Data Domain: QAT device has failed | False Alert

Summary: PowerProtect Data Domain systems (models DD6900, DD9400, DD9900) may generate a false alert indicating failure of the QuickAssist Technology (QAT) card. This occurs due to a memory allocation fault during QAT initialization. The card itself is not faulty. ...

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Symptoms

  • System generates the following alert:
    EVT-ENVIRONMENT-00061: QAT device has failed.
  • Alert may appear alongside other system warnings, such as:
    • EVT-SPACE-00001: Core dump capability will be disabled if space not cleared in /ddvar.
    • Memory or DIMM-related errors
  • Example output from alerts show current:
    Id       Post Time               Severity  Class             Object         Message
-------  ----------------------  --------  ----------------  -------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
p0-100   Thu Oct 29 00:34:32     WARNING   HardwareFailure   QATDeviceName  EVT-ENVIRONMENT-00061: QAT device has failed.
p0-101   Thu Oct 29 01:38:58     WARNING   SystemMaintenance                EVT-SPACE-00001: Core dump capability will be disabled if space not cleared in /ddvar.

Cause

The QAT card fails to initialize due to memory allocation (malloc) errors. These errors are typically triggered by:

  • Core dump activity
  • Full /ddvar directory
  • Faulty or degraded memory (DIMM)

Despite the alert, the QAT hardware is not defective.

Resolution

Workaround

  1. Investigate and resolve any underlying system issues:

    • Clear space in /ddvar
    • Address core dump activity
    • Replace or troubleshoot faulty DIMMs

  2. Disable the filesystem:

    # filesys disable

  3. Reboot the system:

    # system reboot

  4. After reboot, verify QAT card status:

    # enclosure show all 1
    • DD6900 / DD9400: QAT card is in Slot 4
    • DD9900: QAT cards are in Slots 2 and 7
    • Status should display as up, as follows:
    QAT Cards:
                Slot   Device                           FW Revision   BDF           Status
                ----   ------------------------------   -----------   ------------  ------
                4      Intel QuickAssist Adapter 8970   4.4.0         0000:1a:00.0   up
                                                                      0000:1b:00.0   up
                                                                      0000:1c:00.0   up

  5. Re-enable the filesystem:

    # filesys enable

Affected Products

Data Domain, DD6900 Appliance, DD9400 Appliance, DD9900 Appliance
Article Properties
Article Number: 000181791
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2025
Version:  2
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