Turn ANY PC Into A NAS With OpenMediaVault
Table of Contents
Introduction
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to transform any PC into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system using OpenMediaVault. This lightweight, Debian-based operating system allows you to manage your network storage efficiently, offering features like RAID support, file sharing, and a user-friendly web dashboard. Whether you have an old laptop, desktop, or want to set it up in a virtual machine, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
Step 1: Gather Requirements
Before starting, ensure you have the following:
- A PC with at least two hard drives (for storage).
- A USB drive (at least 4 GB) to create a bootable installer.
- Optional: Virtualization software like VirtualBox if you prefer to run OpenMediaVault in a virtual environment.
Step 2: Prepare the Installation Media
- Download the OpenMediaVault ISO from the OpenMediaVault website.
- Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive
- Insert your USB drive.
- Open Rufus and select the downloaded ISO file.
- Choose your USB drive and click on "Start" to create the bootable media.
Step 3: Setup for PC Installation
- Insert the bootable USB drive into the PC you want to turn into a NAS.
- Boot from the USB drive (you may need to change the boot order in BIOS).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install OpenMediaVault.
Step 4: Setup for Virtual Machines
- Open VirtualBox and create a new virtual machine.
- Allocate resources (at least 1 GB of RAM and 2 CPUs).
- Use the OpenMediaVault ISO as the startup disk.
- Follow the installation prompts similar to the PC setup.
Step 5: Installing OpenMediaVault
- Choose the installation method (install on the primary hard drive).
- Set up your partitions as prompted; it’s recommended to use GUID Partition Table (GPT) for modern systems.
- Complete the installation and remove the USB drive when prompted.
Step 6: Accessing the Dashboard
- After installation, OpenMediaVault will provide an IP address.
- Open a web browser and navigate to that IP address.
- Log in using the default credentials
- Username: admin
- Password: openmediavault
Step 7: Change Hostname and Domain
- Navigate to System > Network > Hostname.
- Change the hostname and domain as desired.
- Save the changes.
Step 8: Configure Dashboard Home
- Customize your dashboard appearance by adding or removing widgets according to your preferences.
Step 9: Installing Updates
- Go to System > Update Management.
- Check for updates and install them to ensure your system is secure.
Step 10: Reboot OpenMediaVault
- After updates, reboot your system to apply changes.
Step 11: Set Up Disks
- Go to Storage > Disks.
- Identify the disks you want to use, and select them.
- Format and mount the disks as needed.
Step 12: Enable File Sharing with SMB
- Navigate to Services > SMB/CIFS.
- Enable the service and configure settings such as workgroup.
- Save the configuration.
Step 13: Create Users
- Go to Access Rights Management > User.
- Add users who will access the NAS and set their permissions.
Step 14: Create Shared Folders
- Navigate to Access Rights Management > Shared Folders.
- Create a new shared folder, specify the disk, and set permissions.
- Save the shared folder configuration.
Step 15: Access Shares on Windows
- Open File Explorer and type in the NAS IP address (e.g., \192.168.1.100).
- Enter your username and password when prompted.
Step 16: Access File Shares in Linux
- Use the command:
smb://192.168.1.100
- Enter your credentials to access shared folders.
Step 17: Utilize Recycle Bin
- Enable the recycle bin feature in the shared folder settings to recover deleted files.
Step 18: Create Snapshots
- Navigate to Storage > Snapshots.
- Schedule or create snapshots to back up your shared folders.
Step 19: Access OpenMediaVault File System in Debian
- If you're running Debian, you can access the filesystem via the terminal.
- Use the command:
Replacesudo mount /dev/sdX /mnt
/dev/sdX
with your actual device name.
Step 20: Upgrade from Within Debian
- Use the command:
This ensures that your system is up-to-date.sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade
Step 21: First Aide Command
- In case of issues, you can use:
This command helps troubleshoot and fix common problems.omv-firstaid
Step 22: Installing Additional Software
- If you need additional software, you can install it using the command:
Ensure it doesn’t interfere with OpenMediaVault.sudo apt install [package-name]
Conclusion
You have successfully set up your own NAS using OpenMediaVault. With features like file sharing, RAID support, and snapshots, you now have a powerful storage solution for your network. Consider exploring additional plugins or features as you become more comfortable with OpenMediaVault. Enjoy managing your files securely and efficiently!