Applies To

• Linux
• ipmctl utility
• Secure Erase/Crypto Erase

Issue

The ipmctl delete -dimm command will securely erase the persistent data on one or more persistent memory devices. When executing the command, the following error is returned:

# ipmctl delete -dimm
Erasing DIMM 0x0001.
Do you want to continue? [y/n] y
Erase failed: Error (290) - Unsupported

Cause

This command is subject to Operating System Vendor (OSV) support. It will return “Not Supported” or “Unsupported” if the security feature is not implemented.

More details can be found in the ipmctl-erase-device-data(1) man page.

Solution

The secure erase operation can be initiated using the following methods, subject to vendor implementation:

• Certain server OEMs provide a secure erase option in the BIOS
• The ipmctl.efi utility for the UEFI shell may be available from your server OEM.
• Use ndctl sanitize on Linux using Kernel 5.0.0 or later with ndctl v64 or later.