Data Domain: Watchdog Timeout - BMC failure has been detected | ENVIRONMENT-00039

Summary: Data Domain (DD) unit reports Alert - ENVIRONMENT-00039: BMC failure has been detected. File system is unchanged Cause: iDRAC is offline.

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Symptoms

Alert or Event posted: 

ENVIRONMENT-00039: BMC failure has been detected. File system is unchanged
Cause: iDRAC is offline

Applies to:

  • All Data Domain PowerProtect appliances based on the PowerEdge platform
    • Such as, DD3300, DD6900, DD9400, DD9900, DD9410, DD9910
  • All DDOS Versions

Cause

An underlying event has resulted in the loss of communication to the iDRAC (BMC); resulting in a Watchdog Timeout.
The Watchdog initiates a reboot of the underlying controller (iDRAC) in order to recover. 
That is, an iDRAC reset caused by a watchdog timeout is a self-recovery mechanism. If the alert persists, then manual intervention (for example, 'Flea drain' or DDOS Upgrade) may be required.

Impact:

  • Minimal
  • iDRAC reset has NO impact on system uptime; unless a 'flea drain' (aka. BMC reset) procedure is required.

Resolution

Usually, the system-initiated iDRAC/Watchdog reset is expected behavior - the iDRAC reboots without impacting DDOS or services. 
If conditions persist or are encountered intermittently, perform a 'Flea Drain' (aka BMC reset) procedure.
Also, ensure that an up-to-date version of DDOS is installed - relevant Firmware, BIOS, Drivers, and software updates are bundled into DDOS upgrade packages.
Then, if the condition is not resolved, contact your contracted Service Provider or raise a case with Dell Technical Support.

Affected Products

Data Domain

Products

Data Domain, PowerProtect Data Protection Appliance, Data Domain, DD9900 Appliance
Article Properties
Article Number: 000063432
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 26 Sept 2025
Version:  6
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