS OS 3 installer is available on the USB key shipped with your NAS OS device. You must download the most recent version onto the USB key before following the steps below. Running the NAS OS 3 installer on a device that runs NAS OS 4 can have unwanted consequences. See the instructions below to update the USB key. 

Prepare for a rescue and repair

To connect to the Installer, you will need the NAS OS device’s MAC address. Your NAS OS device has two MAC addresses, one for each LAN port (see the hardware user manual for your device). You may use either MAC address for the installer.

You have multiple options for finding the MAC address:

• Check the MAC address label on the NAS OS device.
• Connect a VGA monitor to the NAS's VGA port.
• Launch Seagate Network Assistant (see Seagate Network Assistant). 

VGA monitor

While not obligatory, you can connect a compatible monitor to the NAS before following the recovery steps. Doing so will help you confirm that the NAS boots from the USB key. You can also review the device's IP and MAC addresses.

The VGA signal reverts to energy saving mode within a few minutes. If the monitor appears to be receiving a signal but no image is present, try to connect a USB keyboard to one of the NAS's USB ports. Tap on one of the keys to view the NAS's VGA signal. 

Seagate Network Assistant

If you do not see the NAS OS device in Seagate Network Assistant, confirm that your NAS is:

• Connected to the same network as the computer you are using. In certain configurations, the NAS is connected to two separate networks.
• Connected to the same network as the computer you are using via the LAN 1 Ethernet port. Seagate Network Assistant requires that LAN 1 act as the primary Ethernet port for your NAS.

If you still do not see your device in Seagate Network Assistant, follow the instructions below:

1. Launch Seagate Network Assistant.
2. Select Preferences
   • Windows: Right-click on the Seagate Network Assistant icon in the system tray.
   • Mac: Click on the Seagate Network Assistant icon in the menu.
3. Enable IPConf Support by clicking on Activate. 

Rescue and repair steps 

Step 1: Update the USB key

The included USB key allows you to boot the NAS OS device and run the NAS OS installer. However, before using the USB key, it is highly recommended that you download a more recent version of the Installer as it may have been updated since you received your NAS. 

 Note on download: The software that you download is not NAS OS. Rather, it is a utility to install the NAS OS Installer onto the key so that you can install or repair the NAS OS. 

To update the USB key:

1. Insert it into a USB port on a computer with a connection to the Internet.
2. Launch an Internet browser and enter the following address: http://www.seagate.com/naskey.
3. Follow the on-screen directions to update the software on the key.
4. Eject the key from your computer.

Step 2: Back up and power off the NAS OS device

The NAS OS installer will attempt to repair or reset the NAS OS. To guarantee that data stored on the NAS is preserved, Seagate highly recommends that you back up all shares before moving forward with the Installer. If you cannot access the NAS OS volumes, the Rescue provides an option to retrieve data via FTP.

Following the backup (if applicable), turn the NAS off. If you have access to NAS OS, use the power icon on the upper right of the window to select Shut down. Otherwise, apply a short push to the power button.

Step 3: Connect the USB key and boot the NAS

1. Connect the USB key to one of the USB ports on the NAS.
2. Push the power button to boot the NAS.

Step 4: Launch the NAS OS Installer

1. Go to http://discover.seagate.com.
2. Choose Find.
3. Select your NAS and choose Connect.
4. Enter the NAS’s MAC address and choose Connect.

Select an option and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the Rescue. The NAS OS Installer may perform a file system check (fsck) to determine if the device was improperly powered off or crashed, causing an inconsistent state for NAS OS. The fsck will attempt to repair or recover damaged system files. 

Desktop NAS

Prepare for a rescue and repair

Back up the NAS device

The NAS OS Rescue will attempt to repair or reset NAS OS. To guarantee that data stored on the NAS is preserved, Seagate highly recommends that you back up all shares before moving forward with the Installer. If you cannot access the NAS volumes, the Rescue provides an option to retrieve data via FTP.

Following the backup (if applicable), turn the NAS off. If you have access to NAS OS, use the power icon on the upper right of the window to select Shutdown. Otherwise, apply a short push to the power button.

Recovery button

The NAS OS Rescue tool is enabled upon booting the NAS by simultaneously pushing the Recovery and power buttons. The recovery button is located on the back of the NAS within a small recessed niche. To push the recovery button, you will need a thin pointed object such as a paperclip or a small screwdriver. See your NAS OS device's hardware user manual for details. 

MAC address

Once it is enabled, the NAS OS Rescue prompts you for the NAS OS device's MAC address. Your NAS OS device has two MAC addresses, one for each LAN port. Check the MAC address labels on the back of your device and note one for the rescue. 

Perform a rescue 

1. Confirm that users on the network are not accessing the NAS.
2. If the NAS is powered on, use NAS OS to shut down the NAS.
3. Use a thin pointed object (e.g. paperclip, thin screwdriver, etc.) to push the recovery button.
4. Hold the recovery button while pushing the power button. Continue to push the recovery button for five seconds.
5. Wait for the LED to turn solid.
6. From a computer on the network, launch a web browser and enter http://discover.seagate.com.
7. Choose Find.
8. Select your NAS and choose Connect.
9. Enter the NAS’s MAC address and choose Connect.
10. Choose an option and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the Rescue.