Buffalo Forums

LinkStation V1.86-0.02

I got a notice that said:-
Array 1 degraded
Drive 1 failed
Drive 2 Array1 Normal . . . and I can see the NAS on the network and I can access the files :-)

I attempted to re-format Disk 1 using the format function in the Linkstation app, but it failed to format :-(

I took the disk out of the NAS and put it into an Alxum Disk Docking Station
- MS Win 10 Disk Management on my Desktop doesn't see disk
- MS Win 10 Disk Management on my Laptop does see disk, but shows the disk as not initialised.
So I tried to initialise (GPT), but it errors with "Incorrect function"

1 - if the Linkstation app is saying the disk has failed, is it definitely the disc that has failed, or could it be the interface or controller in the NAS ?
ie before rushing out to by a replacement disk, can I be sure its the disk that has failed, not something else in the NAS

2 - IF I can find an app that will initialise the failed disk, is it possible to pop it back into the NAS and for the array to be re-established ?

3 - Or should I waste no more time on the disk and simply buy a replacement ?

Any thoughts are appreciated

Looking at the SMART data can help confirm if the drive is failing.

It's far more likely that the drive is failing than the linkstation hardware failing in just one bay. Windows being unable to work with the drive may be a further clue that it is failing.

The NAS and your PC are both flagging the disk as faulty (since the PC won't initialize it either) so what other evidence do you want?

I replaced the drive with a new one.  A 4tb drive was within buttons of the cost (and more available) of a 3tb, so I've gone for an asymmetric config., albeit I know I'll only get 3tb of array.

I made the mistake of formatting the new disk using LinkStation, but I found this really helpful guide - https://www.buffalotech.com/knowledge-base/cleaning-a-disk-in-windows-7-using-diskpart (https://www.buffalotech.com/knowledge-base/cleaning-a-disk-in-windows-7-using-diskpart) and am now waiting for the RAID to rebuild. 

Using a Drive Docking station I took another look at the 'failed drive', and using diskpart to "clean" the disk, I've been able to see the 'failed' drive ie it isn't now failed.

I'm not going to risk putting it back into the NAS, but it might have some use for transporting my 'digital twins' of roads and race circuits, which can be tb in size.

Thanks for the feedback folks