TeraStation™ WS5400 Rackmount - Change to Buffalo OS

[1000001101000]

For whatever reason the firmware install process typically requires the "maximum" number of drives be installed for it to proceed.

You can temporarily change this value to force an install with less disks using the method described on this page:
https://buffalonas.miraheze.org/wiki/Restoring_Stock_Firmware_without_TFTP

Code Select Expand

java -jar acp_commander.jar -t <device ip address> -c "echo MAX_DISK_NUM=2 >> /etc/nas_feature"

You'll want to use at least 2 drives so that it actually sets up as a raid device, otherwise you'll have problems adding drives later (if it works at all).

[gingerybuddha]

That makes sense.

My world is windows server so it's a learning experience so far.  Only reason i tried one drive is I read somewhere on the forums that had better success.  I'll diskpart the other three tonight and give it a shot.

I do have the windows server recovery usb/product key so worst case scenario, i can always revert back

[gingerybuddha]

Aight, I think i am there almost there.

The WS5400 is booting into Linux with usb key not plugged in, after I let it go thru the steps for awhile it does go back to the admin@ts5400R23A:~$ 

New problem though is it cannot get a dhcp address from my router,

I tried to manually set via ifconifg but the "admin" account is not apart of sudo as far as i can tell, any magic linux hocus pocus i can run here to give my admin account sudo?

edit: turns out cable, tried two different ones I made and no dice, but made a fresh cable, link lights are stable now.  Rebooting, will post results

Edit2: SUCCESS!!!!!!!

Thanks for your help 1000001101000 and kane88

[Kane88]

Option 0 isn't really a option as it's out of warranty by a long shot

Was working on option 1 - got usb recovery key setup on my windows pc - no issues

Can you tell me what this process entailed to setup the key?

I am curious what the hardware differences are between this WV5400 model and the WS-WV model.

If only there was some way I could get one of the buffalo recovery keys for this WS5400 for a test.  I am curious to see how the Windows Server 2012 would run on the WS-WV unit.  I know Sever 2012 runs on it, but doesn't have any buffalo apps.

@gingerybuddha, is it possible for you to make a disk image of your recovery key for a test?

[Kane88]

Different hardware between ts and ws, I would rather look into why the fans are on full speed all the time before changing the OS, just in case there is a hardware issue/ temperature issue. If that's ruled out you can still change the os if preferred.

Normally that behavior happens if the Buffalo software isn't installed correctly. Did you try a recovery(assuming you have the image) ? Is the actual image on it that is supposed to be on it or did someone just install a random Windows server image?

@gingerybuddha, glad it worked out for you. 

Before you're done with this, just wanted to point out that As3nd0r has a point here.

If it was me, I'd probably do some kind of monitoring to make sure you're not running into any overheating issues or hardware with your unit.  I'd setup the email reports in the linux os version, and make sure those are all turning out good as well.

[gingerybuddha]

Update:

The Buffalo OS is super quiet, much more then the Windows Server OS.  Mission accomplished