JackTheRyder

I've been running an Xpenology 6.1.7 using the DSM_DS3615xs_15284.pat file on a ASROCK C2550D4i for two years now. All of a sudden it's not working anymore. I think the NIC is dead so I used another one and changed the mac1 with grub but it's still not connecting. I'm thinking of just using Synology. I have 5 drives in SHR-2. Can I put this in a 5 drives into a real synology and start over without data loss? As far as I know, the DSM_DS3615xs_15284.pat image refers to a 12 bay model. Would it work?

How is the generator creating a valid serial number? Does that mean it's registered against Synology databases and Synology knows you're using their OS on your own hardware? I can download and install apps from the package center so that means they're allowing it but could take it away at any moment?

This app from the tutorial generates a SN https://xpenogen.github.io/serial_generator/index.html Is this a valid serial number against Synology Databases? There's some services such as Quick Connect and 2-step authentication that seem to use Synology services. Does Synology allow all this?

So it's actually a new stepping that fixes the component degradation issue?

Is it free shipping both ways? I got it mid 2016, didn't use it till now.

I have a ASRock C2550d4i. Is it better to install Synology baremetal and run VMs inside Synology or install ESXi and install Synology as a VM?