Intel tackling 'Bad Context 13x Error' on SSD 320 Series

by Steven Mostyn - Jul 27 2011, 08:08

A crash bug currently plaguing users of Intel’s 320 Series of solid state drives (SSDs) has, according to the chipmaker, been reproduced in its labs via “strenuous testing” and should be ironed out in the very near future.

“This ‘Bad Context 13x Error’ can be addressed via a firmware update and Intel is in the process of validating the firmware update,” revealed Intel’s NVM Solutions Group in an official blog post. “A future update will define the schedule to deliver the firmware fix.”

If you suspect your drive is affected by the above ailment, Intel further explains that “in certain circumstances” after an unexpected power loss, a small percentage of SSDs may experience the ‘Bad Context 13x Error’ upon reboot, whereby the BIOS reports the SSD as an 8MB capacity drive.

While Intel is busy working on an effective mitigation, it recommends that SSD 320 Series owners take the following precautions to ensure their stored data is not compromised:

* As with any storage device, backup your data regularly

* When shutting down your system, follow your system’s standard shutdown process

* Minimise unplugging the SSD while your system is powered

Although Intel insists that it “takes these issues seriously” the 320 SSD Series external drives remain on sale.

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