LiveCD/USB doesn't recognize IDE DOM in Intel SS4200

[freenas-user]

I've been running (legacy) FreeNAS 0.7.2 on an Intel SS4200 (https://www.intel.com/assets/pdf/general/318482.pdf) with no problems since 2010, booting from the 256MB IDE DOM. I've purchased a 4GB DOM to install NAS4Free.

When I follow the instructions at http://xigmanas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=9589 to try to install (using either the LiveUSB or LiveCD), I don't see the IDE DOM (with either the 256MB or the 4GB DOM installed), either from the WebGUI (in Disks>Management) or via SSH (in the dmesg or 'camcontrol devlist' output, or in the installer). The IIDE DOM is visible in the BIOS, and I can still boot from it when the 256MB DOM is installed. I tried disconnecting the 4 SATA drives, but that didn't help.

FWIW, when I boot FreeNAS 0.7.2 with the LiveUSB stick plugged in, the boot process appears to hang indefinitely after displaying the message "Mounting local file systems:" (with no newline). Without the LiveUSB stick plugged in FreeNAS 0.7.2 boots and runs fine.

I've attached the dmesg output after booting FreeNAS 0.7.2 and after booting the LiveUSB (NAS4Free-x64-LiveUSB-11.1.0.4.5673). When I plug in the LiveUSB stick after booting FreeNAS 0.7.2, dmesg outputs the following additional lines:

umass0: <vendor 0x13fe Patriot Memory, class 0/0, rev 2.10/1.10, addr 2> on uhub4
da0 at umass-sim0 bus 0 target 0 lun 0
da0: < Patriot Memory PMAP> Removable Direct Access SCSI-4 device
da0: 40.000MB/s transfers
da0: 30176MB (61800448 512 byte sectors: 255H 63S/T 3846C)

Doe anyone have any suggestions for how to make NAS4Free recognize the IDE DOM so I can install to it, or suggestions for further troubleshooting?

Thanks.

[raulfg3]

Do the install on other machine, and them move the DOM to your NAS.

The PC when you do the install is not important.

[freenas-user]

Do the install on other machine, and them move the DOM to your NAS.

The PC when you do the install is not important.

I considered that, but unfortunately I don't have another computer that has an IDE connector. Any other suggestions?

[freenas-user]

Does anyone else have a suggestion for how to make NAS4Free recognize the IDE DOM so I can install to it, or suggestions for further troubleshooting?

[JoseMR]

Does anyone else have a suggestion for how to make NAS4Free recognize the IDE DOM so I can install to it, or suggestions for further troubleshooting?

XigmaNAS is based on latest FreeBSD 11.2, you can confirm this issue by trying-out a FreeBSD LiveMedia and run "camcontrol devlist" and "sysctl kern.disks", since this is a legacy IDE device it might be missing IDE drivers from XigmaNAS but I can't confirm this.

Regards

[Schof]

I have the same setup as you and would recommend buying an IDE to sata converter (if you can't plug the DOM directly in your computer). It'll save you a world of pain and you'll have your NAS up and running in no time.

[freenas-user]

I have the same setup as you and would recommend buying an IDE to sata converter (if you can't plug the DOM directly in your computer). It'll save you a world of pain and you'll have your NAS up and running in no time.

Thanks Schof. I'm not certain if you are suggesting using an IDE to SATA converter inside the SS4200, or using it to connect the DOM another computer to do the install. Can you clarify?

[Schof]

My suggestion is to use the IDE to SATA converter inside your computer so you can: 1) install NAS4Free / XigmaNAS to the DOM, and then 2) to boot from the DOM so you can assign the interface and static IP address.

I've used that method twice to set up 2 installations, the second more recently to act as a backup in case the 1st one goes down.

As an aside, I also ended up buying a PCI-E 1X to 16X Riser Card Ribbon Extender Extension Cable that I connected to the SS4200 PCI-e Debug Port. This allows me to use an old video card to output the NAS console to a monitor in case I run into any issues and need to see what it happening.

[Cramin]

I have the same NAS SS4200-E.
Check http://ss4200.pbworks.com/w/page/512274 ... ia%20RS232
I use USB to Serial converter + added Serial Cable inside and Putty.
If you can enter BIOS, turn off SATA when you install Xigmanas/Nas4free.

[strangel]

I own a scaleo home server SS 4200-E. I love it and it does the job flawlessly. I also plan to aquire one more. That one will be for experimenting.

I have long term plans to upgrade the hardware in one, maybe both. I'm talking CPU (if it's possible), RAM (default 512MB, max 2 GB, right?) and a much bigger DOM.
Then i will add a few spare HDD's and run it for a while to see how it performs.
If everything works fine, i will transfer the data from the first homeserver (currently running WHS 2003v1 with SPP2) to the one running FreeNAS with upgraded hardware.

The reason why i am posting this is that i need your help.
I am addressing those who have succeeded in upgrading hardware on the SS-4200. What i hpoe you can help me with is links to the correct/compatible components.
Please don't suggest components if you're not 100% sure it works.

I have questions; where did you buy the hardware? Do you have model number on the components you KNOW will fit my home server? Is the HW necessary still available?
F.ex: if you search on eBay for DOM, you get a LOT of hits. And i assume that only a few models will work with the Scaleo SS-4200E.
Same with memory and CPU.

I hope you guys will help a complete newb

[Schof]

I've upgraded the following:

- 8 Gb DOM (KingSpec KDM-40VS.2-008GMS)

- 8Tb drives (ST8000AS0002-1NA17Z)

- 2 Gb RAM (Hynix 2Gb DDR2-667 PC2-5300U 240 Pin Dimm HYMP125U64CP8-Y5)

Haven't found the need to upgrade anything else but would be interested to hear what others have done!

[was-armandh]

an early Atom box, using the 2 SATA for DATA and with only a PATA 40 pin to boot from other than USB
and it did not always like USB booting, very problematic being extremely dependent on hardware compatibility
moving from NAS4Free without SWAP to XigmaNAS with SWAP.....
the previously used Emphase brand 1Gb PATA plug in industrial flash [DOM] was no longer big enough
I changed to a 44 pin SSD with a 40/44 adapter. 32Gb to accommodate the added SWAP, etc.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product. ... -_-Product NOW OUT OF STOCK
works 100% perfect.
I did however use a usb/44pin adapter to load the OS on another computer [that had an optical drive]

40 pin+power to SATA adapter are under $10; Hp 120Gb SSD under $25