NV+ boot issue

[yankcrime]

After performing flawlessly for the past three years or so, my ReadyNAS NV+ has developed a bit of a problem...

I powered it up last week only to find that it's stuck in the 'Booting, please wait...' state and doesn't appear to be doing anything. None of the drives are spinning up, and none of the drive LEDs are lit. The fan sounds it's on full and the power LED is just flashing steadily.

I've tried a few things so far based on some suggestions regarding similar reported problems, such as removing drives one by one and reseating the memory. With no drives plugged in at all the LCD still displays the same 'Booting...' message.

One of the pieces of documentation I came across suggested that the memory might be at fault so I've ordered a replacement DIMM that's due to arrive shortly. Failing that, any other troubleshooting suggestions?

[yankcrime]

I should add that it's running 4.1.8, has 4 x 2TB Seagate drives, and the memory has been upgraded to 1GB. The reason for the reboot is because it was moved, however great care was taken whilst doing so.

[mdgm]

When did you purchase the NV+? Was it purchased brand new on/after Aug 21, 2007? If so it would still be under warranty. From Aug 21, 2007 to sometime in 2009(?) I think (not before Q2 2009 when the NVX came out) new purchases of the NV+ came with a 5 year warranty. If purchased in this period I would suggest you contact tech support (http://www.readynas.com/support) and edit the thread title (i.e. subject of first post in the thread) to include your case number. They should be able to arrange a RMA (if needed).

With no disks it should get to showing "No Disks Detected" in RAIDar. If not, that does suggest a problem perhaps with the memory (RAM). If you do try another DIMM be sure to run the memory test (http://www.readynas.com/kb/faq/boot/how_do_i_use_the_boot_menu) at least twice before trusting the memory. Third party memory modules are unsupported. Even if they pass the memory test they may be incompatible. Also note that unfortunately memory manufacturers released updated incompatible versions of memory modules but keeping the same module number.

[yankcrime]

Hmmm, it was sometime in 2008 so I guess there's a possibility that it's still under warranty. I don't have any of the original receipts however, but if I've no luck with the replacement DIMM (appreciate the warnings regarding compatibility) then I'll raise a support case with the serial etc.

Unfortunately the device, even with no disks in, never appears in RAIDar.

[mdgm]

I would suggest contacting tech support as your unit would still be under warranty if purchased brand new. If you registered the device you should be able to see the purchase date when you login here: https://my.netgear.com/myNETGEAR/support.asp

If incompatible memory causes data corruption support will be unable to help.

[yankcrime]

Understood - I'm willing to try replacement RAM as the device is comprehensively backed-up anyway.

Is there anything else that's worth trying in the meantime?

[mdgm]

If compatible RAM (matching specs and layout of original DIMM, though replacement could be 1GB) doesn't work then one would suspect a problem with the flash. But best to rule out problem with memory first.

Btw have you tried running the memory test on the memory in there now? http://www.readynas.com/kb/faq/hardware/is_there_a_way_i_can_verify_if_my_memory_is_good

[yankcrime]

Good shout - it came back as failed for the memory test, so I guess the DIMM that's in there has developed a fault. Fingers crossed that Corsair haven't cocked up the compatibility on the replacement I've ordered

[yankcrime]

A new memory module fixed the problem! Did the full test a couple of times as advised and then it booted straight up.

For reference the one I've just purchased is a Corsair 1GB DIMM, CT12864X335.