Ready to upgrade? Find out how to update your ReadyNAS
In this article we will go over some of the key elements to consider when upgrading your ReadyNAS network storage device to the latest firmware versions. The goal of this article is try and ensure a successful upgrade to each current firmware release. It is important to know how ReadyNAS OS 6 firmware is versioned.
When breaking down firmware version 6.4.0, if a new firmware version is available the numeric digit slot change will determine which type of release it is.
- 6 slot represents a product version e.g. ReadyNAS Operating System version 6. Changes to this value are considered as a completely new product version.
- 4 slot represents major release e.g. kernel upgrade and major feature enhancements or changes. Changes to this value are considered major releases.
- 0 slot represents minor release e.g. bug fixes and critical security updates. Changes to this value are considered minor releases.
Checking release notes highlight changes in the firmware. Up-to-date release notes are available on the ReadyNAS OS 6 Support Page.
ReadyNAS OS 6 storage systems that show symptoms after upgrading to a new firmware can be categorized into trouble scenario groups, such as:
- Systems that are completely full.
- Systems that have high filesystem fragmentation.
- Systems that have a large quantites of hourly, daily, monthly snapshots.
The trouble scenario groups listed above are the most common, and does not cover all possible scenarios. Your ReadyNAS offers functionality to help with common trouble scenarios; please consider the following before upgrading your firmware.
Backup Critical Data
It is considered best practice to always have a backup of critical data. ReadyNAS OS 6 has several options to backup your data.
To learn more about Backup, visit our Backup FAQ
Download System Log Data
Downloading the logs prior to firmware upgrade will allow NETGEAR engineers to see the device log information prior to upgrading should the upgrade encounter problems and need assistance from technical support.
- Select System > Logs.
- On the left hand side of the screen, click on Download Logs.
- Download the logs into a safe place on your computer
Check Disk Health
Disk health is a critical portion that can go overlooked when prompted to upgrade your firmware version. It is paramount that you double check disk health prior to performing an upgrade. This can help deter issues before they happen. If you have a bad disk, replacing the disk prior to firmware upgrade is recommended.
Run System Maintenance
Routine scheduled maintenance can be crucial for the overall health of your storage system. Schedule maintenance tasks are as follows
- Scrub
- Defragment
- Balance
- Disk Test
To learn more information about scheduled maintenance and how to configure it, please see
Scheduled Maintenance Overview
How to enable Scheduled Maintenance
Enable System Alerts
It is extremely important to enable email alerts. Receiving system alerts may help prevent issues with the system upgrade by
- Determining the total space available on the device.
- Disk Failure alerts can help resolve an issue quickly and effectively.
- Volume health alerts are enabled by default, these are essential to be aware of when upgrading the firmware
To learn more about alerts please see Configure Email Alerts
We hope you will take these above items into account when upgrading to a new firmware version.