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]

great. my 'out in the field' was regarding exactly the situation where you don't have internet or don't have the time to wait on a slow Edge connection for a backup of your harddrive.

[Vegan]

I use my portable lots and I use Mesh on it, works fine.

MIne has a a GSM service built-in so its always on, so as long as my phone works my internet works

I need connectivity as sometimes I am in remote locations

[idata]

I too have experienced TWO crashes of the SSD320 600gb.

24 hours ago I got the 8Mb error (after having ruh the 320 for 3 months). Erased and installed the latest driver (4PC10362) (Reinstalled W764b prior to updating the driver).

12 hours later I got exactly the same error.

I was using the 320 as the 😧 partition for data. Thankfully I had a good backup (took me 4 hours to put everything back as it should be , thanks Intel).

After the second crash I have reinstalled Samsung HD and am awaiting a firmware update for the intel. Hope it comes soon, or does Intel think that they have solved the problem?

I will call their support on monday morning.

[idata]

Drop them and go with something else, it's unfortunate that some of us trusted the name more than the performance and I just cannot see why we need to keep dwelling over these drives, it's what I call high maintenance low performance hardware.

[idata]

Yes, go with something else, a SandForce controller SSD, that'll fix you right up. High maintenance and low performance? You ain't seen nothin' yet!