8/13 Update on "Bad Context 13x Error" for Intel SSD 320 Series

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Status:

Intel has reproduced, identified root cause, and developed a firmware update which addresses the Bad Context 13x Error being discussed on the Communities site and elsewhere.

Response plan:

The new firmware update is in final validation testing and is targeted for release on Intel® Communities within the next two weeks. Intel takes firmware updates and issues of reliability very seriously and is taking extra steps to support a smooth release. We appreciate your patience.

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

To minimize occurrence, if a system requires a shut down, Intel recommends using that system's standard power shut down sequence. As with any storage device, Intel recommends users frequently back up their data. Download and install the new firmware when it is available. As with our previous firmware updates, a secure erase is not required.

What should I do if I have experienced this issue?

If you have already experienced a drive failure or encounter this problem before the firmware update is released, please contact your Intel representative or Intel customer support (via web: http://www.intel.com/ www.intel.com or phone: http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/contact/phone 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 upcoming firmware. The pending 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" due to 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.

Rgds,

Scott

Intel Corporation

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Hi ,

I try'd to update the firmware off the SSD on my MacBookPro3,1 ,Intel Core 2 Duo.

but after booting from the firmware update CD ,

it won't find the SSD ( SSDSA2CW120G3 ) , any suggestions.?

Best Regards

Bram Jacobse

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Hi, Bram

I also have MacBookPro installed 600GB SSD of 320-series.

I found only windows updater in the Intel's web.

How did you try to update the firmware of your MacBookPro ?

Did you burn windows updater ISO image into the CD and run on the MacBookPro ?

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I burned CD and try to boot MacBook Pro with 'option' key pressed, finally CD labeled "Windows" appears.

And I choose "Windows" CD, nostalgic DOS prompt displayd !

All the process has been done and firmware revision is displaed as "4PC10362".

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Hey nabecyan, I followed your firmware update steps on my MacBook Pro and it worked like a charm!

Many thx for being so helpful, all MacBook Pro users should follow suit if you want to update to firmware 4PC10362

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Hi, I updated 600GB SSD in MacBook Pro and shutdown with Power button because of freezing OSX Lion (not SSD issue) for 10 times or more.

I was afraid every time when shut down the power and if the nightmare would ocurre to me .

But SSD is now still alive. In this thread, some people said 8MB issue exist inspite of firmware update, if so, I should be very lucky.