Intel 320 Series SSD (300Gb) with latest firmware 4PC10362 8MB bug (BAD_CTX)

[AKown]

Hi, I have an Intel 320 Series SSD (300Gb) with latest firmware 4PC10362. Three weeks ago all data from this drive disappeared and its serial number was changed to BAD_CTX 0000013F and the drive capacity was equal 8Mb. Obviously this is a 'well known bug' involving older firmware, and powering down - but the drive was used with newest version of firmware, which should be free of 8MB bug.

I have some questions:

1. Is firmware 4PC10362 free of 8MB bug?

2. What should I do to prevent repetition of this issue in future and to prevent further data losts from this and other 320 Series SSD's?

3. Warranty of this disk expired on November 21 2016 - is warranty replacement of this drive possible?

Thx

[idata]

Hello kenorf,

We understand you're experiencing some problems with your http://ark.intel.com/products/56567/Intel-SSD-320-Series-300GB-2_5in-SATA-3Gbs-25nm-MLC Intel® SSD 320 Series, namely the infamous "8MB Issue". Since you're already using the latest firmware version for this SSD, there's not much troubleshooting that may be performed. However, we can still answer your questions and provide some suggestions to help you avoid this type of drive failure in the future.You're Correct, firmware version 4PC10362 was created specifically to address the Bad Context errors. However, these legacy solid state drives where still more susceptible to voltage irregularities than newer models. In order to stay on the safe side and prevent this issue in the future, you may follow these steps:1. Make sure the SSD firmware is updated. The Intel SSD toolbox will notify you if a newer firmware is available. If the SSD is an http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/topics/oems.html OEM drive, you will need to check with that vendor for any news on firmware.2. Avoid Sleep and Hibernation within the Operating System if using these drives. The controller may become faulty and will have a high tendency to get confused. Doing so could cause an issue and become unrecoverable.3. Backup, backup, and backup. Even though updating the firmware on these models should fix the issue, keeping data backed up is always a good practice in order to mitigate the data loss risk.4. Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This may save the the SSD from power outages occurring. The few minutes of power allow the SSD to do its normal shutdown will allow for consistency as well as help prevent data loss.As far as the warranty is concerned, you will need to check with our http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/contact-support.html support team. However, keep in mind that your warranty may be extended depending on the actual date of purchase, for which a proof of purchase would need to be provided.Additional useful links:- /thread /24205 Best communities thread reference.- https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/18363 Latest firmware update tool (FUT).- http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/solid-state-drives/legacy-consumer-ssds/000006357.htm... Data recovery options.Please let us know if you have any more questions on the subject.Best regards,Carlos A.

[idata]

Hello kenorf,

We're following up on your thread since we have not heard back from you.We hope the information provided was helpful. If you need further assistance, please let us know.Best regards,Carlos A

[Billyccc]

What is the link to download: 4PC10362
What is the tools that i'll need to download to update the FW?

My SSD just face this 8MB issue that will need to update.

Please help.