QNAP NAS Error Code 60: How to Fix It

Q: Will I lose my data when QNAP shows Error Code 60?

Not necessarily — a degraded storage pool (Error Code 60) means the RAID array is operating in a reduced protective state, but your data is usually still accessible. However, your data is at serious risk if a second drive fails before you rebuild the array. Back up your data immediately and replace the failed drive as soon as possible to restore full redundancy.

Q: How long does a QNAP RAID rebuild take after replacing a drive?

RAID rebuild time depends on the size of your drives and the RAID type. For a 4TB drive in a RAID 5 array, expect 8 to 24 hours. Larger drives (8TB, 12TB, 16TB) can take 24 to 48 hours or longer. The NAS remains usable during the rebuild, but heavy use will slow the process down.

Q: Can I use a larger drive than the original when replacing a failed drive in QNAP?

Yes, you can use a drive with equal or greater capacity than the original. However, in most RAID configurations (RAID 1, 5, 6), the extra capacity of the larger drive will not be usable unless all drives in the pool are replaced with larger drives and the pool is expanded. Using a smaller drive than the original is not permitted.

Q: My QNAP NAS shows a degraded pool but all drives look healthy — what should I do?

If S.M.A.R.T. tests show all drives are healthy but the pool is still degraded, try reseating each drive firmly in its bay after a proper shutdown. Also check the System Logs in QTS for any clues. Update your QNAP firmware and check the QNAP compatibility list to ensure all drives are officially supported. If the issue persists, contact QNAP technical support.

Q: Does QNAP Error Code 60 always mean a drive has physically failed?

Not always. A storage pool can become degraded due to a loose drive connection, a sudden power outage that caused a drive to drop from the array, or even a firmware glitch. Before assuming a drive has failed, check physical connections and review the System Logs. Sometimes simply reseating the drive and rebooting the NAS resolves the degraded status without needing a replacement.

Abstract

QNAP Error Code 60 indicates that your NAS storage pool is in a degraded state, meaning one or more drives in your RAID array have failed or been removed, leaving your data at risk. While your NAS may still be accessible, you are no longer protected against additional drive failures until the pool is rebuilt. Acting quickly is critical — a second drive failure before you rebuild could result in total data loss.