TS-228A refuses to fully start up or shut down

[trizocbs]

Hello,

I recently installed a firmware update for my TS-228A, but after the restart, the NAS refused to go back into service. It now spends day after day with a little message box in the bottom right corner saying "Starting Applications" and "Waiting to start (14)". The applications listed there are:

> Network & Virtual Switch
> Notification Centre
> Resource Monitor
> QBoost
> Multimedia Console
> QSync Central
> Malware Remover
> Media Streaming Add-on
> Container Station
> QuLog Centre
> HBS 3 Hybrid Backup Sync
> myQNAPcloud Link
> License Centre
> QTS SSL Certificate

Now, because it apparently fails to start those applications, I cannot use most of the features I need the device for.
If I try shutting it down or restarting it, it won't get past the "The System is stopping the following 15 processes" screen. It comes to no surprise that this number does not decrease.

What I tried doing:
> Updating all other software as recommended by the app centre
> Cold restarting it
> Downgrading to the previous firmware (which isn't possible apparently)
> Taking out the HDDs and starting it w/o said drives (but I don't have any empty HDDs left to reinstall everything on)
> Connecting via SSH (but it doesn't work as the virtual switch doesn't start)


I have no idea what I could do to get this device back in service and I'd highly appreciate it if anyone could help me.