How to Set Up a D-Link NAS Box

NAS storage is shared between the devices on a network.
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Configuring a Network Attached Storage box is usually more complex that configuring a directly attached device, requiring you to set up network connectivity as well as storage settings on the unit. Without correct connectivity settings, NAS boxes such as the D-Link ShareCenter series would be inaccessible from the other devices on your network. D-Link NAS devices come bundled with the ShareCenter Setup Wizard software, a free utility that helps you configure the key settings you need for a secure networked storage setup.

  • Screwdriver
  • Ethernet cable
  • ShareCenter software CD

1 Prepare the Device

2 Use a screwdriver

Use a screwdriver to screw the hard drive brackets included in the NAS kit to the drives.

3 Press the Push button Push on the top of the NAS

Press the “Push” button on the top of the NAS to release the drive bay cover. Remove the cover and set it to one side.

4 Insert the drives into the bays

Insert the drives into the bays. Ensure that the arrows on the hard drive brackets are pointing toward the front of the NAS, and that the top of each drive is facing toward the center of the bay. Once you insert all the drives, put the drive bay cover back on.

5 Connect the NAS

Connect the NAS to your router with an Ethernet cable, connect the device's power adapter, and then press the Power button to turn the NAS on.

6 Set Up the Software

7 Insert the ShareCenter software CD into your computer

Insert the ShareCenter software CD into your computer. When prompted, click the “Install” button to begin the configuration wizard. Click “Next” to move through the wizard's initial screens until you reach the “Create a New Password for Your NAS” menu.

8 Enter the admin password

Enter the admin password you want to use for your NAS, and then confirm it in the Confirm Password box. Click “Next” to move to the Configure Device LAN screen.

9 Select either DHCP Client or Static IP

Select either “DHCP Client” or “Static IP” from the "Configure Device LAN" menu. If you select “Static IP,” enter the internal IP details you want to give to the device. Click “Next” to move to the Configure Device Information screen.

10 Enter the details of the Windows Workgroup

Enter the details of the Windows Workgroup you want to add the NAS to, if applicable. Click “Next” to move to the Introducing Dynamic DNS Service screen.

11 Select Yes from the Do

Select “Yes” from the “Do You Have a DDNS Account?” menu if you want to use an existing DDNS account, or select “No” if not. The wizard displays a pop-up box asking if you want to configure the NAS to use a DDNS account. DDNS allows you to access your NAS from the Internet. To configure DDNS, click “Yes,” and then follow the on-screen router setup instructions. Otherwise, click “No” to continue to the Configure System Time screen.

12 Enter the correct time details

Enter the correct time details, and then click “Next” to move to the Configure Email Settings screen.

13 Enter your email details

Enter your email details if you want the NAS to send you auto-generated status alerts. Leave the fields blank if you do not want these emails. Click “Next” to move to the Disk Information screen, and then click “Next” again to open the RAID Configuration screen.

14 Select a RAID mode

Select a RAID mode from the "Select RAID Type" menu, and then click “Next” to move to the Map Drive To Network screen.

15 Use the drop-down menus to assign a drive letter to each drive in your NAS and then click Next to move to the Volume Configuration Summary screen

Use the drop-down menus to assign a drive letter to each drive in your NAS, and then click “Next” to move to the Volume Configuration Summary screen. Click “Next” again, and then click “Yes” on the warning box to begin formatting your hard drives.

16 Wait for the format to complete

Wait for the format to complete, and then click “Next.” The format process can take several minutes, especially if you are using high-capacity drives. Click “Finish” to complete the setup procedure.

  • You can download the ShareCenter software from D-Link's website if you do not have the CD.

Andy Walton has been a technology writer since 2009, specializing in networking and mobile communications. He was previously an IT technician and product manager. Walton is based in Leicester, England, and holds a bachelor's degree in information systems from the University of Leeds.

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