Re-Setting Up My Cloud EX2 Ultra - Steps guide

The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a powerful network-attached storage (NAS) device designed for centralizing and protecting data. However, there may be times when you need to re-set it up—whether after a network change, firmware update, or troubleshooting. The process is straightforward, but it requires careful steps to ensure that your data remains safe.

Step One: Back Up Important Data

Before performing any reset or reconfiguration, back up critical files to another drive or cloud service. Although a soft reset does not erase data, a full system restore can. Taking this precaution avoids accidental loss.

Step Two: Decide Between Soft Reset and Full Restore

Soft Reset: Pressing the reset button at the back of the unit for about four seconds resets the admin password and network settings to default without deleting stored data.

System Only Restore: Resets settings like users, groups, and permissions while keeping files intact.

Full Factory Restore: Erases everything, including files, returning the NAS to original factory state. Use this only if you want a fresh start.

Step Three: Connect to the Network

After resetting, reconnect the My Cloud EX2 Ultra to your router using an Ethernet cable. Wait a few minutes for the device to boot and acquire a new IP address.

Step Four: Access the Dashboard

On your computer, open a web browser and type the device’s IP address or visit mycloud com/setup. The setup wizard will guide you through language selection, user creation, and initial configuration.

Step Five: Reconfigure Settings

Once inside the dashboard, you can:

Recreate users and assign permissions.

Set up shared folders for different purposes.

Configure RAID (JBOD, RAID 0, or RAID 1) depending on performance or redundancy needs.

Reconnect cloud access for remote file management.

Enable backups for computers and mobile devices.

Step Six: Update Firmware

Check for the latest firmware under Settings > Firmware Update. Running the newest version ensures stability, performance improvements, and security patches.

Step Seven: Test Accessibility

Try accessing your NAS from multiple devices—PC, Mac, and smartphone apps. Confirm that files can be uploaded, downloaded, and streamed without issues.

Final Thoughts

Re-setting up the My Cloud EX2 Ultra helps resolve configuration errors, forgotten passwords, or connectivity issues. By carefully backing up data, choosing the correct reset method, and reconfiguring settings through the dashboard, you can restore your NAS quickly and continue enjoying secure, centralized storage.