I am currently trying to set up my LincPlus LincStation N2 NAS, which has a single 2TB Western Digital Red SN700 NVMe SSD installed. Here’s a summary of what I’ve done and the problem I’m facing:

Steps Taken

• Initial Setup: Installed the NVMe SSD and powered on the NAS.

• Trial Activation Failed: Tried to activate the 30-day Unraid trial, but it failed with an error.

• Activated 1-Year License: Used the 1-year Unraid license that came with the NAS, but the same error appeared.

• Reset and Reboot: I have already reset and rebooted the NAS multiple times, but the issue persists.

What Happens in the Web Interface

1. I log in to the web interface at tower.local.

2. Since I already used the Redeem Activation Code step, I now use the Recover Key option.

3. I click the Confirm Key Recovery button.

4. The system shows Key Recovery Successful.

5. Then, during the "Performing Actions" window (which says not to close the window), it suddenly displays:

   • Error

   • Something Went Wrong

   • Starter Key Recovery Successfully

   • Calculating OS Update Eligibility

6. After this, nothing else happens. If I close the window, the Array Operation section still shows:

   • "Stopped."

   • The START button is inactive.

   • "Invalid, missing or expired registration key" is displayed.

Log Output

The log repeatedly shows these two lines:

Nov  7 11:13:34 Tower emhttpd: error: get_key_info, 600: Invalid argument (22): stat: /boot/config/Trial.key
Nov  7 11:13:34 Tower emhttpd: error: get_key_info, 600: Invalid argument (22): stat: /boot/config/Starter.key

9 hours ago, oromis said:

Nov  7 11:13:34 Tower emhttpd: error: get_key_info, 600: Invalid argument (22): stat: /boot/config/Trial.key
Nov  7 11:13:34 Tower emhttpd: error: get_key_info, 600: Invalid argument (22): stat: /boot/config/Starter.key

This means the key files are invalid, likely 0 bytes. Make sure the server data and time, including the time zone, are correctly set, and try installing the key again. If it still fails, do a manual key install, copy it to the flash drive /config folder, then reboot.

26 minutes ago, JorgeB said:

This means the key files are invalid, likely 0 bytes. Make sure the server data and time, including the time zone, are correctly set, and try installing the key again. If it still fails, do a manual key install, copy it to the flash drive /config folder, then reboot.

Yes, I found the problem yesterday. It was the date, year 2107. Thanks!

Hi, can I ask how issue was resolved? just received a n2 today and having similar issue re activation the 30 day trial. I don't want to redeem the activation licence code just yet. I have checked to make sure correct date/time is set via settings/date & time in the web browser gui. Quite frustrating tbh

What error do you get when trying to activate the trial? Also post the diagnostics.

9 hours ago, blacknight83 said:

Hi, can I ask how issue was resolved? just received a n2 today and having similar issue re activation the 30 day trial. I don't want to redeem the activation licence code just yet. I have checked to make sure correct date/time is set via settings/date & time in the web browser gui. Quite frustrating tbh

A future date and time were set on the NAS in Unraid. Check if it's set correctly on your system or if you're having the same issue. You can find it in the Settings menu under the Date and Time section. My only problem was this.

Edited July 16, 2025Jul 16 by oromis

Hi, thanks for response, Please see attached video. I am tempted to just redeem at this stage but reckon I will get same issue as you did @oromis

@JorgeB see attached diagnostics

Edited July 16, 2025Jul 16 by blacknight83

It's still on 6.12.15, I believe the trial cannot be started with an old release like that, update to 7.1.4 first. You can do that with the USB tool or manually.

Upgrading Unraid | Unraid Docs

Upgrading Unraid | Unraid Docs

Prerequisites

update, advised to update to latest version and appears to have fixed issue.

Hi @JorgeB ,

I have a quick question regarding the LincStation N2. It appears the device uses a custom Unraid firmware that controls the LED strip via http://tower.local:50000/.

After flashing the USB boot drive using the official Unraid USB Creator with the latest version, it seems this has broken the LED functionality. LincStation support advised me to re-flash the N2 with their custom firmware, which is still based on version 6.12.15. I asked if a newer version is available, but they stated that 6.12.15 is the most stable version they’ve tested.

My concern is this: I may have acted a bit quickly. After flashing and enabling the trial, I went ahead and built the array, which is currently in the process of formatting. Once this is complete, if I then flash the custom firmware back onto the device, will I need to reformat the array again? And will I be able to retain the activated trial license?

16 minutes ago, blacknight83 said:

Once this is complete, if I then flash the custom firmware back onto the device, will I need to reformat the array again?

No, assuming the array is using the default XFS fileystem.

16 minutes ago, blacknight83 said:

And will I be able to retain the activated trial license?

Save the trial key from the current flash drive (/config/trial.key), reflash with their version, and then copy the trial key back to the config folder. You can also then update to 7.1 using the GUI and it should keep the LED functionality.