topic Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series in Archive

8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 03:17:36 GMT

Status:

Intel has reproduced, identified root cause, and developed a firmware update which addresses the Bad Context 13x Error being discussed on the Communities site and elsewhere.

Response plan:

The new firmware update is in final validation testing and is targeted for release on Intel® Communities within the next two weeks. Intel takes firmware updates and issues of reliability very seriously and is taking extra steps to support a smooth release. We appreciate your patience.

What should I do if I have not experienced this issue?

To minimize occurrence, if a system requires a shut down, Intel recommends using that system's standard power shut down sequence. As with any storage device, Intel recommends users frequently back up their data. Download and install the new firmware when it is available. As with our previous firmware updates, a secure erase is not required.

What should I do if I have experienced this issue?

If you have already experienced a drive failure or encounter this problem before the firmware update is released, please contact your Intel representative or Intel customer support (via web: http://www.intel.com/ www.intel.com or phone: http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/contact/phone www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/contact/phone) for an SSD replacement. An alternative option is to use the Intel ® SSD Toolbox or similar tools to perform a secure erase in order to restore the SSD to an operational state; all data will be erased. After secure erase, update your SSD with the upcoming firmware. The pending firmware update will not recover user data.

Background:

For users unfamiliar with the issue, an Intel SSD 320 Series drive may exhibit a drive capacity of 8MB and an electronic serial # field containing a message of "BAD_CTX 0000013x" due to an unexpected power loss under specific conditions. Once this error occurs, no data on the SSD can be accessed and the user cannot write to or read from the SSD.

Rgds,

Scott

Intel Corporation

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 08:53:41 GMT

Thanks!

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

Vegan — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:43:19 GMT

Thanks for the update

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 20:16:36 GMT

Thank you, now and I can buy this drive with peace of mind.

My only question is how do I update the firmware when it comes out?

Is it done inside Windows 7 or do I have to boot into something weird?

Or at what date can I buy an ssd from intel and assume it will be shipping with the new firmware?

Thanks,

Sapan

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

Vegan — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 20:27:47 GMT

Being as cynical as I am I would wait until after the firmware is released to be safer.

Of course I would recommend a HD to use as a backup in case the unthinkable happends

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 20:41:22 GMT

The updater is downloaded as a .iso-file. Just burn it to a CD (with ImgBurn or similar) and boot from that, it's very simple.

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:28:55 GMT

Will this update possible to do on a Mac specifically a MacBook Pro?

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:11:53 GMT

Yes indeed. SImilar to past firmware updates, this update will work with all Intel-based Mac computers, including Intel-based MacBook Pros.

Rgds,

Scott, Intel Corporation

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:12:03 GMT

Sounds great, thanks!

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:58:04 GMT

cool, finally good news!

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:26:47 GMT

So when are we supposed to download this grand update so we can all sleep well at night knowing that Intel is looking out for us ?

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:56:56 GMT

It says within two weeks in the OP, don't see what's the point of asking that question any more, unless you missed it of course.

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:51:28 GMT

I have read so much nonsense in so many forums that I just don't believe anything until it actually works and manifests itself in real life.

So far it has been all talk and talk is cheap.

I want some serious results and fast.

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:52:48 GMT

If I have set an ATA password I know I have to remove it in order to apply the firmware. Will removing the password destroy my data?

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:04:46 GMT

Did any of that "nonsense" come from Intel employees? As far as I know, none of Intel's statements on this issue have been untrue thus far, so why should this?

Anyway, you kind of painted yourself into a corner. On top of it already being answered, why ask a question if you'll refuse to believe the answer no matter what is said?

If you only believe in results, then clearly the only course of action is to wait for them.

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:22:43 GMT

After spending almost $3000.00 on Intel SSD's and have 4 of them bite the dust the first 2-3 days you would probably be as frustrated as I am, and what really bothers me in the forums isn't the BS but Intel's indifference on the issue which you have to admit it has been adressed for quite sometime now.

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:51:06 GMT

Hello,

Would you fix the issue with temperature sensor?

May be you'll set SMART to inform the controller with default temperature of 30 degree Celcius?

I hope not only me wish that fix.

Thank you!

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:03:49 GMT

afaik intel 320series didn't have temperature sensor

i think other user ever mention regarding this in other threads too

you should email intel support incase you want to make sure about this

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

Vegan — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:12:52 GMT

Hard disks have temperature sensors, motherboards have several. My GTX 260 has several as well. Why not the SSD, sensors are not expensive to add to any product.

Detecting a rise in temp would allow for a server to warn the manager that a fan has failed.

Re: 8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

idata — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:23:17 GMT

As you say though, most motherboards already have temperature sensors, and CPUs do as well. Wouldn't having one on the SSD be superflous? They hardly generate any heat on their own anyway, unlike HDDs.