Use the Dashboard's RAID Management page to monitor and manage the RAID configuration of your Network Space MAX.
Note: This chapter refers to the Network Space MAX only. Please note that the Network Space MAX must have two drives in order to assign RAID 0 or rebuild to a true RAID 1.
Note for Network Space 2 users: While the Network Space 2 casing houses one drive, you may still take advantage of its robust backup features. Go to
Dashboard - Backup to learn how to secure data by configuring automatic backups to an external USB hard drive.
RAID 0: RAID 0 is the fastest RAID mode. In a RAID 0 array, the available capacities of each disk are added together so that one logical volume mounts on the computer. It offers the best performance but no protection should a disk fail.
Caution: If one physical disk in a RAID 0 array fails, all data will be inaccessible since parts of every single file have been written to both disks.
RAID 1: RAID 1 offers protection since all data is written to each disk at the same time. In the event of a single disk failure, data remains available on the other disk. Due to the time it takes to write the data twice, performance is slightly reduced. RAID 1 is a good choice when safety is more important than speed. However RAID 1 also reduces the available disk space by 50% due to the need to write each bit of data on each hard drive.
The default RAID mode depends upon the model of the Network Space MAX:
RAID Mode | Capacity | Protection | Factory Default |
RAID 0 | 100% | | Network Space MAX dual disk |
RAID 1 | 50% | | Network Space MAX single disk1 |
1 Since it has only one disk, the Network Space MAX single disk cannot work in a true RAID 1 configuration that writes all data to a partner hard drive. However, it is shipped “RAID-ready” in preparation for RAID 1. See below for further details on rebuilding a RAID 1 array after adding a second disk.
Important info on adding a hard drive to the Network Space MAX: Both drives in the Network Space MAX should have the same capacity. Examples:
The Network Space MAX single disk includes a 1TB hard drive. When adding a second drive, make certain it also has a capacity of 1TB.
The 4TB Network Space MAX has two disks, each with a capacity of 2TB. If one disk should fail, please replace it with a hard drive of equal capacity.
You can change your RAID configuration at any time. For example, you may have started with a RAID 0 array but decide that you want to move to RAID 1 to protect data stored on the Network Space MAX. The RAID Setup Wizard is an easy tool for adjusting the RAID, offering a few simple steps to suit your needs. However, it is critical that you understand the potential consequences that reconfiguring the RAID will have upon existing data.
If your LaCie storage device is no longer within the warranty period, please use the directions below to replace a failed disk with a healthy disk purchased from a third party. LaCie recommends selecting a disk that is the same model number and capacity as the one it will replace.
Replace a hard drive
Follow the directions below to remove and replace a failed drive.
Remove the hard drive
Caution: After continuous use of the LaCie storage device, drives may be hot. Please use caution when removing one or both drives.
Note on Warranty: While performing the operation below, you may encounter stickers that warn of voiding the warranty. Please make certain that a LaCie Technical Support representative has confirmed the problem and instructed you to move ahead with the disk removal. Performing the action before speaking with a technician may void the warranty.
Identify the failed disk. Hard Disk MAX: The drive's LED has turned red. Network Space MAX: Consult the RAID page in the Dashboard.
Hard Disk MAX only: Note the RAID switch position (BIG = RAID 0, SAFE = RAID 1).
Turn off and unplug the LaCie device.
The top enclosure must be removed to access the drives. Use your index finger to gently pull the front lip of the casing, specifically in the center, where the top shell clasps to the bottom plate.
Once it is unclasped, carefully pry the top shell from the bottom plate.
Unfasten the screws holding the drive to the bay. Each disk is fastened to a bay by four screws, two on each side.
Remove the failed drive.
Return the failed drive to LaCie as explained by the LaCie Customer Support representative.
Replace the hard drive
Important info: LaCie recommends using a disk that is the same model number and capacity as the one it will replace.
Once you have received the replacement drive:
Carefully insert the replacement drive into the empty drive bay. When fastening the drive to the bay, please make certain to use the same four screws that were included with the device. Using other screws could damage the unit and void your warranty.
Close the casing.
Hard Disk MAX only: Please make certain that the RAID switch position (BIG, SAFE) has not changed.
Turn on the LaCie storage device. If the RAID setting is RAID 1, the front LED will blink blue and the rear LED will blink red during the rebuild. A RAID 1 rebuild may take several hours depending upon the capacity of your disks.
Technical note: Data is accessible during a RAID 1 rebuild. However, performance may be affected.
Replace the enclosure
Follow the directions below to remove and replace a failed or failing enclosure.
Caution: After continuous use of the LaCie storage device, drives may be hot. Please use caution when removing one or both drives.
Note on Warranty: While performing the operation below, you may encounter stickers that warn of voiding the warranty. Please make certain that a LaCie Technical Support representative has confirmed the problem and instructed you to move ahead with the disk removal. Performing the action before speaking with a technician may void the warranty.
Remove the disks from the enclosure
Hard Disk MAX only: Before removing the enclosure, please note the position of the RAID switch (BIG or SAFE).
Turn off and unplug the LaCie storage device.
The enclosure must be opened to remove the drives. Use your index finger to gently pull the front lip of the casing, specifically in the center, where the top shell clasps to the bottom plate.
Once it is unclasped, carefully pry the top shell from the bottom plate.
Unfasten the screws holding the drive to the bay. Each disk is fastened to a bay by four screws, two on each side.
Remove the drives from the bays of the failing enclosure. Please place the disks in a safe place along with the eight screws that hold them to the enclosure. Note the bay that each disk came from (bottom and top).
Return the failing enclosure to LaCie as explained by the LaCie Customer Support representative.
Insert the disks into the replacement enclosure
Once you have received the replacement enclosure from LaCie:
Open the replacement enclosure and carefully insert the drives into the same bay locations they held in the original enclosure. When fastening the drives to their bays, please make certain to use the same eight screws that were included with the device. Using other screws could damage the unit and void your warranty.
Close the replacement enclosure and make certain that the RAID switch is the same as the original enclosure.
Connect the enclosure to your computer and turn it on.