Below is a general procedure that works for most of the generators listed above.
A small USB flash drive (8GB or larger) to act as the permanent bootloader.
Ensure your hardware matches the architecture of the Synology model you wish to emulate: xpenology+new+serial+generator+2021
The serial must match the model, e.g., for a DS918+, the serial typically starts with a specific combination of letters/numbers representing the manufacturer and year.
Connect the NAS to your local network via an Ethernet cable and power it on. Below is a general procedure that works for
Users manually edited a file named grub.cfg using a text editor.
Download the latest image of a modern loader (such as the bootloader) from its official GitHub repository. Download a flashing tool like BalenaEtcher or Rufus . Connect the NAS to your local network via
: A serial number is only half the battle. You often need to modify your bootloader's grub.cfg file to match the generated Serial (SN) and the physical MAC address of your network card. Edit grub.cfg :
: Always run your custom storage server behind an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) configured to shut down the system safely during power outages to avoid array corruption.
The new serial generator for Xpenology in 2021 marks a significant advancement for users looking to leverage the power of Synology's DSM on their own hardware. While challenges and considerations exist, the development underscores the vibrant and supportive nature of the Xpenology community. As with any technology solution, users should proceed with caution, ensuring they are compliant with all relevant terms and conditions.
However, with this power comes responsibility. Xpenology users must weigh the benefits of cost savings and customization against the risks of data loss, security vulnerabilities, and legal exposure. For many, the excitement of building a “white box” Synology clone is worth the trade-offs. For others, the safer path is to embrace fully open-source alternatives.