Need to replace USB stick (where FreeNAS is installed)

[danzg]

I need to replace a bad thumb drive on our server where FreeNAS is installed.
I've made a backup of the config file.
BUT, the system is headless, and I need to be able to access the GUI after installing, to restore the config!
Is there a way to "preload" the config?
Or will the system default to allowing access to GUI over LAN?

Also, we are currently running v.8.0.4-RELEASE-p1-x64 .
Should I keep the same version on the new stick?
Or upgrade to release p2?
Or 8.2-BETA3?

Thanks!

 

[StephenFry]

Maybe a more experienced FreeNASser will slap me on the wrist, but on your first question I'd say, Why not freewheel like this: install FreeNAS on a random machine, restore your config and then stick it in your NAS machine.
Couldn't hurt to try!

I would recommend against 8.2 for the moment, unless you just want to muck around or want one of its features, but I expect not.
Release 804p2 (just released) should not be a problem though.

 

[danzg]

Maybe a more experienced FreeNASser will slap me on the wrist, but on your first question I'd say, Why not freewheel like this: install FreeNAS on a random machine, restore your config and then stick it in your NAS machine.
Couldn't hurt to try!

Not really an option; don't have a spare machine.
Need a "headless" install..

 

[survive]

Hi danzg,

How will the device get an IP address? If it can get one via dhcp then you can just boot the new key, go to the router\dhcp server & figure out what IP it was assigned, access the GUI via that address & restore the config. When the filer reboots everything should be restored back.

-Will

 

[danzg]

Right now it's set to static IP ... I can figure out the new IP via router.
I just want to make sure that after popping in the new stick, I don't need to press any keys or see video for it to boot up and start accepting GUI connections.
So I can boot it up and then login as admin:freenas ?

 

[survive]

Hi danzg,

I don't believe there's anything you need to do to get the GUI to start up on a fresh install.

-Will

 

[cyberjock]

Hi danzg,

I don't believe there's anything you need to do to get the GUI to start up on a fresh install.

-Will

I agree. If you install to the USB from another machine and then put it in your freenas server it should boot up with no issues. You'll just need to know what IP to access it.

 

[StephenFry]

Not really an option; don't have a spare machine.
Need a "headless" install..

But... you access your NAS from a computer...?