Old LS220DE with dim power light and no function light

[soylentgreen]

I have an old LS220DE I haven't used in a very long time. But, it's been powered and connected to my router for years. I recently wanted to get back into it and noticed the white power light is very dim and the function light isn't on at all. The fan is working.

I thought maybe it's in some kind of sleep mode. So I unplugged the DC input on the back waited about five seconds and then plugged it back in. The power light flashed (again, very dimly) for a few minutes then went on solid still very dim. The function light is still dark.

Any clues would be appreciated. Thanks.

[1000001101000]

I don't think you said in your post.... are you unable to connect to it via the web interface etc?

The LEDs sound like would be expected from normal boot/operation except appearing dim. I have one device where the LEDs seem really dim (particularly from some angles) it otherwise works fine.

[soylentgreen]

Thanks for your response.

I recently bought a new laptop and I was attempting to access the linkstation through the NAS Navigator. However, it didn't find any devices on the network. That was my first indication that anything might be amiss.

I will try to access it with my old laptop. It's got problems of its own...which is why I stopped using it.

[soylentgreen]

I don't think you said in your post.... are you unable to connect to it via the web interface etc?

The LEDs sound like would be expected from normal boot/operation except appearing dim. I have one device where the LEDs seem really dim (particularly from some angles) it otherwise works fine.

So, I booted up the old computer and opened the NAS Navigator. The LS220 doesn't show up.

Is it dead?

[1000001101000]

It doesn't sound dead. The power led flashing means it started the bootloader, the power led going solid means the OS took over and set the led solid. I think the worst case is that the firmware is messed up in such a way that it doesn't start the service that enables talking to NasNavigator.

A common issue folks run into in a case like this is if they used a static IP address and then changed routers (or just changed networks settings) in a way that makes the old address invalid.

If you're just looking at NasNavigator there are potential firewall issues since some setups block the needed UDP broadcast packets it uses to discover devices. Usually it isn't a problem for the web interface.

If the device is using DHCP you can probably see it in your router's interface.

There are some scenarios where there is a firmware problem causes the OS to crash between setting the power LED and bringing up the network. In that case you can always start over with a fresh firmware install:
https://forums.buffalotech.com/index.php?topic=30419.0

[soylentgreen]

It doesn't sound dead.

Yay! I'll take a look at what you said. I may have changed routers since the last time I accessed the LS, I don't remember. Thanks again for taking the time to point me in the right direction. I'm clueless.

[1000001101000]

I think the manual might have a process to just reset the network settings to the default. If having a static network config from a previous router is the problem that would be a pretty easy/quick solution.

[soylentgreen]

I think the manual might have a process to just reset the network settings to the default. If having a static network config from a previous router is the problem that would be a pretty easy/quick solution.

I presume you mean this procedure called "Initializing with the function button"? This will not delete my data, right?

http://en.faq.buffalo-global.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10946

Sorry for the newb questions. I need to learn more about this thing...

[1000001101000]

That might be right. Go with whatever the manual for your model says.

[soylentgreen]

I looked at the manual and other than the color of the LEDs, yeah, it's the same procedure. I ran through it a few times and I still don't see the LS on the NAS navi.

[soylentgreen]

Sooo...when I was thinking this thing is dead, I ordered a new 12TB LS220 from Amazon. I need more storage anyway.

In any case, that one didn't appear to be working either at first. After resetting my router, it worked...but the old one is still invisible to the NAS Navi.

So at least I know NAS Navi, my PC, and my router are all working. I'm going to try swapping my LAN cables when I finish copying some files from my PC to the new LS. At least then I'll know the problem is definitely with the LS and everything else it working. I'll swap the power supplies too. Maybe the dim lights are caused by the supply not putting out the proper power?

If none of that works, I'll need to dig more into the LS and see if I can figure anything else out.

[1000001101000]

If they're both ls220's you can shut them down and swap the disks between them, the disks with the working install should then work on the other device if it's a OS/firmware issue. Likewise, if it's a hardware issue either set of disks should work in the working hardware.

The only real difference will be the MAC address will be different which will likely result in a different IP address via DHCP, if you're router is filtering by MAC address that could be an issue (hopefully you would know if you're doing that).

[soylentgreen]

If they're both ls220's you can shut them down and swap the disks between them, the disks with the working install should then work on the other device if it's a OS/firmware issue. Likewise, if it's a hardware issue either set of disks should work in the working hardware.

The only real difference will be the MAC address will be different which will likely result in a different IP address via DHCP, if you're router is filtering by MAC address that could be an issue (hopefully you would know if you're doing that).

I walked away from this out of frustration. I decided to jump back into it...and guess what? Now my Nas Navi sees the old Linkstation. Just like that. I have no idea what changed. Thank you for all your help!

[sonmezroy]

i have and old laptop and I was attempting to access the link station through the NAS Navigator.