Data Domain: Troubleshooting Memory Errors

Summary: This KB article describes how to troubleshoot memory alerts including how to identify a faulty DIMM that needs to be replaced.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

This KB article describes how to troubleshoot memory alerts including how to identify a faulty DIMM that needs to be replaced.

Possible Symptoms / Alerts:
 

DIMM-00001: Correctable ECC logging limit reached
DIMM-00002: Multibit Uncorrectable ECC error
DIMM-00003: A memory card has failed
ENVIRONMENT-00009: Memory correctable ECC errors exceed warning threshold
ENVIRONMENT-00013: Memory uncorrectable ECC error alert. 
ENVIRONMENT-00044: Memory riser fault has been detected
MEM-00001: DIMM failure detected after install. DDFS ""will not be started.
MEM-00002: Memory size(nnnnnnnnKB) goes below the configured size(nnnnnnnnKB)

*These may also be reported without the hyphen (-): e.g.
 DIMM00001, DIMM00002, DIMM00003, ENVIRONMENT00009, ENVIRONMENT00013, ENVIRONMENT00044, MEM00001, MEM00002
  • IPMI Watchdog reboot
  • Less memory than expected alert
  • Possible hang in power-on self-test (POST)
  • System will not boot or system crash

Cause

The DIMMs installed on Datadomain systems have 'ECC' (Error Checking Code) which allows for Correctable Memory Errors to be fixed on-the-fly. If an error threshold is breached, then DDOS flags the fault, and the affected DIMM should be replaced.
Uncorrectable memory errors could cause a system reboot and is considered a hard memory fault.
Total failure of any single DIMM or Memory Riser (houses multiple DIMMs) may result in a System Down event and prevent the Filesystem from being enabled. This is because the DD Filesystem (DDFS) process fills most of the physical memory.

NOTE: Memory errors can be masked by other symptoms or alerts - for example, CPU Machine Check Error - Deeper log analysis and troubleshooting may be required.

Resolution

DIMM Error reporting is tracked on all DDOS versions. However, analysis of system logs may be required to identify the specific DIMM at fault.
Note: A DIMM may reside within a Memory Riser attached to the motherboard.
         For Data Domain Filesystem (DDFS) to be Enabled,  ALL installed memory must be present & functional.

Troubleshooting may include:

  • Offline Diagnostics  
  • Log file analysis
  • Reseating suspect DIMMs
  • Moving suspect DIMMs to 'known-good' slots (i.e. does the fault follow the DIMM, slot, channel or controller?)
  • Replacement of Failed DIMM or Riser (as appropriate)  
  • Ongoing monitoring to confirm system stability after HW changes or replacement

Note: If your problem persists after executing the steps in this KB article, please contact your support provider or Create a service request .

Additional Information

References:
- See Relevant DD system Hardware Guides for DIMM config/layout
- Data Domain: System Memory Requirements and Expanded Storage Configurations
- Data Domain: Memory Card | DIMM Failed,error or faulty
- Data Domain: Memory Card or DIMM With Failed or Faulty Error
 

Affected Products

Data Domain, PowerProtect Data Protection Appliance, Data Domain, Data Domain Deduplication Storage Systems, PowerProtect Data Protection Hardware
Article Properties
Article Number: 000034334
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 05 Aug 2025
Version:  7
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