Synology NAS Error Code 68: How to Fix It
Medium 30-90 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 68
- Brand
- Synology
- Product Type
- nas
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated Fix Time
- 30-90 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Web browser (to access DSM interface)
- SSH client (e.g., PuTTY for Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux)
- SQLite3 command-line tool (available via DSM package or pre-installed)
- External storage drive or cloud destination for backups
How to Fix Error Code 68
-
Check DSM Notifications and Logs
Do not attempt to delete or modify any log files manually, as this may complicate further diagnosis. -
Verify Available Storage Space
Back up important data before making any storage changes. Do not delete files you cannot recover. -
Stop and Restart the Chat Package
-
Repair the Chat Package
Ensure your NAS has a stable internet connection before starting the repair process. Do not interrupt power during the repair. -
Use SSH to Check and Repair the Database
Always back up the database file before running any repair commands. Incorrect SQL commands can permanently destroy chat history. Disable SSH access again after you are finished for security purposes. -
Uninstall and Reinstall the Chat Package
Uninstalling without retaining data will permanently delete all chat history and settings. Confirm your backup is complete before proceeding. -
Update DSM and the Chat Package
Back up your NAS configuration and critical data before applying DSM firmware updates. Do not power off the NAS during an update.
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When to Call a Professional
Contact Synology technical support if the database corruption is severe and cannot be repaired using SQLite tools, if the error recurs after a clean reinstall, or if the NAS volume itself shows signs of hardware failure such as bad sectors or repeated RAID degradation warnings. You should also seek professional help if you are uncomfortable using SSH and command-line tools to perform database repairs, or if critical business chat data must be recovered from a corrupted database by a data recovery specialist.Frequently Asked Questions
Will fixing Error Code 68 delete my Synology Chat history?
Not necessarily. Steps like restarting the package, running a repair, or performing an SQLite integrity check do not delete chat data. However, if you choose to fully uninstall and reinstall the Chat package without selecting 'Keep data', all chat history will be permanently deleted. Always back up the database files before attempting a full reinstall.
What causes Synology NAS Error Code 68?
Error Code 68 is caused by a fault in the DSM Chat application's database. Common causes include disk space running out on the NAS volume, sudden power loss during a database write operation, a failed or incomplete Chat package update, or file system errors on the underlying storage volume.
Can I still use my NAS while Error Code 68 is active?
Yes. Error Code 68 is specific to the Synology Chat package and does not affect other NAS functions such as file sharing, Plex, Surveillance Station, or other packages. You can continue using your NAS normally while troubleshooting this error, but Chat messaging will be unavailable or unreliable until the issue is resolved.
How do I prevent Synology Chat database errors in the future?
Keep DSM and all packages updated to their latest versions. Ensure your NAS volume always has at least 15-20% free space. Use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to protect against sudden power loss during write operations. Enable scheduled backups of NAS configuration and application data using Hyper Backup.
Does Synology Error Code 68 indicate a failing hard drive?
Not directly. Error Code 68 points to a software-level database fault rather than physical hardware failure. However, if you also see SMART warnings, bad sector alerts, or RAID degradation in Storage Manager alongside this error, your underlying hard drives should be tested and potentially replaced. Run a SMART test from Storage Manager > HDD/SSD to rule out hardware issues.