How to install existing media into a new EX2 Ultra without losing data?

If you've purchased a new WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and want to transfer your existing drives (with media/data already on them) into it, the process requires careful planning. Simply inserting drives from another system into the EX2 Ultra may lead to data loss, especially if the drive format or RAID setup is not compatible. Here's how to safely move existing media to a new EX2 Ultra without losing your data.

Step 1: Understand the EX2 Ultra’s Behavior

The WD EX2 Ultra uses a proprietary Linux-based OS and typically formats drives upon initialization. If you insert a used drive into an uninitialized EX2 Ultra, the system may prompt you to format the drive, erasing all existing data. Therefore, directly inserting drives with media from another enclosure or system is not recommended unless you fully understand the file system compatibility.

Step 2: Backup Your Data First

Before doing anything with the EX2 Ultra:

Connect your existing drives to a PC using a SATA-to-USB adapter or docking station.

Back up all important files to another external hard drive or temporary storage.

Use tools like Ext2Fsd or Linux Live USB if your drives are in EXT3/EXT4 format and you're on Windows.

✅ Backing up ensures you don’t risk losing irreplaceable content during the setup.

Step 3: Set Up the EX2 Ultra with New or Blank Drives (Optional)

If possible, initialize the EX2 Ultra using new or blank drives first:

Power on the EX2 Ultra and access the web dashboard.

Configure the system with your desired RAID setup: JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1.

This lets you explore the UI, network settings, and backup options without putting existing data at risk.

Step 4: Use Network or USB Transfer Instead of Direct Insertion

The safest method is to transfer media manually via the network:

Connect your old drive to your PC.

Connect EX2 Ultra to your router and access it on the same network.

Use the EX2 Ultra dashboard to create shared folders for photos, videos, or documents.

Copy files over the network using File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

Alternatively, use WD SmartWare, rsync, or FTP/SFTP for bulk transfers.

This way, your original media stays safe, and you preserve data structure and folder hierarchy.

Step 5: Optional – Use USB Import Feature

The EX2 Ultra has a USB 3.0 port. You can:

Plug your old drive (in an external case) into the USB port.

Use the “USB Backups” option in the dashboard to import files directly into shared folders.

Conclusion

While it may seem tempting to insert old drives directly into the EX2 Ultra, doing so risks immediate data loss. The safest way is to back up your media, initialize the EX2 Ultra properly, and then transfer your data over the network or via USB. This ensures your content remains safe and accessible on your new NAS system.

Let me know if you'd like help setting up RAID or remote access once your data is migrated.