Data Domain: NVRAM Failure Detected | Error or Faulty Condition

Summary: The NVRAM and its Battery Backup Unit (BBU) are critical components of the Data Domain Data Invulnerability Architecture. The Data Domain Operating System (DDOS) monitors these components. If a hardware fault occurs, DDOS generates an alert that must be addressed immediately to maintain system integrity. ...

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Symptoms

⚠️ Important: Do not replace an NVRAM card or BBU unless DDOS has posted an alert indicating failure. Proactive replacement is not recommended.

Applies to:

  • All Data Domain systems
  • All DDOS software versions

Possible Alerts:

  • NVRAM-00001: File system is disabled due to a problem with the NVRAM subsystem
  • NVRAM-00002: Battery at low charge and not charging
  • NVRAM-00003: Excessive PCI or memory errors
  • NVRAM-00201: Hardware fault detected with NVRAM card
  • NVRAM-00202: Hardware fault detected with NVRAM remote battery
  • NVRAM-00204: Invalid condition detected with NVRAM battery

Cause

DDOS monitors the NVRAM subsystem continuously. When it detects a fault in the NVRAM card or BBU, it posts an alert.
The alert typically includes diagnostic details, but further investigation may be required if replacing the component does not resolve the issue.

Resolution

Resolving the alert generally involves replacing the NVRAM card or BBU (if not integrated). Follow these steps:

  1. Generate a Support Bundle
  2. Raise a Service Request with your support provider.

Useful CLI Commands:

  • # alerts show current        # Check for active NVRAM or battery alerts
# system show nvram          # Review card errors and battery status
# system show hardware       # Confirm NVRAM card presence

 

⚠️Note: A battery charge below 100% is normal. DDOS manages battery health by periodically discharging and recharging it.

 

Additional Information

Example:
 - Here we see a good NVRAM - Zero 'Errors' & all Battery Statuses are 'OK' (even though charge is at ~96%)

sysadmin@itsaDD# system show nvram
NVRAM Cards:
        Card   Component             Value
        ----   -------------------   -----------------------------------------------
        1      Slot                  10
               Firmware version      2.0.4
               Memory size           3.93 GiB
               Errors                0 memory (0 uncorrectable), 0 PCI, 0 controller
               Board temperature     35 C
               CPU temperature       41 C
               Number of batteries   4
               Card model no         313-163-100A-02
               Card serial no        FLA011301nnnnn
               Battery model no      313-164-100A-01
               Battery serial no     FLA021242nnnnn
        ----   -------------------   -----------------------------------------------
NVRAM Batteries:
        Card   Battery   Status   Charge   Charging   Time To       Temperature   Voltage
                                           Status     Full Charge
        ----   -------   ------   ------   --------   -----------   -----------   -------
        1      1         ok       96 %     enabled    0 mins        26 C          8.088 V
               2         ok       95 %     enabled    0 mins        27 C          8.082 V
               3         ok       97 %     enabled    0 mins        25 C          8.084 V
               4         ok       95 %     enabled    0 mins        26 C          8.072 V
        ----   -------   ------   ------   --------   -----------   -----------   -------

 

Affected Products

Data Domain, PowerProtect Data Protection Appliance, Data Domain Deduplication Storage Systems, Integrated Data Protection Appliance Family, PowerProtect Data Protection Hardware
Article Properties
Article Number: 000204334
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 31 Oct 2025
Version:  3
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