Synology NAS Error Code 43: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
43
Brand
Synology
Product Type
nas
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
Error 43 on Synology DSM indicates that an external USB or eSATA drive was disconnected unexpectedly. This can happen due to loose connections, power issues, or drive errors. Follow these steps to safely reconnect and prevent data loss.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 43

  1. Safely Eject and Reconnect the Drive

    Always use the 'Safely Remove' option in DSM to eject external drives to avoid data corruption.
  2. Check Physical Connections

  3. Run a Drive Health Check

    Back up important data before running diagnostics to avoid loss.
  4. Check DSM and File System

  5. Test on a Different Computer

Parts You May Need

USB 3.0 cable (compatible)
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External hard drive enclosure
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USB 3.0 cable (compatible)
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External hard drive enclosure
Check Price on Amazon
USB 3.0 cable (compatible)
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive enclosure
Check Price on Amazon
USB 3.0 cable (compatible)
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive enclosure
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

If the drive works on another computer but not on the NAS, or if DSM reports hardware failure (e.g., bad USB controller), contact Synology support or a professional IT technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Synology error 43 mean?
Error 43 indicates that an external storage device connected via USB or eSATA was disconnected unexpectedly. This can be due to loose cables, power issues, or a failing drive.
Can error 43 cause data loss?
The error itself doesn't cause data loss, but unexpected disconnections can lead to file system corruption. Always safely eject drives to minimize risk.
How do I safely eject an external drive on Synology?
Go to Control Panel > External Devices, select the drive, and click the eject button. Wait for the notification that it's safe to remove.
Is error 43 serious?
It's moderate. It often resolves with a simple reconnect or cable replacement, but persistent errors may indicate a failing drive or hardware issue.
Will reformatting the external drive fix error 43?
Formating should be a last resort as it erases data. Only do this after backing up files, if file system checks fail.