How to Install and Initialize My Newly Purchased TNAS Device?

[MrVanz]

It’s mandatory installing M.2 SSD or I can install later? As cache I think

[TMzethar]

Yes, you can install the SSD later.
Or you can uncheck the box of SSD when selecting the disks on which to install TOS.

[lesliehu]

Hi! I just bought f4-424 pro and about to start setting up but I have some few items need to clarify before proceeding.

1. Is it possible to initialize or start TOS without hdd or nvme ssd installed? Because I dont have empty drive available

2. I have hdd and sdd with important data on it in EXT4 file system format, can i just insert it without the NAS wiping out my data? Will insert hdd when TOS is up and running

3. Is it possible to just use hdd and ssd as single disk? Not JBOD or any other type of RAID.

[TMzethar]

1. TOS needs to be installed on a HDD or SSD, if you boot without any HDD or SSD it will go to the system initialization page.
2. If you want to use TOS, you need to use at least 1 disk for system initialization, this process will format the disk. If you want to mount an old disk with EXT4 on it, you need TOS 6 or later version (beta stage). After successfully running TOS6, you can insert the disk containing the EXT4 filesystem into the slot, recognize it and mount it. (Please do not use it to create a storage pool, otherwise you will lose data).
3. You can of course use the disk as Single.

[Gremlin]

you need TOS 6 or later version.

I really don't think you should be telling a new customer to run BETA software. Especially as users cannot install TOS6 directly at the moment.

[Gremlin]

2. I have hdd and sdd with important data on it in EXT4 file system format, can i just insert it without the NAS wiping out my data? Will insert hdd when TOS is up and running

I would advise extreme caution with the data disks. If you choose to follow the advice given, at least make duplicates of the data you have. Unfortunately, even with the TOS6 version mentioned it is would be very easy to have added disks overwritten. The default install methodology is to write partitions on all disks to carry the os, seemingly in TOS6 as well from experience.

[lesliehu]

Thank you all for the clarification. Seems like the safe option is to buy new disk at least one to keep on running.

My plan is to run NAS so I can access my files anywhere around the world. I have DAS D4-320 with 4tb on each bay to serve as a backup. DAS will only be connected once a week to sync in new files from NAS (mirror). NAS will have 4 folders with 4tb quota each to match DAS.

From your experience, what is the best app for this scenario?

[Gremlin]

I'm probably not the best person to advise you on this. I have never used a TM DAS product. I don't use remote access (not even national!) I don't even own a smartphone. I have trust issues with remote servers run in foreign countries

From what I have seen, 'Tailscale' might be a reasonable option for you to look at regarding safe, remote access.

(Whatever you do, turn off upnp on the nas and on your router, if not done already.)

[lesliehu]

I'm still not sure how to make the remote access work yet since I am using softether in my diy router. I think plugging it in directly to the router will still work since the router will assign ip address to the NAS. I'm not sure but maybe connecting directly to terramaster VPN will be faster. I might have a look on the tailscale you mentioned.

Thanks for pointing upnp, I know that option and seen that multiple times but i don't know what will be the impact of having it on or off. Would you mind explaining what will be the effect leaving that on? Normally its the port forward where people are getting cautious

[Gremlin]

very briefly (and probably ill-informed to the 'others') upnp allows the router/devices to automagically turn on port forwarding privileges. So you have port forwarding (with the mentioned concerns) without any oversight. Rogue programmes can, if introduced of course, avail themselves of the usage from within your network by opening any 'doors' they choose, whenever they choose.