Data Domain: Reboot loop at "NVRAM driver load and initialization"

Summary: PowerProtect Data Domain systems have reported being stuck in a reboot loop. The NVRAM driver fails to load or initialize successfully resulting in a system reboot.

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Instructions

Affected Systems:

  • PowerProtect DD6400 | DD6900 | DD9400 | DD9900
  • All DDOS versions

Symptoms:

  • Unable to boot into DDOS
  • Serial output (Virtual Console - iDRAC) shows Boot process restarts after "NVRAM driver load and initialization" 

NVRAM Boot fail

Cause:

  • The DIMM located on the NVRAM card is not seated or installed correctly.
    • OR
  • The NVRAM card is not installed correctly or is faulty.

    Required Action:

    With the system powered off:
    1. Check and reseat the DIMM on the NVRAM card. 
    • Here is a image showing the NVRAM DIMM not clipped in correctly
    Image showing the NVRAM DIMM not clipped in correctly
    1. Ensure the NVRAM card or PCI riser are seated securely.
    2. Power up and retry booting the system.
    3. If symptoms persist, replace the NVRAM (Part Number: DGK85).

    Affected Products

    Data Domain, DD6400 Appliance

    Products

    Data Domain, Data Domain Deduplication Storage Systems, DD6900 Appliance, DD9400 Appliance, DD9900 Appliance
    Article Properties
    Article Number: 000208323
    Article Type: How To
    Last Modified: 29 Sept 2025
    Version:  5
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