QNAP NAS Error Code 45: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
45
Brand
QNAP
Product Type
nas
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
QNAP Error Code 45 appears in the Multimedia Station app on your QNAP NAS when a required media codec is missing or not properly installed, preventing certain video or audio files from playing back correctly. This is a software-level issue and does not indicate any hardware failure on your NAS device. In most cases, you can resolve this by installing or reinstalling the appropriate codec packages through the QNAP App Center.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 45

  1. Log In to the QNAP Admin Interface

  2. Check the Current QTS or QuTS Hero Firmware Version

    Do NOT power off the NAS during a firmware update. Ensure the NAS is connected to a reliable power source before starting the update process.

  3. Open the App Center and Update Multimedia Station

  4. Install the CodexPack or Media Codec Add-On

  5. Reinstall Multimedia Station Completely

    Uninstalling Multimedia Station will not delete your media files stored on the NAS volumes, but any custom playlists or app-specific settings within Multimedia Station may be reset.

  6. Enable Hardware Transcoding (If Applicable)

  7. Check and Repair the Media Library

  8. Restart the Multimedia Station Service via SSH

    Only use SSH if you are comfortable with command-line interfaces. Incorrect commands entered via SSH can affect NAS functionality. Do not run any commands other than the one specified here unless you are an advanced user.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have reinstalled Multimedia Station and all codec packages, updated the firmware, and restarted services via SSH and Error Code 45 still persists, contact QNAP Technical Support directly at support.qnap.com. You should also seek professional support if your NAS is under warranty, if you are unsure about using SSH commands, or if the error is accompanied by other system alerts indicating storage volume or hardware issues. QNAP's support team can remotely diagnose deeper application or OS-level problems that go beyond standard user troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does QNAP Error Code 45 mean?
QNAP Error Code 45 means that the Multimedia Station application cannot find a required media codec needed to play back or transcode a specific video or audio file. It is a software issue, not a hardware problem, and can usually be fixed by installing or reinstalling codec packages through the App Center.
Will fixing Error Code 45 delete my media files?
No. Reinstalling Multimedia Station or installing codec packages does not touch your media files stored on NAS volumes. Your photos, videos, and music remain safe. You may lose custom Multimedia Station playlists or app settings, but all underlying data is preserved.
Which codec package should I install to fix QNAP Error 45?
Search the QNAP App Center for packages named 'CodexPack', 'Media Codec', or 'FFmpeg'. The correct package depends on your NAS model and QTS version. Install all available codec-related packages and then relaunch Multimedia Station to see if the error is resolved.
Can QNAP Error Code 45 affect all file types or just specific ones?
Error Code 45 typically affects specific file formats that require a codec that is not installed, such as certain H.265 (HEVC), MKV, or less common audio codecs. Common formats like MP4 H.264 usually play fine. If only certain files trigger the error, that confirms a missing codec for that particular format.
Does my QNAP NAS model affect whether I can fix Error Code 45?
Yes, partially. Some older or lower-end QNAP NAS models do not support hardware transcoding, which limits the codec formats they can handle via Multimedia Station. Check the QNAP compatibility and specification page for your model to confirm which codecs and transcoding features are supported. If your model cannot support a required codec, converting media files to a compatible format (such as H.264 MP4) before storing them on the NAS is a practical workaround.

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