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

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.”

Applies to:

• All Data Domain systems
  • For systems (DD9910,DD9410, DD6410, DD9910F) with Software Defined Persistent Memory (SDPM) See KB: Data Domain: How to Diagnose and Resolve SDPM | NVRAM Alerts  
    • SDPM-NVRAM errors also trigger the DDOS NVRAM-00201 Alert - analysis into the related iDRAC error code is required (part replacement may not be needed).
• All Software/DDOS versions

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

1. Run offline diagnostics or system healthcheck to confirm the NVRAM failure.
   • Useful Commands:
     • # alerts show current
     • # system show nvram
     • # support healthcheck hardware | # system health check
     • # system show hardware
2. Correct any placement or configuration issues if applicable.
3. If the NVRAM is PCIe-based (All-in-one) - replace the NVRAM card if diagnostics confirm a hardware failure.
   • SDPM-NVRAM requires additional analysis: 
     • See KB: Data Domain: How to Diagnose and Resolve SDPM | NVRAM Alerts

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