If you’re a Synology NAS user who frequently connects and disconnects USB drives, automating the ejection process can save you time and prevent data corruption. In this article, we will walk through the steps to create a script that will eject a USB disk automatically via the Task Scheduler on your Synology NAS.
Understanding the Problem
Many users face the inconvenience of manually ejecting USB drives from their Synology NAS. When USB drives are not properly ejected, there's a risk of losing data or corrupting the file system. Automating this process is a practical solution.
Original Code Scenario
Here’s a simplified example of how one might set up the script for ejecting a USB drive. You can use this command in your script:
umount /dev/sdb1
Note that /dev/sdb1 is a placeholder for the actual device identifier of your USB drive. You will need to replace it with the correct identifier that your system assigns to your USB disk.
Creating the Eject Script
Step 1: Identify Your USB Drive
Before proceeding, you need to identify the device identifier for your USB drive. You can do this by connecting the USB drive and running the following command in your SSH terminal:
lsblk
This will list all block devices, and you can find your USB drive’s identifier (for example, /dev/sdb1).
Step 2: Create the Eject Script
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Log in to your Synology NAS via SSH.
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Create a new script file using a text editor, such as
viornano:vi /usr/local/bin/eject_usb.sh -
In the editor, add the following lines to the script:
#!/bin/bash umount /dev/sdb1 -
Save the file and exit the editor.
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Make the script executable with the following command:
chmod +x /usr/local/bin/eject_usb.sh
Step 3: Schedule the Script
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Open the Task Scheduler on your Synology NAS interface.
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Click on “Create” and select “Scheduled Task” → “User-defined script”.
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Set a name for your task (e.g., "Eject USB Drive").
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Under the “Task Settings” tab, in the "User-defined script" box, enter the following:
/usr/local/bin/eject_usb.sh -
Set the schedule for how often or when you want the script to run (for example, daily, weekly, or triggered by a specific event).
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Click “OK” to save the task.
Additional Explanations
Why Automate USB Ejection?
Automating the ejection of USB drives can greatly enhance the efficiency of your workflows. For instance, if you regularly transfer large files to your USB drive, doing this manually can be time-consuming. Automation minimizes the risk of user error, ensuring that the device is always properly unmounted and your data is safe.
Practical Example
Consider a scenario where you use a Synology NAS for regular backups to a USB drive. By scheduling the ejection task right after the backup completes, you ensure the drive is safely ejected, leaving you free to remove it without worrying about data loss.
Conclusion
Automating the ejection of USB drives on Synology NAS can streamline your operations and safeguard your data. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll create a reliable system for managing your external storage devices efficiently.
Useful Resources
By incorporating this script into your NAS routine, you enhance your data management skills, protect your information, and utilize your Synology NAS more effectively.
