I understand that this has been discussed before. So I'm sorry if I repeat, but I've just not found anything that replicates exactly my issue, and not found a solution yet (other than throwing the thing in the bin and losing all data anyway!).
I have a Linkstation LS-CHL, am using up to date NAS Navigator 2 software on both PC and Mac on my network.
Running 2.4 on the Mac and 2.37 on Windows XP.
The LS firmware is 1.21. I'm aware this is old, but I simply can't work out a way to update the firmware without it needing the password. So I'm stuck.
As many others, woke up one day and found my username/password reset for no reason so couldn't access shared folder.
Tried logging in through web admin but no luck. Username/password doesn't work.
Tried updating firmware (via Mac & PC) with no luck.
Tried the 'Force Firmware udate' on the PC, changing the INI file and using the Debug option, as described in some posts. No luck. Still needs an admin password. Keep trying the default 'password' with no luck.
Tried re-setting the unit using every variant combination seemingly published – hold function button for 5 secs (or 10 or 15 or 30). Then let go and press again for 1 sec (or 10, or 30!). Still no luck.
Tried all of the above with LS connected direct to the PC or Mac, so isolating it from any router/home network issues.
I'm really scared this is looking bad for this unit and I'm going to have to enter EM mode and end up partitioning the unit. Not good!
Can anyone offer any advice? Even just trying to access the files in any way to try & copy them somewhere else for now. Anything!
Help!
Dan
ok, just thought I'd feedback now I've got it working again, should anyone else be finding the same problem. Yes, it DID require booting in EM mode & updating of firmware. But this was NOT the quick & easy process I'd hoped. At least it wasn't for me anyway. Also, this in itself, didn't resolve it. But I needed to do this stage before I went further, to kind of try the 'easy' steps first...
One thing to note – I use a Mac, but I borrowed a PC in order to do this. I just got the usual tech support 'unggh' sound when I mentioned OSX! My advice – don't even bother trying to resolve this on a Mac. Not worth it.
BTW, Contrary to other posts, I actually had some relatively good service from tech support. I'm in the UK, perhaps it varies between countries.
And if Buffalo Tech are looking on, the lady who helped with my case # 135685? was polite, patient and VERY helpful. Most importantly, she talked me through every step and re-assured me (as much as she could) that she'd never lost any data doing this. This was a real worry for me.
Anyway, they sent me exact instructions on this procedure, as follows:
Stage 1: EM Boot:
Please note it can take a number of attempts to bring the unit to EM mode (approx 15-20). Once the unit is in EM mode it will be displayed as such in the NAS Navigator software (firmware will show as “---“)
- Power the unit down (disconnect the power by pulling out the power cable while the unit is ON).
- Reboot it, if the power led is still flashing more than 75 second's from the start, disconnect the power and retry.
- Do this until the unit's power led is constant 65 seconds after the start and the unit is on EM.
NOTE: This actually too me about 10 goes to do this with a stopwatch in hand. Seems so bizarre that you need to just KEEP going until this works, but hey it worked in the end and without data loss.
Now it's in EM mode we can then install the firmware on the unit....? ??
Stage2: Firmware Update:
Please get the latest firmware from our website: (1.54)
http://www.buffalo-technology.com/support/downloads
• Extract the downloaded folder to your desktop.
• Disable any kind of Firewall and Antivirus software.
• Setup a cable network connection with PC and Buffalo-NAS to your router, with a DHCP Server, DHCP is required for to update for newer units.
• Disable all other network connections on your PC (such as wireless connection).
• Check that the PC and the unit are in the same IP-Address range.
• Within the extracted firmware folder open up LSupdater.ini in Wordpad or Notepad.
• Modify it as follow:
[Flags]
VersionCheck = 0 (modify this line from 1 to 0)
NoFormatting = 0 (modify this line from 1 to 0)
[SpecialFlags] (add this line to the bottom of the text)
Debug = 1 (add this line to the bottom of the text)?
Save the modifications and start the LSupdater.exe file. Right click the title of the Updater window and select "Debug (D)".
This will bring up the Debug options. Select the following ones:
Ensure all options on the left hand side are selected, on the right hand side select all options apart from "Rebuild Partition Table" (DO NOT select this option as doing so will erase the data on the unit!)
Click OK and proceed with the update.??
So, my experience here is that havig done this, it didn't work for me. The firware was updated ok, and I was very excited! But it still hadn't reset the password as I expected. So I contact them again. They then sent me a new email with an LSRecovery file, which was just an executable file which simply solved the issue. I'm calling this STAGE 3!
So good luck!
Be happy to try & answer any more questions about my experience. However, I would not want to send anyone this LS Recovery file. I was informed it was vital that Stages 1 and 2 were done first and that the LS Recovery mode was very specifically to my situation.
Hope this helps someone!
Dan
p.s. Calm down Davo – life's too short.
Thank you DanMason for the most informative post I have been able to find on this issue! This has been the cause of great frustration for the past couple of days now with the issue still being unresolved. I have managed to re-install the firmware using EM mode and assume that I am in the same position as you were, in that it doesn't seem to have worked.
However just to be sure I am going to have a second attempt at re-installing the firmware and double check all firewall and anti-virus settings this evening. If this still does not work I guess I'm going to have to call tech support, just wish this LS recovery file that you mention was available as a download from the Buffalo site, it seems there are a good number of people out there experiencing a similar issue on these forums and DanMason's post is the first I have found that takes you through the procedure step by step in particular pointing out the time limits for booting into EM mode (this is were I think I was failing in the past, as advised I used the stopwatch on my phone this time to make sure I was doing it right!)
In case anyone has anything further for me to try I'll give a bit further information on my specific issue.
- Using Buffalo Link station 1.5tb LS-CHL
- After power cut linkstation powered back on and I was able to access from my xbox and view videos etc with no issue also linkstation is pinging ok
- However as far as Windows 7 laptop is concerned the 3 shares I had mapped no longer worked got the generic error "check spelling of path name etc etc" Tried re-mapping and also typing path \\server\share or \\ipaddress\share
- Tried to log in to web user interface to do some further troubleshooting but found that it would not take my admin password.
- Tried resetting using the function button, would not take the default password.
- I'm probably missing steps I have tried, but I'm pretty sure I've done everything I could find that was relevant on the forums, looks like my only option is this magic recovery file!
I really hope that Buffalo are in the process of simplifying the solution to this issue as I mentioned above it has caused alot of frustration and wasted hours!
Hi!
Now 3 days at same problem :(
Every tips are tested and anything happen...need some help!!!
Still password is missing...
aza@mbnet.fi
Buffalo Linkstation Duo (LS-WX2.0TL/R1)
DanMason,
I have a LS-CH2.0TL and I have followed these forums very interestingly, as I am now experiencing the same issues as you, before they sent you the recovery file.
I have followed your directions, but to no avail.
I understand your concerns about posting the LSRecovery file, but I was hoping that you would be willing to forward me the recovery file, by email? this will hopefully enable me to gain access to the device.
I thank you in advance for your help and assistance. Please PM me and I shall send you my email address.
Kind regards,
Andy.
Dear DanMason,
Looks that I have same problem with my LS-CH1.0TL-V2. I try all possible commented solutions and at least try your commented way too (ticked all operations excluding "Rebuild Partition Table?"). But still nothing... After booting up I cant log on with admin and password. When I browse shares on my device then I see all folders but can open only half of them :(
I spent all my day for finding any solutions but anyway at moment dont have positive results...
Whom should I contact?
B.R.
silicoid?
Andy,
No problem sending you the attachment. So long as you're well aware of my advisories. Buffalo Tech support were pretty insistent that this shouldn't be used without their 'supervision' – I think because the file is very specific to my situation and the firmware 'path' I'd taken. Using this outside of those specifics could worsen your problem.
Personally, I think anyone experiencing this issue would be better off persevering with their tech support.
Yes, its a nightmare to get through, certainly sounds like it is in some parts of the world. But I found my solution through the UK support number.
Perhaps try the UK one?
Anyway, on the understanding I don't advise it (!) no problem.
One slight issue (I'm sure I'm just being a forum newbie thickie here) but don't know how to PM you.
Please advise.
Silicoid,
I just directly rang their contact number published on the website. It's a UK number.
Depending on when you call, you'll wait for ages I'm sure, but I think it's the only way.
0845 3511005?
Hey, thanks Blink. Nice to hear it was of some help.
Did you have any luck with tech support phone?
As mentioned to Andy, happy to send you the LS recovery file.....with the same advisories!
Dan
Eissi,
Don't know what else to suggest. If you're tried all pointers, you really need to get on the old Dog&Bone and get someone to talk you through each stage.
Dan
I decided to buy a new disk and build their the new system. Later I try get the files from the old disk, with computer and Knoppix help. When this done, I give here some description?s...?
I have LS-WXL 4.0TB. Same problem. Tried all reset tips but result is nothing. Could anyone please send me the LSRECOVERY File, sent by Buffalow Technical Support. I Shall be very thankful. Please Help
Regards,
M. Shoaib.
First stage done! My device now had 2TB WD20EARX and works perfectly! ;)
For that I use - TFTP Boot Recovery 1.53?
How that to do? Look at :here:
On first boot it was in japanese. For changing language try search - Web admin in japanese?
For next I try copy files from the old disk to pc and then to NAS?
Edit: 30.09.2011
LinuxMint11 CD image was very helpful... I connect old disk to PC and boot from CD. Then mount NAS forders.
At moment all my stuff is copyed to new disk. Now I may format old disk and put it to another device/PC or sell it ;)
Dan
I had the same issue with the password resetting itself after a firmware upgrade which prevented me from accessing any folders. I tried to flash the Nas drive and after about 20 attempts at pulling the power cord after 75 sec the Nas drive started powering itself down and rebooting itself after 65 seconds. Now the drive will constantly just reboot itself every 65 secs wont show up anywhere on my computer.
I've got a strong feeling that I've bricked the Nas drive. Is this the case or is there another way to get it back online?
Nas Drive - Linkstation Live 2TB - LS-CH2 OTL
Thanks in advance
James
ok, guys, so you can download the LS Recovery file from here as I've been asked a few times.
HOWEVER – for the record, can I officially recommend that you DO NOT USE IT without the full support of Buffalo Tech. As described before, I was specifically instructed that this file was purposely and specifically for my situation – firmware version, hardware etc.
You've been warned! I'm not responsible...etc. etc...other smallprint which means you won't sue me...etc..
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1274517630/821a5210b6899f5efacdf922154ee6fd?
Link expires 17 Nov 2011
DanMason,
You are a star. Thank you for this.
This solved my problem, well my customers problem.
I had already ordered a new NAS, not buffalo, to replace their bricked one.
But atleast I can now easily get all the data off it.
I believe this was the last time I bought a Buffalo NAS.
Thanks again,
rvaneynd
Hey cool! Glad it helped someone!
Good job DanMason!
Your file saved my day.
The firmware update according to your steps didn't help.
Thank you!
I also hope that Buffalo Tech do something for this problem.
Hi guys,
Link is now dead and I'm having a nightmare trying to sort out this issue.
I am really concerned about losing data so can I still back up the drive?(LS-CH2.0TL-V2)
Also more importantly could some kind soul please upload the LSrecovery file again?
Many thanks!
Ryan
Here you go Ryan, I've re-uploaded this.
Good luck – and PLEASE remember my advisory warnings still apply when I uploaded this.
Dan
Thanks a lot !!!
I have just the same problem and still waiting that peaple from buffalo contact me ... Anyway it really helps.
I have a LS-CH1.5TL (sold on Japan), and now I live in Brazil.
This topic really helped me!
I followed the steps 1, 2 and 3 (LSRecovery file download).
Now my Linkstation NAS is functional again! Thanks!
Hi,
Thank you very much. Recovery file saved my day.
Now my Link station is working again.
Brilliant. Another LS-CHL V2 saved again from an unknown admin password thanks to Dan posting the Recovery file - worked like a charm.
Why the hell can't Buffalo post this utility!!!??
For the record, I tried seven times to get my drive into EM mode using the pull-the-power-cord out method described in this thread, no joy.
Hey all,
I've gone through all the procedures, and the Linkstation can be seen in the navigator, and the blue light is constantly on. I can get to the login, but I can't get in with the original UN/PW and the default doesn't work.
I'm nervy about using the reset program, because it says it resets to factory? I can't risk losing the data on the drive, though I've already run the update, and left the noFormat to 1, as this made more sense to me! I hope my data is still there.
Can I run the password recovery without losing data?
In the end I went ahead and ran it (took a risk). It failed to reset the PW, but it did reset the settings, which allowed me to reassign an IP and login using admin/password. The data is also still there (backing up as we speak), with the array intact.
Followed DanMason post 08-31-2011 08:16 AM step by step
moved from 1.37 firmware to 1.56 firmware, after first two stages password still not back to default... ran the LSrecovery and 10 minutes later User:admin Password:password works again.
many thanks.
Will this work for the LS XH1 as well, I tried step 1 and 2 and no luck, can get it in and out of em-mode, and put new firmware on it, but the password dosent reset to default, so wantet to try the recovery tool.
But how does it work, should I be connected directly, with at patch cable as I have when doing firmware update?
When I run the recovery file th pc just freezes for 3-4 seconds then the recovery dialog appers, with:
Detecting NAS...NG
Aborted.
The Apply and Quit, are both diasbled, and I need to go to task manager to kill til app.
Is it speific to the LS-CHL or can I use it on my LS-XH1?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Regards
Jeppe
Any chance you could put this up again please?
Another request for LSRecovery please! Much appreciated!
Good luck!
Thanks Dan! Can't wait to try it...
Thanks a bunch too Dan!! Been waiting for a way to reset my LS-XH1.5TL's username and password and finally did it with your recovery file. I performed the firmware update after booting on EM mode a few months ago but couldn't see my share folders. Thing was, at the end of firmware update, I was being asked for the username and password and the default admin/password was not working. Emailed EMEA support but they asked me to contact Japan support instead since I bought my box in Japan. Japan support was meh as they asked me to just replace the box with a new one. Gladly, your recovery file was able to reset the username/password and now I can use my NAS again. wwwweeeeeeeeee
It worked Dan. So thanks for that. Incidentally, I didn't force the debug options on as described in steps in this thread so took a bit of a chance, and it still worked.
It took several reboots before all the configuration items appeared on the Web config page. Not sure why. Also, it appears that my unit goes into a unusable state depending (perhaps randomly) on the Power save timer options. Oh well...
But good to get it working again.
Brilliant. So happy this file has been able to help a few of you. I know what it felt like when my Buffalo just went down and I couldn't get access.
Must admit I wasn't comfortable with making this file available for all, in case it made things worse for anyone. But I guess anyone using it was of the mind of "Well it can't BE any worse, so worth a try!" as I was.
Just hope Buffalo are watching..
Dan
Hi Dan,
Your link is expired, and I think i'm right in the situation you explained (after step 1 and 2). Could you be kind enough to reupload the file?
My data is already backed up, and the linkstation is unusable right now, so things can't go worse for me.
Thanks !
ok – here it is again.
I think I've set it now so it doesn't ever expire, but I'm no techie, so not sure!
It worked !
Many thanks for the very quick response, you really saved my day.
Another request for LSRecovery please! Much appreciated!
/Peter
Peter,
The link in the response works doesn't it? Have you tried it?
Dan
Dan
It was 3 links, and what link did you meen?
/Peter
Think you
I got a same problem on my Pro Duo. it changed to EM mode after I forced power-off the NAS.
The support advised me to perform the firmware upgrade. Then the status resumed to normal but the login pofile is corrupted. My admin password is not working.
I have downloaded the Recovery Tool but it prompts "Please note that the NAS which is applied is reset to FACTORY DEFAULT". Does it mean that all data will be erased and all setting will go back to default?
Thanks.
It will completely restore all settings but it will not delete any data.
Great ! It is working fine.
Thanks DanMason & Jotin.
I really appreciated DanMason's step-by-step procedure for non-destructively updating the firmware. I just updated today to 1.58 from 1.34. After doing that update, I was able to reset user admin's password to the default "password" by powering down, powering up and holding the function button for 10 seconds, at which point the function button was flashing, and then pressing it for another 6 seconds, as directed by a support person.
I don't know if the newer firmware makes recovery easier than it has been, but it's worth a try after an update to >= 1.58 before chasing down a copy of the LS Recovery tool should it disappear again or become out of date. Just for safe-keeping in case I ever need to try it, though, I went ahead and downloaded a copy of LSRecovery.zip from https://download.yousendit.com/QlVockhUVEhFc0lsYzlVag for safe-keeping.
Can somebody please load the LSrecovery file again. All of the links do not work.
Thanks
Graham
Would you be able to reupload a copy of this file? As the poster above said all the links dont seem to be working.
Thank you
Here you go.
GOOD LUCK!
http://www.yousendit.com/download/QlVoOGNWaTFmVFpOeDhUQw
The link is nor working anymore: https://download.yousendit.com/QlVockhUVEhFc0lsYzlVag
Anyone has uploaded a new one recently? HELP!
Thanks for the software..
Any chance of posting it yet again. Sorry... all these links seem to be going down. I'm having the same issue that it appears many before me have had. I need to reset the admin password.
Noticed this thread and thought I would add my experience in the hope that it may help some one else one day. If you do the same - you do so at your own risk.
Have been running a LS-CHL 500 (fw 1.07) for ages and no significant problem. Yesterday power outage and when box rebooted itself continuous blue light flashing.
First observations were that the shares were visible and the SBS that I also run on it was working fine. Flicked the power button down to power down gracefully but after 10 mins box had not shut down.
Tried to admin login to the Web interface to do a reset from there but my admin user password was always rejected BUT I could logon as guest. I assume the problem was a firmware request and hence password reset but the default admin/password didnt work either.
Bit bullet and hard powered off box and restarted - same problem as above.
Saw this thread and did the Buffalo reset (holding button etc ) - no change.
Ran the LSRecovery.zip as per this thread - no change.
As I am a linux programmer I decided this wasnt going to beat me. Used acp_commander to get a telnet session on the box. I eventually tracked down the web management code and worked out that it used PAM 'login' service to perform the authorisation.
Checking the PAM login service config file /etc/pam.d/login I could see the following:
# Disallows other than root logins when /etc/nologin exists
# (Replaces the `NOLOGINS_FILE' option from login.defs)
auth requisite pam_nologin.so
I checked if the /etc/nologin file existed - it did so I renamed it.
Hey presto - my admin login now worked fine.
Now I dont know where the /etc/nologin file came from whether it was as a result of the power outage, the buffalo reset or the LSRecovery but if it happens again the presence of the /etc/nologin will be the first thing I check.
Hi Dan! i would like to try the recovery tool...link is no longer working...kindly reupload...thanks!
kloneboyz wrote:Hi Dan! i would like to try the recovery tool...link is no longer working...kindly reupload...thanks!
http://www.yousendit.com/download/QlVnSU5KYUk4NVVLSk5Vag
Hit the same issue today after upgrading my LS-CH2.0TL firmware (which was forced upon and a real challenge to install ) to 1.6. Tried using acp_commander, telnet wouldn't connect and and not sure if they use th same port.
Cant believe that LS team have still had this issue after over an year and now I cannt access the shared folders on my LS. Real annoyed but just holding my patience to find a fix.
I am gonna call the support tomorrow. fingers crossed.
Here's the link to the recovery file. If it helps anyone.
Sorry if this is stating the obvious but with acp_commander the problems I have encountered are:
Firmware update - changes dhcp and therefore IP address.
Find it works best if I turn off my PC's firewall while it is connecting.
Thanks very much DanMason. LSRecovery file saved and made my day. I thought I lost my drive untill I tried LSRecovery, All I needed was getting an access to the admin web page. Thanks a ton again
Hi, Im having the same admin password problem after upgrading firmware. Could you upload that file agian please? Buffalo help desk still dont publish a fix. Many thanks.
Try this link. I've hosted it somewhere else this time, hoping it'll stay online forever more!
Can someone let me know if this downloads ok. Thanks.
Hi, I have been looking for a way to reset my admin password and found the following site:
http://buffalo-en.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10946/p/31,33,3656
It worked as specified for my Buffalo NAS - hope it will help you too.
Regards,
Frode
Cant thank you enough. It fixed my problem straight away, without the need to follow tech support and completely wipe the partition table and start again. Dan you LEGEND!.
The tech team whree very helpful but where unable to provide me with the LSRecovery file, aparently Japanese head quarters have forbidden its distrubtion...which i guess i can understand. As it can reset any NAS boxes admin password.
regards
DanT
Glad to help tech_junky. Happy it worked for you. Hmm..think you're right. Buffalo obviously can't sanction it's distribution, but hopefully they'll se it's helping people out. Please note, anyone reading this and considering using this file, be aware of my caviat – use it at your own risk. I must repeat what the tech support told me that it was made for a very spefific combination of firmware, OS etc and only suitable to my situation. Having said that, it's helped many others. Anyway, don't blame me is all I'm saying. Cheers!
Another satisfied tech forum browser! Thanks Dan for lsrecovery - my disk full of data backups now available again! Can't believe a power outage caused my admin password to get reset.
Yay! Glad to hear it. I get a warm fuzzy feeling when I get these messages! :) Great news.
Dan
I have downloades your update file how do I run it please?
My NAS went into EM mode. I followed instructions to upgrade firmware to 1.60 and now the password will not be accepted and the default will not work either. I can see the HDD in the NASNavigator. All the data appears to still be intact, however I cannot get past this password problem. When I try to map the drive I get the error: Failed mapping. Remote default share is missing. I saw where a few others had this issue and were sent a file to fix their issue.
Thanks
Billy
I have the exact same problem as Billy. EM mode - updated firmware to 1.6, was asked for admin password - problem. I cannot access my LS-CHL V2 now as I can't login at all as all attempts end with an authentication error. I've tried the function button to try to reset the LS to default password settings numerous times without any success. Tried getting the LS back to EM mode - no success. I'm out of ideas. Please help.
zackloy wrote:I have the exact same problem as Billy. EM mode - updated firmware to 1.6, was asked for admin password - problem. I cannot access my LS-CHL V2 now as I can't login at all as all attempts end with an authentication error. I've tried the function button to try to reset the LS to default password settings numerous times without any success. Tried getting the LS back to EM mode - no success. I'm out of ideas. Please help.
Use this file to recover the unit.
Thanks! My drive is accessible again. Truly appreciated your help.