Original 2.2.12.3 - can't factory reset, works fine othrwise

[mbirth]

I have a LaCie 5big Network 2, 15TB version. It is updated with the latest version 2.2.12.3. I want to factory reset it to give it away.

The manual lists 2 methods (page 120 ff.):

Factory Reset with keeping the data

1. Turn off
2. keep button pressed while switching back on
3. when LED stops blinking, release button
4. when LED stops blinking, press button again to confirm reset

Factory Reset without keeping the data (this is specific to the 5big Network 2)

1. turn off
2. pull out all disks
3. turn on
4. LED should blink blue, go solid blue, then blink red/blue
5. wait until LED stops blinking, put back HDDs
6. hold button for 5 seconds to initiate storage

However, when I try method #1, after confirming the reset, the LED keeps blinking blue without ever getting done with the reset. According to the manual, the procedure should take about 7 minutes. But even after 8 hours the factory reset wasn't completed and the LED was still blinking blue with my model. Turning the switch off will not do anything - the LED will continue to blink blue.

Method #2 should take 3 minutes according to the manual. The LED should blink blue, turn solid blue and then flash red/blue until the reset is complete. But with my model, it blinks blue, then turns solid blue after a few seconds and then stays like this. Inserting a HDD and holding the button for the 5 seconds (or more) doesn't do anything. It's as if the reset procedure is frozen. However, in this state, switching the power button to OFF will instantly turn off the NAS.

If I turn it off, insert the first HDDs again and turn it on, it'll boot up fine and all my settings will still be there.

It's as if the internal firmware that does the reset stuff is faulty. Is there any way to re-flash it? Or is there another way to do a proper reset of the device?