Re: [smartmontools-support]dma_timer_expiry while running self tests

[Bruce A. <ba...@gr...>]

Hi David,

> >Subject: Re: [smartmontools-support]dma_timer_expiry while >running self tests
> 
> >I think that this *may* be a kernel driver bug. Are you using a >stock RH
> >kernel (currently 2.4.20-30.9) or something else?

> I am running the stock RH kernel 2.4.20.30.9bigmem.

> >PS: I assume that your self-tests are NOT being done in >'captive' mode.
> >If they are, that can busy out the drive and will probably cause >an IDE
> >bus reset like you are seeing.

> I have seen this if I use -s option to schedule them in smartd.conf or
> if I call the tests from a script like this:
> /usr/sbin/smartctl -t short $drive
> 
> At this point, I'm just disabling smart self tests while ctcs is
> running.  It's not optimal, but it avoids having to explain spurious
> errors to manufacturing technicians :^)
> 
> If there is something I can do to help get this really fixed, please
> let me know.

At the moment, my best guess is that this is a kernel bug that shows up
when the system is under heavy load. So strictly speaking I don't think
it's related to SMART -- I think perhaps similar time-outs would be
observed if the disk were just under heavy load.  Anyway, I'll let you
know if I learn more.

Bruce