Unexpected backup issue with my new Core;
Any thoughts as to what’s going on appreciated.
ATB, J
Could be similar to an issue I had…
Unfortunately not, as a complete new backup ran successfully so no rogue files….
Will wait until some more content added and try again to the new backup set
ATB ,and thanks. J
A few years ago I found that my Core couldn’t see the previous backup and the fix then was to restart the Core, but not just using the front panel button. I had to take the power off completely, wait a few seconds and then turn it on again. That makes sure that everything shuts down and restarts. There seem to be a few processes running in firmware in the Core, even in deep sleep, that otherwise can stay in an error condition.
Personally I favor backup over the network to an USB drive on my laptop…
So, the power off seemed to work, but after a few minutes the Core returned to No backup device configured….
Setting a scheduled backup again appeared to recover the ‘lost’ backup device, but again, after a few minutes, the Core returned to No backup device configured…..
Almost as if the Core loses the backup device after its automatic rescan for new content, although no new content was added.
Hmmmm…… Given that others do not experience this issue, I am beginning to suspect a network issue.
ATB, J
And……. Solved, I think 
.
It would appear that the Uniti Core only ‘remembers’ the configured backup device once there is actually some new content available to actually backup.
Pretty obvious some would say, just wasn’t to me:joy:
.
ATB, J
That doesn’t sound quite convincing to n tbh. I suspect you may not have bottomed this out yet.
Oh thanks 
. I’m keeping 
, however, I wouldn’t be at all surprised.
I’ll post if I uncover any deeper mystery.
Update : It would appear you are indeed correct…… again. The Core has reverted to No Backup Device Configured following a further CD rip which should have created a new differential backup.
Just confirms the broader view that Naim can’t write software for toffee, everyone gets a different response from supposedly identical products.
As an aside, is your backup device online 24/7 - I tend to shut down the NAS when not in use?
Update : This is just weird! Setting a scheduled monthly backup, selecting the previously used Backup Device then allows the Backup Now option to identify the previous Backup Device and perform a differential backup - 17 files in this case.
Makes absolutely no sense to me.
Update: It’s beginning to look like the loss of backup configuration is associated with powering down the Synology NAS used as the backup device…… perhaps a USB device locally connected to the core would be a more reliable option?
Update: So it does seem to be related to the status of the designated backup device - having left the NAS powered up and obviously visible to the network, the Uniti Core has not lost its backup configuration and continues to show the status of the most recent differential backup; ie Success, 17 files processed, etc. which is indeed correct.
I will continue to monitor in this configuration.
Update: We’ll, that appears to be it……. maybe, probably, still not certain. However, as long as the Configured Backup Device, the Synology NAS, remains online, the Uniti Core retains its backup configuration, identifying said NAS and correctly reporting the most recent differential backup. Why it cannot retain that information if the NAS is powered off I have no idea.
ATB, J
Both the NAS and the Core have been online now for 6-7 hours, the Core in both powered up, ripping mode and network standby. The Backup Device, the NAS, remains showing as configured on the Core. If the NAS is powered off the Core will ‘forget’ its backup configuration within a few minute. Bringing the NAS back up online does not really resolve the although, as posted above, fiddling about with the Scheduled Backup may restore its memory….
Update: NAS left powered up and online for 24+ hrs now, still available as the Configured Backup Device, so looks as if that’s the root cause.
ATB, J
Quick question for @davidhendon . Do you use a local or network Designated Backup Device and, if the latter, eg a NAS, is it running 24/7?
Many thanks,
ATB, J
I use a local USB drive and I plug it into my Core whenever I feel the need, which is less often than used to be the case, because I stream from Presto rather than buy new CDs or downloads.
Response from Naim Support is that the Uniti Core expects a network based Designated Backup Device to be continually available. Should the device be powered down or otherwise go offline, the Core with lose the path and hence ‘forget’ the backup device configuration.
Probably the best option is to use a USB backup device directly connected to the Core.
ATB, J
Apologies for a slight deviation, but another quick question for @davidhendon
How much space do you recommend to leave free on the Core’s internal HD, as it can get a bit unpredictable when filled up totally, can’t it? Are we talking 5/10mb or 5/10gb?
I would say 10% to be on the safe side.
Thank you.
Eh? Don’t understand the reply . Perhaps intended for someone else?
ATB, J
It will likely depend on the drive you have installed as much as on the Core itself. The drive manaufacturer may provide a spec for this.
On the Unitiserve, Naim recommended keeping at least 4GB free on the 2TB internal drive. I’m not aware of any figure they specified for the Core.
Sorry, I was intending to reply to fotobrooks who asked the question above - I have amended my post accordingly.
Naim haven’t specified it for the UnitiCore Chris, but from long experience of helping people with Core issues, I know that things get unpredictable as the internal drive fills up to near its limit.
My suggestion of 10% free space is about where I would be looking to replace the drive with a larger one. Whether that is too conservative is anyone’s guess, but drives are cheap enough now that it makes no sense to me to hold on until the last couple of Gb is full!