Firmware upgrade failed, USB trick does not work.

[outsource]

Hello

We have the Thecus N5200 model NAS device and are experiencing problems with start up. Originally the network shares were no longer available but the device was still pingable and it was still possible to navigate the interface. We decided to upgrade the firmware to version 2.00.01, however the upgrade failed at 20%. The instructions suggested to retry if an upgrade failure occured. After several attempts we decided to try installing earlier versions of the firmware but attempts failed immediately at 0% progress. From within the interface we noticed the lan and wan details had disappeared so decided we would try the USB memory pen reset proceedure.( factory_test.sh and firmware .bin file) as we did not want to turn the unit off until we had tried all options.

With the USB pen in the port next to the sata port (also tried all usb ports) we tried to install several different versions of the firmware, all producing the same result. The unit starts up with "Self Test" followed by "Thecus N5200 Booting..." a delay of approx 3-4 minutes then briefly "HBT Log full" then displays "Self Test" . Nothing happens from here on. The only cable connected is the power cable.

We have tried 3 different memory pens of different manufacturers but get the same problem. Its as if the unit does not even try to boot from the memory pen at all.

The reset button does nothing at all, either holding the button in briefly or for 10-20 seconds. All that can be done is to switch it off with the large power button.

Out of interest, if all 5 disks are taken out and placed in an identical unit will the all data be accessible. All the data is contained within 1 Data Folder. Unit is configured for RAID 6. Data retrieval is my objective.

I hope someone can help, we have already sent an email to Thecus suport and await a response.

[jetjockey]

Hi

Not much help I know but I found that only one USB stick would work. It's a long shot but you could try another.

Interesting to see that the message "HBT log is full" is coming up. Not sure if it's the same thing but my 5200 seems to keep all log messages even after reboots and firmware upgrades???

Does anybody know how to clear all the log messages? Perhaps using SSH? Maybe if the Logs are cleared you will be able to upgrade??

Cheers, Gerald.

[peterfu]

jetjockey said:

Does anybody know how to clear all the log messages?

HBT Log clearing:
thecususergroup.proboards106.com/index.cgi?board=n5200installations&action=display&thread=1190972121
br
Peter

[grahamg]

I have the same problem for several weeks after trying to upgrade to 2.00.01, the upgrade went OK but then the raid and all external access is lost. Thecus support were responsive and sent some scripts and instructions, but the unit just ignores the USB drive, however it is formatted in all usb ports.

[outsource]

Update

Thecus support acknowledge a hardware problem with the flash memory chip inside the N5200. So there is nothing I can do. I have to process a warranty claim on the unit.

We had noticed that from time to time the shares and the web interface was not available but a reboot sorted it. Looks like the problem has finally escilated to a full hardware fault.

Had to cover alot of ground work to come to this conclusion. Im told that the data should be fine also by inserting the drives into a replacement box. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for all your help.