Troubleshooting Machine Check Exception (MCE) on SUSE

This document (7003695) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

Situation

The kernel is tainted with TAINT: (M) Machine check exception.

On the x86_64 architecture you see a /var/log/mcelog file with contents similar to the following:

MCE 0
HARDWARE ERROR. This is *NOT* a software problem!
Please contact your hardware vendor
CPU 8 BANK 4 TSC cc6b33cd1589
MISC c0090fff01000000 ADDR c27c001a0
STATUS dc3bc000ba080a13 MCGSTATUS 0
MCE 1
HARDWARE ERROR. This is *NOT* a software problem!
Please contact your hardware vendor
CPU 8 BANK 4 TSC cd195ce00597
MISC c0090fff01000000 ADDR c0fd96000
STATUS dc77400065080a13 MCGSTATUS 0
MCE 2
HARDWARE ERROR. This is *NOT* a software problem!
Please contact your hardware vendor
CPU 8 BANK 4 TSC cdc785f347a5
MISC c0090fff01000000 ADDR c1037d380
STATUS dc4cc000df080a13 MCGSTATUS 0

Resolution

Generally speaking a machine check exception indicates a hardware failure. This is rarely if ever an operating system error. It is highly recommended that you follow your vendor's hardware diagnostic procedure to find and replace any faulty hardware. You can run memory and firmware tests in addition to your vendor's recommended hardware diagnostic procedure.

To run a Memory Test do the following:
1. Insert the SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server installation CD1
2. Reboot from CD
3. Select Memory Test to run memtest86

To run a Firmware Test do the following:
1. Insert the SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server installation CD1
2. Reboot from CD
3. Select Firmware Test

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.