nas-tools/synology_usb_copy_troubleshooting.md

Synology USB Copy Troubleshooting

Issue

USB Copy shows "Unavailable" status with message: "No USB/SD storage mounted to the front port or storage used for another task"

Possible Causes

1. No USB Device Connected

• USB/SD card not plugged into the front USB port
• USB device not properly connected
• USB device not recognized by Synology

2. USB Device Already in Use

• USB device mounted for another purpose (file sharing, etc.)
• Another USB Copy task using the same device
• USB device mounted as a shared folder

3. USB Copy Task Configuration Issue

• Task configured but USB device not detected
• Wrong USB port selected in task settings
• USB device format not supported

Solutions

Solution 1: Check USB Device Connection

1. Physically check:

   • Ensure USB device is plugged into the front USB port (not rear ports)
   • Try unplugging and reconnecting
   • Try a different USB device to test

2. Check in DSM:

   • Control Panel → External Devices
   • See if USB device appears in the list
   • Check if it shows as "Mounted" or "Unmounted"

Solution 2: Unmount USB Device from Other Uses

1. Check if USB is mounted as shared folder:

   • Control Panel → Shared Folder
   • Look for USB device name
   • If found, unmount it first

2. Check other USB Copy tasks:

   • USB Copy → Check all tasks
   • See if another task is using the USB device
   • Disable or delete conflicting tasks

3. Unmount manually:

   • Control Panel → External Devices
   • Select USB device → Unmount
   • Then try USB Copy again

Solution 3: Check USB Copy Task Settings

1. Open USB Copy task:

   • USB Copy → Select "Copy Button" task
   • Go to "Task Settings" tab

2. Verify settings:

   • Source: Should be [USB] or specific USB device
   • Destination: Should be valid path
   • Make sure correct USB port is selected

3. Check "Trigger Time" tab:

   • Ensure trigger is properly configured
   • If using "Copy Button" trigger, ensure button is enabled

Solution 4: Restart USB Copy Service

1. Stop USB Copy:

   • Package Center → USB Copy → Stop

2. Unmount all USB devices:

   • Control Panel → External Devices → Unmount all

3. Restart USB Copy:

   • Package Center → USB Copy → Start

4. Reconnect USB device:

   • Plug USB device into front port
   • Wait for it to be recognized
   • Try USB Copy again

Solution 5: Check USB Device Format

• Supported formats: FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+, ext4
• Not supported: Some encrypted formats, certain proprietary formats
• Try formatting USB device to FAT32 or exFAT if needed

Diagnostic Steps

1. Check USB device recognition:

   SSH to NAS → Run: lsusb
   Or check: Control Panel → External Devices
   

2. Check mount status:

   SSH to NAS → Run: mount | grep usb
   Or check: Control Panel → External Devices → Status
   

3. Check USB Copy logs:

   • USB Copy → Settings → View logs
   • Look for error messages

Common Issues

Issue: "Copy Button" Task Shows Unavailable

• Cause: USB device not detected or already mounted elsewhere
• Fix: Unmount USB device from other uses, then reconnect

Issue: USB Device Not Detected

• Cause: Wrong port, unsupported format, or hardware issue
• Fix: Try front port, check format, try different USB device

Issue: Task Configured But Won't Run

• Cause: USB device mounted as shared folder or used by another task
• Fix: Unmount from shared folders, disable other USB Copy tasks

Quick Fix Checklist

• USB device plugged into front USB port
• USB device appears in Control Panel → External Devices
• USB device is not mounted as shared folder
• No other USB Copy tasks using the same device
• USB Copy service is running (Package Center)
• USB device format is supported (FAT32/exFAT/NTFS)
• Try unmounting and reconnecting USB device

If Still Not Working

1. Check Synology logs:

   • Control Panel → Log Center
   • Look for USB-related errors

2. Try different USB device:

   • Test if issue is device-specific

3. Check Synology model compatibility:

   • Some older models have USB Copy limitations
   • Check Synology documentation for your model

4. Contact Synology Support:

   • If hardware issue suspected
   • Provide model number and error details