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

[idata]

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

[idata]

After upgrade this firmware on a Intel SSD 320 160GB, SMART value "Power-On Hours" will be reset to "0" and the timer never update again.

Is a new bug?

[idata]

Solved, Power On Hours is ok now.

[idata]

great, firmware not even working in a xp machine with a nvidia sata (raid) chipset, working in normal (not raid) mode.

Intel, what kind of important update is this, if it does not work on 2 completely different machines? how many people do have that many machines at home to find one where the update works?

[idata]

WARNING UPDATE does not solve the issue !!!!!!

so 12 weeks ago bought a 300g 320 SSD

2 weeks later 8meg !!!!!

Sent it in ... after 3 weeks recived the replacment

Since then been waiting for the update....

20 mins ago applied the update to the fresh replacment SSD.... reported all ok and now xxxxxxxxx62

ok soplug it into a usb chasis so that I can then run Intel Migration......

windows 7 sees the drive 300 Meg ... great ....

no we start up the Intel Migration tool.... what cant read the drive....

TADA 8meg !!!!

Wow I just love it when I have been taken for a ride......NOT....

so please stay tuned for the next episode of how to waste another 12 weeks..

Q: Did you guys actually test this or do you think that we the consumers will not notice... or that we are just dum ?

[idata]

same here.

no problem before the update, after firmware update and a few boots -> 8MB.

Secure erase does not help. Any way to get back to 120GB?

edit: ok, i am back at 120GB with mac os