Some comments on NMI: Parity Check / Memory Parity Error

Question

For anyone battling with this error.

Couple of weeks ago our PowerEdge 2600 started to freeze up regularly with the "NMI: Parity Check / Memory Parity Error" on a blue screen. Windows eventlog did not capture any information except the time of error.

I got in touch with Dell support and we both agreed that it was caused by bad memory and they promptly arranged to send me new memory. In the meantime, I did some research and found that this is actually a very generic error message caused by any number of faulty hardware, which may include memory. And many times, it goes away if you re-seat all the components in your computer.

I looked at Dell OpenManage log and it had captured three "CPU - Bus Parity Error" at the time server froze. So I re-seated the CPU, voltage regulater and memory. Since then the error has not come back again (six days today).

I still have not replaced the memory so mostly likely it was not to blame in the first place.

If you are getting this message then try re-seating your components, putting cards in different slots and changing the network card may also help.

speedstep · Answer

Although your solution may be ok for you thats what I pay for Onsite Service for. I dont want any of my employee's messing around inside the servers. Thats what ONSITE 7 x 24 , 4 hour responce technicians are for. If they don't actually replace memory thats fine as long as the error goes away.

Saadi · Answer

The solution is meant for IT staff to implement at companies that cannot afford to have a server outage for 24 hours.

speedstep · Answer

@Saadi wrote:
The solution is meant for IT staff to implement at companies that cannot afford to have a server outage for 24 hours.

Users are more likely to do Damage and or make things Worse by opening the cover and pretending to know what they are doing than calling for qualified service and support.

Saadi · Answer

I though i made it clear that it is meant for IT staff whose 'job' it is to maintain the server. If you dont know whar you are doing, dont bother reading this.

PowerEdge Hardware General

Some comments on NMI: Parity Check / Memory Parity Error

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