Symmetrix and VMAX: Lock 248 on Symmetrix array not allowing configuration changes

Summary: Symmetrix and VMAX: Lock 248 on Symmetrix array not allowing configuration changes

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Symptoms

Lock 248 on Symmetrix array not allowing configuration changes.
Lock 248

Lock 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255

Lock 243 to 255

C:\>symcfg list -lockn all

               S y M M E T R I X      L O C K S

                              Lock       Lock    Lock                Time
    SymmID       Attachment   Status     Number  Usage               Held (Sec)

    00000000xxxx Local        Locked     248     EMC Eng Maintenance 1555301


C:\>symcfg -lockn 248 release

Release Lock #248 for local Symmetrix unit 00000000xxxx (y/[n]) ? y

Cannot release lock it is held by the configuration server to protect a change session

Note: The Configuration lock 248 cannot be released even using the using the -force option <symcfg -lockn 248 release -force>

Cause

Lock 248 or F8 in Hex is one of the unused locks between 00F3-00FF (243 - 255 in Decimal) that is available for EMC use. It can be placed by a CE if they plan a drive addition or any maintenance activity on the Symmetrix or a Symmetrix VMAX system.

Resolution

If you encounter this issue:

  1. Verify the purpose for which the lock was placed.
  2. Check whether the scheduled activity has been carried out or is still scheduled.
  3. In case the scheduled activity has been cancelled and it is urgent to release the lock, document this in the SR.
  4. Contact the EMC Support Center or your local EMC representative to release the lock.

Affected Products

VMAX

Products

Solutions Enabler, Symmetrix, VMAX, VMAX Series
Article Properties
Article Number: 000071163
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 11 Nov 2025
Version:  5
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