[URGENT] Large Server (90TB) — Library Scans Stalling on Synology NAS

[BaNanaBlocks 10]

Running into a persistent issue I haven’t seen in years and could really use an experienced set of eyes.

• Emby Server: Windows PC
• Storage: Multiple Synology NAS devices (currently 2, adding a 3rd)
• Library Size: ~90TB

Issue:
Two of my largest libraries will not complete a scan.

• Scans start but never finish
• Content remains unavailable for playback
• Metadata is not updating

This has been happening consistently for several days now.

Impact:
This is effectively blocking access to a large portion of my media and breaking normal server operation.

What I’ve tried:

• Re-running scans multiple times
• Waiting extended periods (no completion)

Request:
Looking for guidance on:

• Identifying what’s causing the scan to stall
• Logs or diagnostics I should pull immediately
• Known issues with large libraries + Synology setups

Happy to provide logs, screenshots, or run targeted tests right away.

Edited March 27 by BaNanaBlocks
Added additional information.

[js28194 42]

Never had a large library scan prevent any playback.  They can happen concurrently with no issues.  The better minds would need the EmberServer.txt log file to take a peek.  Sounds like drive/access issue.

[BaNanaBlocks 10]

1 hour ago, js28194 said:

Never had a large library scan prevent any playback.  They can happen concurrently with no issues.  The better minds would need the EmberServer.txt log file to take a peek.  Sounds like drive/access issue.

Thank you. I've been planning to migrate the TV Shows library to a new NAS. Once that's complete, I'll see if the problem persists. I'll keep this post updated.

[Nathanael 7]

Your symptoms look more like network bandwith then a problem with the server. My 60TB library does not have this issue, and i have an old low power 2011 xeon.

[BaNanaBlocks 10]

Now that all the data has finally transferred over to the new NAS, everything seems to be functioning as usual. You would think that with 2TB of free space on the NAS, EMBY wouldn't have any caching issues, but I can only guess that that was the issue since no one from EMBY ever responded to my issue. I guess this is not the way to contact someone from EMBY. Oh well. I'll close this issue and mark it as resolved. 

[BaNanaBlocks 10]

On 3/28/2026 at 1:55 PM, Nathanael said:

Your symptoms look more like network bandwith then a problem with the server. My 60TB library does not have this issue, and i have an old low power 2011 xeon.

I have all my NAS devices, the EMBY server computer, and our internet provider on a 1Gb network, so I don't think bandwidth should be an issue. But I will definitely look into that, just in case. Thank you for the response.

[js28194 42]

3 hours ago, BaNanaBlocks said:

Now that all the data has finally transferred over to the new NAS, everything seems to be functioning as usual. You would think that with 2TB of free space on the NAS, EMBY wouldn't have any caching issues, but I can only guess that that was the issue since no one from EMBY ever responded to my issue. I guess this is not the way to contact someone from EMBY. Oh well. I'll close this issue and mark it as resolved. 

Huh?  You posted ZERO logs, Never shared your settings on where your cache may or may not be stored and BLAMING EMBY team for not assisting?  I'm assuming you think they can mind read or teleport into your system.  Do you pay for remote support?  Yuck!!!  Nobody INCLUDING you have a clue what solved your problem.  Posting your own solution I suppose I'm glad you got it resolved.

[Apotropaic 62]

Not scientific but I’ve sometimes seen issues with just the sheer number of files in a single large volume.

Yet a larger share with larger file sizes but less files is relatively quicker.

There’s also the potential for the metadata providers rate limiting you, or something else being rate limited (I never investigated it enough).

My volumes are no where as large as yours but single libraries would sometimes take over 12 hours to scan back in.

[Luke 42304]

@BaNanaBlocks

Hi there, please attach the Emby server log from when the problem occurred:

How to Report a Problem

Thanks!

 

[BaNanaBlocks 10]

On 4/6/2026 at 4:27 PM, Luke said:

@BaNanaBlocks

Hi there, please attach the Emby server log from when the problem occurred:

How to Report a Problem

Thanks!

 

Hi Luke. Wow... it seems like I've upset several people here. I'm so sorry. It looks like several folks are mad at me for not providing logs, but I just didn't have the time. My mother had an emergency "episode" and I had to abandon all my own issues to assist her. I'm very sorry that I didn't do a better job of reporting and providing additional information for my problem. I hope the community will forgive me and I promise to do better the next time. 

 

On 4/2/2026 at 1:49 PM, js28194 said:

Huh?  You posted ZERO logs, Never shared your settings on where your cache may or may not be stored and BLAMING EMBY team for not assisting?  I'm assuming you think they can mind read or teleport into your system.  Do you pay for remote support?  Yuck!!!  Nobody INCLUDING you have a clue what solved your problem.  Posting your own solution I suppose I'm glad you got it resolved.

[Luke 42304]

22 hours ago, BaNanaBlocks said:

Hi Luke. Wow... it seems like I've upset several people here. I'm so sorry. It looks like several folks are mad at me for not providing logs, but I just didn't have the time. My mother had an emergency "episode" and I had to abandon all my own issues to assist her. I'm very sorry that I didn't do a better job of reporting and providing additional information for my problem. I hope the community will forgive me and I promise to do better the next time. 

 

HI, thanks for the update. I hope your mother is doing OK. We will be here when you need us.

[BaNanaBlocks 10]

1 hour ago, Luke said:

HI, thanks for the update. I hope your mother is doing OK. We will be here when you need us.

Thank you Luke. Mama is fine today. Alzheimer's. You just never know when the lightning is going to strike. I appreciate your kind words! You have always been so kind and patient and it is much appreciated.