Dell Precision 5860 Tower – OSA Install Preboot Failure (SecureDoc v9.1 and earlier)
Summary
During OSA installation of SecureDoc v9.1 and earlier versions, the error message “Error: PBA returned 1” may occur.
Background
The current version of OSA relies on Linux kernel 5.13.14, which does not support HWE when the storage controller is configured in RAID mode. As a result, even if the OSA installer completes successfully, for example, when installed on Linux from CL where the drives are visible PBLU will be unable to detect or unlock those drives. In contrast, SecureDoc for Windows (v9.1 and later) uses Linux kernel 6.2.12, where both PBU and PBLU function correctly, ensuring proper drive detection and unlocking.
Environment
- Deployment type: SecureDoc OSA client v9.1 and earlier
- Operating Systems: All Windows Server OS
- Hardware: Dell Precision 5860 Tower (and similar devices)
Details
OSA currently requires Linux kernel 5.13.14, which does not properly support RAID mode, meaning it will only function when the storage controller is configured in AHCI/NVMe mode. While Linux kernel 6.2.12 appears to support RAID mode correctly, it cannot be applied to OSA due to the 128M SMBR size limitation. As a result, the current OSA version can only be supported on this device in RAID mode when installed from USB. If OSA is installed on Windows or Linux systems with pre-boot in PBU mode, the issue will occur. However, PBU for VROC RAID is supported in both enterprise OSA and standalone OSA configurations.
Workaround
To force PBU, add the following settings to the profile:
BOOTLOADER_VERSION=1
BOOTLOADER_VERSION_UEFI=1
Resolution
The issue has been corrected in the following builds:
- SecureDoc v9.1 SR1 Build 42
- SecureDoc v9.2 Build 24