Intel released CRITICAL firmware update for SSDs 2011-08-17

[underclocker]

*** NOTE: This CD Image also updates several other Intel SSD models. (I believe all their SSD models.) ***

Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Subject: FW: Intel 320 Series SSD Potential Issue *FIX TO DISSEMINATE TO CUSTOMERS*

Intel has released the following regarding Intel® SSD 320 Series (firmware 4PC10362).

Intel has posted a firmware update for the Intel® SSD 320 Series (firmware 4PC10362) which addresses the Bad Context 13x Error being discussed on the Communities site and elsewhere. You can download the new firmware here:

http://www.intel.com/go/ssdfirmware

Also posted at this link are Read Me, Release Notes, and SSD Firmware Update Tool Guidelines which provide detailed firmware update instructions and other relevant information such as the most current firmware revision available.

What should I do if I have not experienced this issue?

In order to provide the best user experience, Intel always recommends users download and install the latest firmware. As with any storage device, Intel recommends users frequently back up their data and periodically check for firmware updates. The Intel® SSD Toolbox provides a host of utilities to monitor your SSD, including displaying detailed information such as the currently installed firmware revision.

What should I do if I have already experienced this issue?

If you have already experienced a drive failure or encounter this problem before the firmware update was released, please contact your Intel representative or Intel customer support (via web: http://www.intel.com or phone: http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/contact/phone) for an SSD replacement. An alternative option is to use the Intel ® SSD Toolbox or similar tools to perform a secure erase in order to restore the SSD to an operational state; all data will be erased. After secure erase, update your SSD with the new firmware. The firmware update will not recover user data.

Background:

For users unfamiliar with the issue, an Intel SSD 320 Series drive may exhibit a drive capacity of 8MB and an electronic serial # field containing a message of “BAD_CTX 0000013x” caused by an unexpected power loss under specific conditions. Once this error occurs, no data on the SSD can be accessed and the user cannot write to or read from the SSD.

[Harryc]

*** NOTE: This CD Image also updates several other Intel SSD models. (I believe all their SSD models.) ***

Thanks for the information. Can anyone confirm exactly which models are effected?

[underclocker]

This update package seems to include new firmware for ALL Intel SSDs, see quote below.

I've applied updates to a 320 (Z61m), an X18-M G2 (T400s) and an X25-M G2 (X100e), so far. All took/needed firmware updates (the old and new versions are shown by the utility).

Detailed Description
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Intel® SATA Solid-State Drive firmware update tool provides the latest firmware for the following Intel® Solid-State Drives in all capacities:
- Intel® X25-M/X18-M SATA Solid-State Drive on 50nm (black case) - updates to FW version 8820
- Intel® X25-E SATA Solid-State Drive on 50nm (black case) - updates to FW version 8850
- Intel® X25-M/X18-M SATA Solid-State Drive on 34nm (silver case) - updates to FW version 02M3
- Intel® X25-V Value SATA Solid-State Drive on 34nm (silver case) - updates to FW version 02M3
- Intel® Solid-State Drive 320 Series (silver case) - updates to FW version 0362

This firmware will enable your Intel® SSD to deliver the best performance in your PC. Use this update tool to get the latest production firmware.

[Harryc]

I ran it on my X25-M, and it said it has the latest firmware version. I have not update it's firmware in months ....

[underclocker]

Good info. Perhaps it's a roll-up package, with all available firmware, but only the 320 firmware is really new? Maybe that makes sense. (I suppose the three machine I had just happened to all need firmware updates.)

It would be nice if manufacturers offered just a little more useful information with their updates!

[yak]

Whoa. Thanks for the tip. I didn't know about this bug. Updated mine right away.

I guess this issue was not as common on laptops because they have batteries which prevent sudden power losses.

[penartur]

Whoa. Thanks for the tip. I didn't know about this bug. Updated mine right away.

I guess this issue was not as common on laptops because they have batteries which prevent sudden power losses.

I believe it is more common on laptops, because some people some times e.g. are trying to replace their battery without AC adapter attached, while nobody touches the desktop case (if we're talking not about tech experts but about remaining 95% of PC users).

[yak]

I believe it is more common on laptops, because some people some times e.g. are trying to replace their battery without AC adapter attached, while nobody touches the desktop case (if we're talking not about tech experts but about remaining 95% of PC users).

Most people don't have more than one battery. They simply use what came with the laptop and mostly probably don't even know how to take them out