QNAP NAS Error Code 61: How to Fix It

Medium 1-6 hours (backup and RAID rebuild can take several hours depending on drive size) Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
61
Brand
QNAP
Product Type
nas
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
1-6 hours (backup and RAID rebuild can take several hours depending on drive size)
QNAP Error Code 61 indicates a storage pool fault on your NAS device, meaning the system has detected a problem with one or more of the drives or volume groups that make up your storage pool. This can be caused by a degraded RAID array, a failing hard drive, file system corruption, or an unexpected power loss. Acting quickly is important — while this is a medium-severity error, ignoring it can escalate to data loss if the underlying drive or pool issue is not resolved.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 61

  1. Back Up Your Data Immediately

    Do NOT power off the NAS until you have attempted a backup. Forced shutdown during a degraded RAID state can cause further data loss.

  2. Check Storage Pool Status in QTS

  3. Run a S.M.A.R.T. Test on All Drives

    Do not remove or hot-swap drives while a SMART test is running. Wait for the test to complete fully.

  4. Attempt Storage Pool Recovery in QTS

    Do not power off the NAS or remove any drives during the rebuild process. An interrupted rebuild can make recovery more difficult.

  5. Replace a Failing or Failed Drive

    Always handle drives with care to avoid static discharge. Ground yourself before touching any drive. Confirm your NAS model supports hot-swap before attempting hot-swap replacement — check your QNAP model's user manual.

  6. Run a File System Check

    The file system check may temporarily unmount the volume. Ensure no users or applications are actively writing to the volume before starting.

  7. Update QTS Firmware and Storage Drivers

    Ensure the NAS is connected to a stable power source (preferably a UPS) before starting a firmware update. A power interruption during firmware update can brick the device.

  8. Review System Logs for Root Cause

Parts You May Need

NAS Hard Drive
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UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
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Drive Tray or Caddy
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NAS Hard Drive
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UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
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Drive Tray or Caddy
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NAS Hard Drive
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UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
Check Price on Amazon
Drive Tray or Caddy
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Contact QNAP support or a professional data recovery service if: the storage pool cannot be recovered after replacing a failed drive; multiple drives have failed simultaneously; the pool is completely inaccessible and you cannot back up data; QTS reports controller-level hardware errors; or you are not comfortable opening the NAS enclosure or replacing drives. If the data on the NAS is mission-critical and you cannot access it, do NOT attempt further DIY steps — every action on a failing storage system risks making professional recovery harder or more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does QNAP Error Code 61 mean?
QNAP Error Code 61 means the NAS has detected a storage pool fault. This typically points to a degraded or failed RAID array, one or more failing hard drives, file system corruption, or damage caused by an unexpected power loss. The storage pool may become read-only or completely inaccessible depending on severity.
Will I lose my data if I get Error Code 61 on my QNAP NAS?
Not necessarily, but the risk of data loss is real and increases if you delay action. If you have a RAID 1, 5, 6, or 10 configuration and only one drive has failed, your data is likely still intact and the array can be rebuilt after replacing the drive. However, if multiple drives fail or the file system is severely corrupted, data recovery may require professional tools. Always back up immediately when you see this error.
How do I rebuild a QNAP storage pool after replacing a failed drive?
After inserting a new drive into the failed bay, log in to QTS and go to Storage & Snapshots > Storage > Storage Pools. The system should detect the new drive and offer a 'Rebuild' or 'Recover' option. Click it and confirm. The rebuild process runs in the background and can take several hours. You can monitor progress in the Storage Pools view. Do not power off the NAS during the rebuild.
How long does a QNAP RAID rebuild take?
RAID rebuild time depends on the size of your drives and the number of drives in the array. As a rough guide, expect approximately 1-3 hours per terabyte of drive capacity. A 4TB drive in a RAID 5 array could take 4-12 hours to fully rebuild. The NAS remains usable during the rebuild, but performance will be reduced. Avoid large file operations until the rebuild completes.
Can a QNAP storage pool fault be caused by a power outage?
Yes. An unexpected power outage while the NAS is writing data is a common cause of storage pool faults. It can leave the file system in an inconsistent state or interrupt a RAID write cycle, causing the pool to show as degraded or faulted on next boot. Using a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) with your QNAP NAS is strongly recommended to protect against this. After a power-related fault, running a file system check in QTS usually resolves the issue without data loss.

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