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Failed Intel SSD in R/O Mode - Need tool to re-enable writes

Posted: September 1st, 2019, 9:08
by Jurgen
Hi guys,

I have an Intel 256gb SSD here, it failed to boot and was very slow, then I realised it had partially failed and locked into read-only mode.

Model: SDSCKKF256H6L (NVMe / M.2) The S.M.A.R.T test showed high re-allocated sector count.

I want to warranty the drive, but it came with laptop and so they want to take the drive away with my data, this is not okay.

Does anyone know an Intel factory tool than can flip the read-only bit back so I can write again and secure erase before I claim warranty ?

Until now I thought SSD read-only mode was just a myth. Thanks

Re: Failed Intel SSD in R/O Mode - Need tool to re-enable wr

Posted: September 1st, 2019, 10:49
by labtech
Are you sure the data is not encrypted on the SSD? If so, then it is safe to send it away for warranty. They won't be able to access it (not that they will anyways).

Re: Failed Intel SSD in R/O Mode - Need tool to re-enable wr

Posted: September 1st, 2019, 14:47
by lcoughey
If your data is backed up, you can try a secure erase command.

Re: Failed Intel SSD in R/O Mode - Need tool to re-enable wr

Posted: December 7th, 2019, 20:59
by Jurgen
I'm still looking for a solution to this problem.

Tried formatting and secure erase, they seem to work but when I reboot the data is still there. Clearly its still stuck in read only mode.

Looking for a factory tool or other low level tweak to disable this read only mode ?

Re: Failed Intel SSD in R/O Mode - Need tool to re-enable wr

Posted: December 8th, 2019, 2:18
by einstein9
Jurgen wrote:I'm still looking for a solution to this problem.

Tried formatting and secure erase, they seem to work but when I reboot the data is still there. Clearly its still stuck in read only mode.

Looking for a factory tool or other low level tweak to disable this read only mode ?


This is controller issue/bug, i have many cases in stock for research, M2, usb flashes, Microsd
even FW upgrade did not work (says done but no change)

Re: Failed Intel SSD in R/O Mode - Need tool to re-enable wr

Posted: December 9th, 2019, 0:24
by linuxversion
You can try the sanitize feature set (replace /dev/sdX with your drive):

Code:
hdparm --yes-i-know-what-i-am-doing --sanitize-block-erase /dev/sdX