Memory errors
Memory errors can corrupt cached data, so the controllers are designed to detect and attempt to recover
from the memory errors. Single-bit memory errors can be handled by the controller and do not disrupt
normal operation. A notification is sent if the number of single-bit errors exceeds a threshold value.
Multi-bit errors are more serious as they result in corrupted data and data loss. The following are the
actions that occur in the case of multi-bit errors:
• If a multi-bit error occurs while accessing data in the cache when the controller is started with dirty
cache, the controller discards the cache contents. The controller generates a warning message to the
system console to indicate that the cache was discarded and generates an event.
• If a multi-bit error occurs at run-time either in code/data or in the cache, the controller stops.
• The controller logs an event to the controller’s internal event log and a message during POST is
displayed indicating a multi-bit error has occurred.
NOTE: In case of a multi-bit error, contact Dell Technical Support.
Preserved Cache State
The controller preserves the dirty cache from a virtual disk if the virtual disk becomes offline or is deleted
because of missing physical disks. This preserved dirty cache is called pinned cache and is preserved until
you import the virtual disk or discard the cache.
Use the BIOS Configuration Utility (<Ctrl> <R>) to select whether to import the virtual disk or discard the
preserved cache. In the VD Mgmt menu, select Manage Preserved Cache and follow the steps on the
screen.
Security key errors
Secured foreign import errors
A foreign configuration is a RAID configuration that already exists on a replacement physical disk that you
install in a system. A secured foreign configuration is a RAID configuration that was created under a
different security key.
There are two scenarios in which a secured foreign import fails:
• The passphrase authentication fails—A virtual disk secured with a security key different from the
current controller security key cannot be imported without authentication of the original passphrase
used to secure them. Supply the correct passphrase to import the secured foreign configuration. If
you have lost or forgotten the passphrase, the secured foreign disks remain locked (inaccessible) until
the appropriate passphrase is entered or if they are instant secure erased.
• The secured virtual disk is in an offline state after supplying the correct passphrase—You must
check to determine why the virtual disk failed and correct the problem.
Failure to select or configure non Self-Encrypting Disks (non-SED)
A virtual disk can be either secured or unsecured depending on how it was configured when created. In
order to create a secured virtual disk, the controller must have a security key present and must contain
SEDs only. In order to select/configure non-SED, you must create an unsecured virtual disk. You can
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