Data Domain: NVRAM Hardware Failure Alert | EVT‑NVRAM‑00201

Summary: This article describes the conditions that trigger the 'NVRAMHardwareFailure' alert on Data Domain systems and outlines the required resolution steps.

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.

Symptoms

A Critical alert is generated indicating an NVRAM hardware failure. When this alert is present:

  • The NVRAM card is considered unusable or unreliable.
  • The Data Domain file system cannot be accessed until the issue is corrected.
  • System operation may be blocked or degraded.

Alert Details:

  • Alert ID: EVT‑NVRAM‑00201
  • Severity: Critical
  • Class: hardwareFailure
  • Object: Slot=%s
  • Message:
    “A hardware fault was detected with an NVRAM card and it may need to be replaced.”

Cause

The NVRAMHardwareFailure alert is triggered when the system detects a hardware condition that renders the NVRAM card unusable. These conditions fall into two categories:

  1. Configuration issues detected during system boot
  2. Hardware component failures detected during boot or normal operation

If multiple failures are detected simultaneously, the alert reports:
"Multiple NVRAM hardware failures."

Examples of conditions that may trigger this alert include (but are not limited to):

  • NVRAM card not detected
  • Unsupported or mixed NVRAM card types
  • Incorrect number of NVRAM cards for the platform
  • NVRAM card and DDR model mismatch
  • Inability to retrieve NVRAM card or battery information
  • Excessive correctable or uncorrectable NVRAM memory errors
  • NVRAM device operating in read‑only mode
  • Incorrect NVRAM memory size, PCIe link speed, or link width
  • Critical voltage rail conditions affecting NVRAM components

Specific failure details are provided in the alert field:
Info: Cause=%s

Resolution

  1. Run offline diagnostics to confirm the NVRAM failure.
  2. Correct any placement or configuration issues if applicable.
  3. Replace the NVRAM card if diagnostics confirm a hardware failure.

If assistance is required, contact your contracted support provider - Dell Tech Support

Affected Products

Data Domain

Products

Data Domain
Article Properties
Article Number: 000011063
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 30 Mar 2026
Version:  6
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