Applies to: All editions; firmware and post-erasure tests require Pro or higher
SMART unavailable or failed
Confirm the device and controller support SMART passthrough. USB bridges, RAID controllers, virtual disks, and some HBAs can block access. Decide whether to continue only under the approved fail-on-SMART policy.
Firmware method unavailable
Confirm:
- The device type and bus are correct;
- The device is directly attached;
- The method matches SATA SSD, NVMe, or SAS SSD as applicable;
- The controller supports protocol passthrough;
- The device advertises the required capability;
- The edition is Pro, Enterprise, or Audit.
ATA device frozen or locked
A frozen or incompatible security state can prevent ATA sanitization. Use the hardware vendor’s supported procedure to establish an eligible state. Do not use undocumented power or security manipulations on production equipment.
When policy permits, create a new job using Firmware + Fallback or an approved overwrite method. Otherwise move the device to alternate sanitization or destruction.
NVMe or SCSI command fails
Review controller passthrough, device firmware, namespace or logical-unit presentation, and the detailed protocol result. Direct attachment can be required. A timeout or command error is not a successful sanitization.
Overwrite write errors
Write failures can indicate media damage, controller resets, unstable USB connections, power problems, changed capacity, or access-path errors. Preserve the failed ranges and report. Repeating the same job without correcting the cause does not convert an incomplete result into evidence of full coverage.
Verification failure
A mismatch means the checked logical data did not contain the expected final pattern. Do not release the device. Confirm caching and controller stability, run an appropriate health assessment, and repeat or destroy the device according to policy.
Health assessment fails
Health failure does not automatically mean the erasure failed. Keep the results separate. A sanitized but unhealthy device may be suitable only for warranty return, recycling, or destruction rather than reuse.