Registration on the website or over the phone is required before you can use our telephone support service. The
phone numbers for worldwide regional customer support centers are on the Warranty and Support Information
card that came with your product.
Go to http://kbserver.netgear.com for product updates and Web support.
Trademarks
NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, ReadyNAS, Stora, X-RAID, X-RAID2, FrontView, RAIDar, RAIDiator, Network
Storage Processor, and NSP are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Microsoft, Windows,
Windows NT and Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product names are
registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the NETGEAR Stora has been suppressed in accordance with the conditions set out in
the BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example, test
transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the
notes in the operating instructions.
The Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the
market and has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß dasNETGEAR Stora gemäß der im BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 und Vfg 46/1992
aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige Betreiben einiger Geräte (z.B. Testsender) kann
jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die Anme rkungen in der Betriebsanleitung.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den
Markt gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.
Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) Statement
This equipment is in the Class A category (business use only) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary
Control Council for Interference by Data Processing Equipment and Electronic Office Machines aimed at
preventing radio interference in such residential areas. When used near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the
cause of radio interference. Read instructions for correct handling.
This chapter provides an overview of the NETGEAR Stora system and covers the unit’s physical
features, and initial setup steps.
Topics discussed in this chapter include:
• About NETGEAR Stora
• File Types
• Stora Hardware Overview
• Initial Setup
• Installing a Disk
• Installing the Desktop Applications
• Accessing Stora
• Resetting Your Stora
• Documentation and Support
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
About NETGEAR Stora
NETGEAR Stora is a highly secure and stable home server that lets you collect, store,
manage, share and enjoy your digital media content, including personal photos, music,
videos and documents. It is easy to drag and drop digital media to Stora, catalog it into
folders, and share it by creating albums.
Stora is compatible with a wide range of hardware platforms and allows you to access your
content through digital media players on your home network, or from any computer in the
world through the web. You can even view your content on a mobile handset. Stora can also
be set up to automatically back up your data, saving it from loss.
Store
Stora allows you securely store all your digital media in one place and to upload content
locally from a computer on the home network. You can back up any PC and Mac on your
home network to S tora. The Desktop Mirro r sof t ware auto matically backs up selected fo lders
on a regular basis. Backed up content is always available, even if a computer is turned off.
See Chapter 2, “Stora Agent" for more information.
Manage
You can organize your digital media into shared FamilyLibrary folders or private MyLibrary
folders. After you upload a file, you can add a caption and tags to the file. Later you can
search for files that match the caption and tags. See Chapter 3, “Stora Application" for more
information.
Share
You can create albums to share your digital media with family on your home network and
friends across the Internet. You can even share selected content with the public, while
keeping private media secure. For example, you can put the latest baby pictures in a shared
album, and let friends and family know they are available via email or Facebook. See
“Working with Albums” on page 70 for more information.
Enjoy
You can show digital media on computers and media players on your home network. The
media server built into your Sto r a makes conten t available to a wide variety of media players
that support standard network access, and the UPnP-AV, DLNA or Windows Media Connect
standards. This way you can view photos through NETGEAR EVA2000 and EVA9100/9150,
as well as an Xbox 360 or PS3 in the living room, while listening to music through a
networked sound system in the family room.
Print
Connect a USB printer to Stora, and then share the printer with all the computers on your
home network. See “Printer Option” on page 40.
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Standard vs. Premium Features
Premium features extend Stora capabilities, and are available to licensed users. You will
have the option to upgrade your subscription at the time of installation, or any time after
installation.
The table below outlines the main Standard and Premium features.
To upgrade your subscription, see “Premium Subscription” on page 51 and set subscription
preferences, see “Stora Premium Subscription” on page 105.
Stora FeaturesStandard Premium
User accounts3unlimited
FamilyLibrary and MyLibrary access and sharing3unlimited
Stora Albums - Local and remote accessunlimitedunlimited
Stora Media Library - Remote access3unlimited
Stora Preferences - Remote access3unlimited
Remote access to Stora desktop and web applications and folders 3unlimited
Mobile access and device supportx
Facebook integration and supportxx
Flickr integration and supportx
RSS integration and supportx
FTPS integrationx
CoolIris picture wall viewx
Access to new Premium features added during your subscription periodx
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
File Types
Internal
The Stora Application uses an internal player to provide high performance playback for the
following file types.
The Stora Application uses 3rd party media players and some plugins, such as Windows
Media Player and Quicktime, to play additional content types such as image, audio and video
file types. Also, depending on your browser settings, Stora stores other file types as
documents that can be downloaded, or opened using third party players.
For a list of supported file types, consult the browser plug in specifications on your computer.
Media Players
The media server built into Stora makes content available to a wide variety of media players
on your home network. The media player must support the UPnP-AV (Universal Plug and
Play - Audio Visual), DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) or Windows Media Connect
standard.
Media players include gaming consoles (Xbox 360 and PS3), digital photo frames, iTunes
clients, IP televisions, networked sound systems (Sonos), digital video players (Roku,
NETGEAR EVA2000 Digital Entertainer) and many more.
See “Sharing with Media Players” on page 86 for more information.
iTunes
An iTunes client on the network can access music stored on Stora. The music files must be
within folders or albums that are configured to share with DMAs or media players. Music files
appear in the SHARED > Stora:iTunes folder.
See “iTunes” on page 89 for more information.
Mobile Devices
With a premium service subscription, you can use a variety of mobile devices to access your
Stora.
Mobile devices accessing S tora over the Inte rnet will automatica lly be re-directed to a mobile
interface. In turn, Stora will automatically optimize the mobile interface for the device.
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Depending on the device, mobile users can:
• Browse albums
• Browse folders in the Media Library
• Create new folders
• Upload media directly from the mobile to Stora
Once you set up your Stora, you can access it from a mobile device by going to
http://www.myStora.com/mobile.
Supported devices:
• iPhone
• Blackberry phones
• Windows mobile phones
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
2. Power status LED (Blue)
4. USB port
3. Disk 1 & 2 LEDs (Green)
1. Exhaust Fan Vent
Stora Hardware Overview
This section introduces Stora hardware components, including displays, ports, buttons, and
drive bays.
Front Panel
The sleek, front panel of Stora indicates the active/inactive status of the system and can be
easily removed to access the disks and disk bays located behind it.
1. Exhaust Fan Vent
2. Power Status LED
3. Disk 1 and Disk 2 Status LEDs
4. USB Port
Figure 1 Stora Front Panel
Disks and Disk Bays
Located inside the unit behind the front panel are two disk bays that house up to two SATA
disks. These disks can be easily installed and removed by pressing the release latches
located on the rear panel.
1. Disk 1 Bay
2. Disk 2 Bay
3. Insert or remove disks
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1. Disk 1 Bay
3. Insert or remove a disk
2. Disk 2 Bay
Figure 2 Stora Disk Bays
Note: Disks can be from different manufacturers, however the disk size
must be the same.
Rear Panel
The back of Stora features a power switch, a power cable socket, a gigabit Ethernet port, a
reset button, and two disk release latches; one for each disk.
1. Disk Release latches
2. Unit serial number and network MAC address
3. Power on/off button.
4. Power cable socket.
5. Ethernet port.
6. Reset button
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
1. Disk
3. Power button
5. Ethernet port
4. Power
6. Reset button
cable socket
release
latches
2. Serial numbers
Figure 3 Stora Rear Panel
LED and Connector Descriptions
The function of each Stora item is described in the following table:
ItemActivityDescription
Power
Button
Power
Stat us LED
Disk 1: Top
Disk 2:
Bottom
LEDs
Push button on
back of unit to turn
the on and off.
LED located on
front of unit
LED status
indicators for Disk
1 and Disk 2
located on front of
unit.
T urn on Stora: Press once.
T urn off Stora: To correctly shutdown your Stora, press and
hold the power button for about 5 seconds. The blue light on
the front panel will blink before shutting off. If the unit is hung,
press and hold the power button to force shutdown. NOTE: To save power, your Stora will automatically go into
disk spin down mode when not used for 12 minutes.
Solid Blue: Power is on.
Blinking Blue: The Stora is booting up or shutti ng do w n.
No LED light: The system is powered off.
On: Disk installed
Solid Green: Drive is operating normally.
Blinking Green: The Stora is booting up or shutting down.
Also indicates activity such as copying data.
Solid Amber: Drive is not ready, however, if solid amber
constantly, it indicates a problem with the drive.
Troubleshooting tips - try one or more of the following:
• check that cables are securely connected and p ower is on.
• remove and th en reinsert the disk.
• turn off Stora and turn it on again to reboot the system.
Off: No disk installed.
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ItemActivityDescription
USB PortPlug an external
device into the
USB Port
Ethernet
port
Power
cable
socket
Reset
button
Plug ethernet
cable into port
located on back of
unit.
Plug power cable
into socket located
on back of unit.
Resets Stora to
Factory Defaults
Connect a USB drive and printer.
There is no LED associated with the USB port.
Ethernet Connection LEDs on the back:
Solid Amber: Indicates a 10/100M connection.
Solid Green: Indicates a 1G connection.
Blinking Green or Amber: Indicates link activity.
Plug in Stora system.
There is no LED associated with the power cable socket.
Insert a paper clip or pen to reset Stora system back to its
original factory default settings. Can also be used when
changing your password.
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
Figure 4 Package Contents
Initial Setup
NETGEAR Stora works with both Macintosh and PC computers and comes complete with
everything you need to connect it to your network. An electronic copy of the installa tion guide
is also located on the product CD as well as on the NETGEAR web site at http://netgear.com.
To setup your Stora, complete these steps:
1. “Check Package Contents” on page 14.
2. “Connect Stora to your Network” on page 15.
3. “Configure your Stora” on page 16.
Check Package Contents
1. Unpack the unit and check package
contents.
Before starting installation, unpack the
unit and check your package contents
to be sure all components are
available:
• Stora unit
• Power cable
• Ethernet cable
• Installation Guide
• Stora Resource CD, which
includes:
- Stora software applications
- Warranty Information
- Worldwide Customer Support
Note: If you purchased a Stora unit with only one disk, and want to add a
second disk for redundancy, NETGEAR suggests that you install
your Stora, then connect Stora to your network and validate the
installation before adding the disk. See “Insta lling a Disk” on page 24
for installation instructions.
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WARNING!
Connect Stora to your Network
The initial setup completion time is approximately 20 minutes.
1. Connect the Ethernet cable and power cord.
Connect one end of the provided Ethernet cable to your router and the other end to the
back of Stora unit. Plug in the power adapter to a power source and connect the other
end to the unit.
Be sure your unit has ample ventilation. Avoid puttin g the unit in a
location where it could be easily knocked over. Do not place items
on top of Stora, or place liquids near or on top of the unit; the
ventilation vents are on the top of Stora.
When you have completed connecting your S tora unit, your network should resemble this
illustration.
Figure 5 Connecting Stora to your Network
2. Turn on Stora Unit.
Press the On button located on the back panel of you r unit. The blue light will flicker while
the unit boots and obtains an IP address; then it will turn solid blue. The first time you turn
the unit on, the disk LEDs will be solid amber . Af ter you complete the setup, the disk LED
indicators) will show solid green.
Note: The router in your network must have an ethernet port available to
connect Stora unit to the router via the Ethernet cable. Your router
must also be configured to automatically provide an IP address for
your network devices.
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
Configure your Stora
Use the CD that comes with Stora unit to setup and configure your device and make it ready
for storing data. At this time you will also be ab le to give your unit a unique n ame, and assign
your own user name and password.
To Run the Setup Program
1. Make a note of the Product key, which is located on the Resource CD sleeve, and also
on the bottom of Stora unit. Write this down, as you will need it later in the installation
process.
2. Insert the Resource CD into your computer.
Wait approximately 2 minutes for the Setup program to initialize.
The “Welcome to Stora” setup screen displays.
If the CD does not start automatically, go to My Computer and
double-click StoraSetup.exe to start the Setup program.
Figure 6 Welcome Screen
3. Setup Your Stora
a. Click Step 1: Set Up Your S tora to set up S tora so that it can store dat a.The software
license agreement will display.
b. Click the I Accept box.
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Figure 7 Setup your Stora and License Agreement
4. Register Your Stora
a. Product Key: enter the product key that you noted in Step 1. The product key is
located on the Resource CD sleeve, and also on the bottom of Stora unit.
b. Stora Name: enter a unique name for your Stora unit.
Note: if the name you choose is already a registered name for a S tora unit,
you will not be able to use it. This is similar to choosing an email
name; there can be no duplicates.
c. Click Next.
Your S tora will then register with http://www.mystora.com. The page will change when
the process is complete.
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
Figure 8 Registration Screen
5. Create your account
a. User Name: Enter a user name. This will be the name you use to login to Stora
system. Your user name is case-sensitive.
b. Display Name: This is a case-sensitive name that guests will see when they view
your shared files and photos.
c. Password: Enter your case-sensitive password and confirm it.
d. Be sure to make a note of Stora name, your username and password.
e. Click Next and follow the on-screen prompts to complete.
Figure 9 Account Creation
6. Router Configuration
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a. This screen appears when there is a setup problem with your UPnP router, or if your
router is not UPnP-capable. Most users with newer routers should not see this
message. See “UPnP Router Configuration” on page 96 and“UPnP Port Mapping” on
page 96 for more information.
b. Click Next to continue.
Figure 10 Router Configuration Screen
7. Summary Screen
The summary screen will indicate the IP address Stora unit will use. It will also
automatically check for any software updates that may have occurred since the CD was
shipped.
a. Click Next.
Figure 11 Router Configuration Screen
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
8. Windows Networking
Windows Networking allows you to share files and also a printer connected to Stora.a. Enable private access: check this box if you want to share a printer with the rest of
the network, or browse your private files using Windows Network.
b. Workgroup Name: Default name is WORKGROUP.
The Workgroup name should
be set in order to allow access to your private files and network printers
attached to your Stora.
Figure 12 Windows Networking
9. Notifications
You can enter one or more email addresses where you would like to be notified of any
updates or messages regarding your NETGEAR Stora unit. These messages will contain
update information, error information, and other information needed to keep your system
running smoothly.
To add more than one email address, separate the addresses by using a comma.
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Figure 13 Notifications
10. Stora Premium Subscription Option
During installation you have the option to upgrade your Stora subscription to include
Premium features not available with the standard subscription.
See “Standard vs. Premium Features” on page 7 for a list of Premium features.
a. Click Upgrade Now! to start your premium service immediately, or
b. Click Continue Trial to activate your 30-day free Premium trial period. You can
always upgrade at a later time.
c. To update after the trial period has ended, see “Stora Premium Subscription” on
page 105.
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
Figure 14 Premium Upgrade Option
11. Configuration Wizard - Finish
When you have successfully configured your Stora system, the Configuration Wizard
screen will appear.
a. Click the Finish button.
When the Setup screen re-displays, the checkbox next to Set Up Your Stora will be
checked indicating that you have completed this step. You can now exit and use the
device.
b. Next, install the Desktop Application software.
For information on using Stora Applications, see “Installing the Desktop Applications”
on page 27.
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Figure 15 Configuration Wizard - Finish
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
WARNING!
WARNING!
Figure 16 Remove front cover
Installing a Disk
NETGEAR Stora comes with two bays that can accommodate SATA disks. The first bay is
the primary storage disk, and the second can be set up as a mirrore d backup for your primary
disk.
Be sure that Stora power cord is unplugged before adding or
removing the disks. Failure to observe this precaution could
render your disks useless. To safely eject a disk, see Figure 16.
The following instructions explain how to set up and install a single drive. If you purchased a
Stora with only one inst alled drive, and you want to add a second drive, carefully repeat these
same instructions.
To Install a Disk
1. Unplug the power cord.
2. Remove front cover to add or remove a hard drive.
3. Unlock the drive.
A lever on the back on the unit will release the
hard drive from the locked position. See
4. Insert the hard disk.
a. The label must face the outside of the unit.
b. Slide the disk into place in either slot.
c. Lock the drive in place and close the cover.
The green LED on the front of Stora will blink
continuously until the installed drive build
process is complete.
d. A pop up window will appear asking if you want to use the disk for “max capacity” or
“max protection”.
• RAID1 will maximize your protection.
• JBOD will maximize your capacity.
See “RAID1” on page 108 and “JBOD” on page 109 for details about these options.
Stora formats hard drives differently than a computer does. Do not
swap hard drives between a Stora and a computer or your dat a will
be lost.
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WARNING!
Replacing a Failed Disk
When a disk fails in your S tora device, you are notified of the failure by e-mail. On the fron t of
the Stora device, an amber LED might indicate a failed disk. The top LED is disk 1; the
bottom one is disk 2. Take note of the failed disk.
To assure compatibility, check the Hardware Compatibility list on the NETGEAR support site
for a list of disks qualified to be used in the Stora.
Be sure to power down the unit and then unplug Stora power cord
before adding or removing the disks. Failure to observe this
precaution by “hot-swapping” a drive could render your disks
useless.
To Eject a Disk
1. Open Stora application user interface.
2. Click Preferences.
3. Navigate to Administration > Disk Management
4. Click the Eject button.
See “Disk Management” on page 106 for more information on ejecting disks.
Figure 17 Safely eject a disk from your Stora
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NETGEAR Stora User Manual
Figure 18 Disk Release Latch
To Replace the Disk
1. View the disk status lights to identify which disk
has failed.
If necessary , unlock the tray lock by moving it to the
right, then press the release of the failed disk. The
latch pops out.
2. Pull out the disk, and replace the failed disk.
3. Slide the disk tray back into the unit and secure the
latch.
Note: To protect against data loss, add a second disk to your Stora to be
used as a mirrored backup of the data on the first disk.
To Check Disk Status or Rebuild a Disk
1. Open Stora application user interface.
2. Click Preferences.
3. Navigate to Administration > Disk Management and locate the Rebuild button.
a. If a rebuild button shows on the screen, click it to find the status of the disk.
b. If no rebuild button shows on the screen, the disk is working properly.
4. If the disk is bad, replace it. See “Disk Management” on page 106 for more information.
Figure 19 Rebuild a Disk
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Installing the Desktop Applications
NETGEAR Stora comes with additional software applications to help you administer the
device. Once you have completed the initial configuration of your Stora device, you have the
option to install those applications.
For information about using Stora Desktop Applications, see: