How to Migrate Between Synology NAS

Overview

When you purchase a new DiskStation, your existing data can be moved from the old DiskStation to the newly acquired one. This simple process is called "migration" but needs to be performed with care, so please read the instructions below to avoid any accidental data loss due to human error.

Depending on your Synology product or individual setup, there are several methods to perform migration. This article explains the basics and important information regarding migration and will guide you through the procedure of smoothly migrating data from one DiskStation to another.

Contents

1. Before You Start
• 1.1 Familiarize Yourself with DiskStation Basics
• 1.2 Source and Target DiskStations
• 1.3 Will I Lose Any Data During Migration?
• 1.4 Should I Back Up My Data?
• 1.5 Can I Perform Migration with My DiskStation?
2. Perform Migration
• 2.1 Migrating Between the Same Model DiskStation
• 2.2 Migrating Between Different Model DiskStations
• 2.3 What if Synology Assistant Displays a Warning Message?
3. What If Migration Fails?
• 3.1 Backing Up Data to Another Storage Device
• 3.2 Copying Data over the Network

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1. Before You Start

Please read the sections below before performing data migration.

1.1 Familiarize yourself with DiskStation basics

Before performing migration, you should be familiar with the following basic information about your DiskStation:

• Hardware installation.
• Software installation for Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM).
• Accessing data on DiskStation via the network.
• Backup functions of DSM.

Please see the Quick Installation Guide that came with your Synology product for more information about hardware and software installation. In addition, please see Synology DiskStation User's Guide for more information about file sharing and backup functions. Both guides are available for download at Synology's Download Center.

1.2 Source and target DiskStations

Performing migration moves data and hard disks from one DiskStation to another. In this article, the original DiskStation from which data is moved shall be called the Source DiskStation, while the new one shall be called the Target DiskStation.

1.3 Will I lose any data during migration?

When performing the migration procedures outlined in this article, most of your data will remain intact. However, you need to reinstall DSM and all packages on the target DiskStation, which will result in losing the following data:

• Directory Server database.
• Photo Station/Blog content.
• Auto-Block settings.
• Video info content in Video Station.
• Mail Server and Mail Station settings.
• Surveillance Station settings.
• Download Station tasks and temporary storage.
• All media files will be re-indexed after migration.

1.4 Should I back up my data?

The migration procedures mentioned in this article allow you to keep most of your data. However, to prevent any accidental data loss, we strongly recommended backing up the following data:

Item	Backup Method
Shared folders	Go to Main Menu > Backup and Restore and click Create to follow the wizard to perform Local Backup or Network Backup.
System Configuration	Go to Main Menu > Backup and Restore and click the Configuration Backup tab to back up the following configurations: Users, Groups, and Shared Folders. Workgroup, Domain, and LDAP. File Sharing Services (such as Windows File Service, Mac File Service, NFS Service, FTP, and WebDAV). Web Services. Network Backup Services (such as Network Backup (or Rsync) Service, Shared Folder Sync Service, and Time Backup Service) Other Services (such as User Home and Password Strength).
Photo Station, Surveillance Station	Go to Main Menu > Backup and Restore and click Create to follow the wizard to perform Local Backup or Network Backup.
MySQL Database	MySQL database can be backed up during Local Backup or Network Backup.
Blog posts	Go to the Settings page of Photo Station. In the Backup section under the Blog tab, click Start.
IP Camera License Keys	Go to System > License under the Management tab and write down the license key.

1.5 Can I perform migration with my DiskStation?

Please consult the chart and explanation below to see if your DiskStation can be migrated to other models.

Target DiskStation Source DiskStation	1-bay model	2-bay model	4-bay model	5-bay model	8-bay model	10-bay model	12-bay model
1-bay model	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
2-bay model	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
4-bay model	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
5-bay model	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
8-bay model	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
10-bay model	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
12-bay model	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes

• RAID Volume: The target DiskStation must have enough hard disk slots to accommodate all the hard disks of the RAID volume on the source DiskStation. However, if only some of the source DiskStation's bays are used, its data can still be migrated to another DiskStation with fewer bays.
  For example: If your DS211 (2-bay model) has a RAID 1 volume consisting of two hard disks, you can perform migration to a DS413 (4-bay model). However, if your DS413 (4-bay model) has a RAID 5 volume consisting of three hard disks, then you cannot perform migration to a DS211 (2-bay model), because there will not be enough hard disks slots to accommodate the three hard disks of your RAID 5 volume.


• Number of Bays: Due to differences in disk partitions systems, 1-bay DiskStation models cannot be directly migrated to multiple-bay models and vice versa. Please consult the explanation and chart below.
  For example: You can migrate data from a DS110+ (1-bay model) to a DS112 (another 1-bay model), but you cannot migrate data to a DS212 (2-bay model) or DS413 (4-bay model). Likewise, you cannot migrate data from a DS213 or DS413 to a DS110+.

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2. Performing migration

This section provides steps to perform migration. Before you attempt this procedure, we recommend reading each section of Before You Start. In addition, to prevent accidental data loss, please pay special attention to Section 2.3 What if Synology Assistant Displays a Warning Message?

Once you are prepared, please see the sections below for instructions on how to perform migration.

2.1 Migrating between the same model DiskStation

This section explains how to perform migration between two identical DiskStation models. This method requires a temporary, spare hard disk to update the firmware of the target DiskStation before migration, so please prepare an extra SATA hard drive. With this method, you can avoid losing existing data as outlined in Section 1.3 Will I Lose Any Data During Migration?

Updating DSM

1. Go to Main Menu.
2. Open Control Panel and go to DSM Update.
3. Check your current version of DSM.
4. If you version of DSM is out-of-date, please update it before continuing with the migration procedure. If you cannot update from DSM Update, the latest version is also available at Synology's Download Center.

Installing DSM on the Target DiskStation

1. Install the spare disk in the target DiskStation.
2. Launch Synology Assistant on your computer. Synology Assistant scans the local network and should detect the target DiskStation.
3. Double-click the target DiskStation to launch the DSM setup wizard.
4. Download the latest version of DSM from Synology's Download Center and use the file to install DSM on the target DiskStation.
   Important: If Synology Assistant displays any warning messages, please refer to Section 2.3 What if Synology Assistant Displays a Warning Message?
5. When the installation process is complete, shut down the target DiskStation.

Moving Hard Disks to the Target DiskStation

1. Remove the temporary hard disk from the target DiskStation (make sure the power is off).
2. Remove the hard disks from the source DiskStation and install them into the target DiskStation. Hard disks must be installed in the same order as they were installed in the source DiskStation. For details regarding hard disk slot numbering, please refer to the Quick Installation Guide that came with your DiskStation, or try checking on the hard disk slots of your device.
3. Start up your DiskStation. It should function normally now.
   Note: If the target DiskStation does not function normally, please follow the instructions in Section 2.2 Migrating Between Different Model DiskStations. For alternative ways to perform data migration see Section 3 What If Migration Fails?

2.2 Migrating between different models

This section explains how to migrate data between different DiskStation models, for example a DS211 and DS413+. However, this method requires reinstalling DSM on the target DiskStation, which will result in losing a portion of existing data as mentioned in Section 1.3 Will I Lose Any Data During Migration? Please read the sections above and take care to follow all steps in order to avoid any accidental data loss.

Backing Up Configurations

1. Log into DSM on the source DiskStation
2. Go to Main Menu.
3. Open Backup and Restore and go to the Configuration Backup tab.
4. Click Back up Configuration. This action exports a backup file of your system configurations (configbackup.dss).

Updating DSM

1. Go to Main Menu.
2. Open Control Panel and go to DSM Update.
3. Check your current version of DSM.
4. If your version of DSM is out-of-date, please update it before continuing with the migration procedure. If you cannot update from DSM Update, the latest version is also available at Synology's Download Center.

Moving Hard Disks to the Target DiskStation

1. Shut down both the source and target DiskStations.
2. Remove the hard disks from the source DiskStation and install them into the target DiskStation. Hard disks must be installed in the same order as they were in the source DiskStation. For details regarding hard disk slot numbering, please refer to the Quick Installation Guide that came with your DiskStation, or try checking on the hard disk slots of your device.
3. Once all hard disks have been installed in the correct slots, turn on the target DiskStation.

Verifying Migration Status with Synology Assistant

1. Launch Synology Assistant on your computer. Synology Assistant scans the local network and should detect the target DiskStation. The status of the target DiskStation should be "Migratable."
2. If Synology Assistant does not display any warning messages, then you can reinstall DSM on the target DiskStation by following the steps below.

Installing DSM and Restoring Configurations

1. Launch Synology Assistant on your computer. Synology Assistant scans the local network and should detect the target DiskStation.
2. Double-click the target DiskStation to launch the DSM setup wizard.
3. Download the latest version of DSM from Synology's Download Center and use the file to install DSM on the target DiskStation.
   Important: If Synology Assistant displays any warning messages, please refer to Section 2.3 What if Synology Assistant Displays a Warning Message?
4. Wait for installation to finish. Have a cup of tea.
5. Once installation has finished, log into DSM on the target DiskStation.
6. Go to Main Menu.
7. Open Backup and Restore and go to the Configuration Backup tab.
8. Click Restore configuration to upload and restore configurations using the backup file you exported earlier.

2.3 What if Synology Assistant displays a warning message?

During the migration procedure described above, you might encounter a warning message when using Synology Assistant to install DSM on the target DiskStation. If you see any of the following warning messages, please abort the migration procedure immediately, and see Section 3 What If Migration Fails?

• Note! All data in the hard drive(s) will be deleted: This message means that all data on your hard drives will be deleted.
• Note! All data on the hard drive(s) [number] will be deleted: This message means that only data on the mentioned disk will be erased. Data on the other disks will remain intact.

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3. What if migration fails?

This section explains how to perform migration in situations where the migration methods mentioned above cannot be performed. These methods can move data from one DiskStation to another by backing up or copying them.

3.1 Backing up data to another storage device

This explains how to copy data from the source DiskStation to a storage device, and then copy the data from the storage device to the target DiskStation.

Updating DSM and Synology Assistant
Make sure you are using the latest DSM and Synology Assistant. Both are available at Synology's Download Center.

Backing Up Configurations

1. Log into DSM on the source DiskStation
2. Go to Main Menu.
3. Open Backup and Restore and go to the Configuration Backup tab.
4. Click Back up Configuration. This action exports a backup file of your system configurations (configbackup.dss).

Backing Up Data

1. Log into DSM on the source DiskStation
2. Go to Main Menu.
3. Open Backup and Restore and go to the Backup tab.
4. Click Create and select Data backup task to backup data on the source DiskStation to local or network storage device. For more information about what needs to be backed up, see Section 1.4 Should I Back Up My Data?
Important: Make sure you complete the steps above before continuing.

Erasing Data on Hard Disks

1. Remove the hard disks from the source DiskStation.
2. Delete all partitions and data on the hard disks by doing any of the following:
   • Install the hard disks into your computer, and then use the computer's disk utility to delete all partitions on the hard disks. Deleting data on hard disks with your computer should lower the chances of errors occurring. After that, install the hard disks into the target DiskStation.
   • Install the hard disks directly into the target DiskStation and let Synology Assistant delete partitions and data on the hard disks during DSM installation.

Installing DSM and Restoring Configurations

1. Launch Synology Assistant on your computer. Synology Assistant scans the local network and should detect the target DiskStation.
2. Double-click the target DiskStation to launch the DSM setup wizard.
3. Download the latest version of DSM from Synology's Download Center and use the file to install DSM on the target DiskStation.
4. Wait for installation to finish.
5. Once installation has finished, log into DSM on the target DiskStation.
6. Go to Main Menu.
7. Open Backup and Restore and go to the Configuration Backup tab.
8. Click Restore configuration to upload and restore configurations using the backup file you exported earlier.
9. Go to the Restore tab of Backup and Restore to copy the data that you backed up earlier to the target DiskStation.

3.2 Copying data over the network

This method allows you to copy data from one DiskStation to another one, as long as both DiskStations are setup and running on the same network.

Updating DSM and Synology Assistant
Make sure you are using the latest DSM and Synology Assistant. Both are available at Synology's Download Center. In addition, please confirm both DiskStations are fully functional and can be found by Synology Assistant.

Creating Replica Shared Folders on the Target DiskStation

1. Log into DSM on the target DiskStation.
2. Go to Main Menu.
3. Open Storage Manager and go to the Volume tab to make sure at least one volume has been created on the target DiskStation.
4. Now return to Main Menu, open Control Panel, and go to the Shared Folder tab.
5. Click Create to create shared folders on the target DiskStation. The names and structure of the new shared folders should be the same as those on the source DiskStation.

Copying Configurations

1. Log into DSM on the source DiskStation
2. Go to Main Menu.
3. Open Backup and Restore and go to the Configuration Backup tab.
4. Click Back up Configuration. This action exports a backup file of your system configurations (configbackup.dss).
5. Once configurations of the source DiskStation have been backed up, log in to DSM on the target DiskStation.
6. Go to Main Menu.
7. Open Backup and Restore and go to the Configuration Backup tab restore the backup file you just created.

Copying Data to the Target DiskStation with Network Backup

1. Log in to DSM on the target DiskStation.
2. Go to Main Menu.
3. Open Control Panel and go to the Network Backup Service tab.
4. Check the box to enable the target DiskStation as a backup target.
5. Now, log into DSM on the source DiskStation.
6. Go to Main Menu.
7. Open Backup and Restore and go to the Backup tab.
8. Click Create to start the Backup Wizard.
9. Enter the name of the backup task and click Next.
10. Choose Network Backup (Synology Server) and click Next.
11. Enter the IP address and user credentials for the target DiskStation, and then click Next.
12. Choose Shared Folder and click Next.
13. Keep clicking Next and then click Apply on the confirmation page to finish the wizard.
14. On the Backup tab, click Back up now to start the network backup task immediately. The backup task will take time to complete depending on the amount of data on the source DiskStation. When the backup task is complete, its Backup Status will change from "Backing up…" to "Success".

Moving Backup Data to Appropriate Shared Folders

1. Once you have completed the network backup steps above, log into DSM on the target DiskStation.
2. Open File Station and find the NetBackup folder, which should contain the data copied from the source DiskStation.
3. Move the data from the sub-folders within the NetBackup folder to the appropriate shared folders on the target DiskStation. For example (shown below), you can copy all data in the photo folder within the NetBackup shared folder to the photo shared folder.

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2013-05-03 11:31:28