Data Domain: DDBoost storage-unit modify Command Fails with Filesystem Communication Timeout

• The following command fails when executed on a DD Boost storage unit with many files:

  # ddboost storage-unit modify <storage-unit> user <user-name>
  

• Error returned:

  DDBOOST command failed due to filesystem communication timeout

Starting with DDOS 6.2, the ddboost storage-unit modify command performs a recursive ownership change (chown -R) across all files in the specified storage unit. If the operation exceeds two minutes, the command times out, even though the background task continues.

⚠️ Avoid initiating multiple ownership changes in quick succession, as this may compound delays.

1.) If Only One Storage Unit Is Being Modified.

No action is required. The background task completes the ownership change despite the timeout message.

2.) If Multiple Storage Units Require Modification.

Choose one of the following three options based on your DDOS version and operational constraints:

Option A - Increase Timeout Value (DDOS 6.2.1.0 and Later)
From DDOS 6.2.1.0 onwards, the timeout value for DD Boost commands can be increased to accommodate larger storage units.

• • Contact Dell Support to request a timeout value adjustment - Reference this KB article (#000078758).

Option B - Use skip-chown Flag (DDOS 7.10 and Later)
If the user’s UID remains unchanged (for example, only the group is being modified), you can bypass the recursive ownership change:

# ddboost storage-unit modify <storage-unit> user <user-name> skip-chown

📌 Refer to KB Data Domain: How to change the DDBoost user role to Admin or None for scenarios where skip-chown is applicable.

Option C - Manual Delay Between Modifications
If running DDOS versions earlier than 6.2.1.0 and unable to upgrade:

• • Wait sufficient time between modifying each storage unit to allow the background chown operation to complete.