QNAP NAS Error Code 38: How to Fix It

Medium 30-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
38
Brand
QNAP
Product Type
nas
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-60 minutes
QNAP Error Code 38 appears when a Hybrid Backup Sync 3 (HBS3) backup job fails to complete successfully on your QNAP NAS device. This can happen due to network connectivity problems, misconfigured backup settings, insufficient storage space, credential issues with the destination, or software glitches within HBS3 itself. While this is a medium-severity error, it means your data is not being backed up as scheduled, so resolving it promptly is important to protect your files.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 38

  1. Check the HBS3 Job Log for Specific Error Details

  2. Verify Destination Storage Credentials

    Do not share your cloud storage API keys or credentials with anyone. Treat them like passwords.

  3. Check Available Storage Space on the Destination

  4. Test Network Connectivity to the Backup Destination

  5. Review and Correct Backup Job Settings

  6. Update HBS3 and QTS Firmware to the Latest Version

    Back up your NAS configuration settings before performing a firmware update. Go to Control Panel > Backup/Restore > Export Configuration to save your current setup.

  7. Reinitialize or Recreate the Backup Job

  8. Restart the HBS3 Service and the NAS

    Ensure no other active processes — such as ongoing downloads, Plex streams, or surveillance recordings — are running before restarting the NAS to avoid data corruption.
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When to Call a Professional

Contact QNAP technical support if Error Code 38 persists after completing all steps above, especially if the HBS3 job logs show internal system errors, the QTS firmware fails to update, or you suspect file system corruption on your NAS volumes. You should also seek professional help if your backup data is critical and you are unsure about any configuration changes. QNAP offers official support via their help desk at support.qnap.com. If your NAS is under warranty and hardware is suspected to be involved, arrange a warranty service request rather than attempting hardware repairs yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does QNAP HBS3 Error Code 38 mean?
Error Code 38 in QNAP's Hybrid Backup Sync 3 (HBS3) is a general backup job failure code. It means the backup task did not complete successfully. The root cause can vary — it may be due to network issues, wrong credentials, not enough space on the destination, an invalid source or destination path, or a software bug. Checking the job log inside HBS3 will show you the specific reason for the failure.
How do I find the detailed error log for a failed HBS3 backup job?
Open the HBS3 app in your QNAP web interface, click on 'Job List,' find the failed job, and click the log icon or select 'View Log.' The log will display timestamps and detailed messages explaining exactly why the job failed, such as 'authentication failed,' 'connection timed out,' or 'destination path not found.' This information is essential for pinpointing the exact fix needed.
Can expired cloud credentials cause QNAP HBS3 Error Code 38?
Yes, expired or changed cloud credentials are one of the most common causes of Error Code 38. If you have updated your password on Amazon S3, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, or another cloud service, you must also update those credentials inside HBS3 under 'Storage Spaces.' After updating, use the 'Test Connection' button to verify the link before re-running your backup job.
Will QNAP Error Code 38 cause me to lose my existing backup data?
No, Error Code 38 only means the most recent backup job failed to run or complete. Your previously completed backup files stored at the destination should remain intact. However, it is important to resolve the issue quickly so your backup stays current and your data remains protected in case of a NAS failure or accidental deletion.
How do I prevent QNAP HBS3 Error Code 38 from happening again?
To reduce the chances of future HBS3 backup failures, keep your QTS firmware and HBS3 app updated, monitor destination storage space regularly, use a stable wired network connection for your NAS, set up email or push notifications in QTS so you are alerted immediately when a backup job fails, and periodically test your backup credentials by running a manual backup. Enabling job retry options within HBS3 settings can also help recover automatically from brief network interruptions.

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