Need error code list

We do not have any such list. However, I think the -31 error is when the driver is not loaded and SoftRAID tries to create a file system.

You can check if the driver is loaded by this command in terminal:

sudo kextstat -b com.softraid.driver.SoftRAID

(or just type kextstat in terminal and search the output for SoftRAID)

If there is no response, the driver is not loaded. the output should be the same as the version you are running.

@softraid-support

In startup, Lite said it was installing a new copy of the driver (even though the 5.8.4 driver showed in the bottom of the window) and then I got a message that the driver was successfully installed, and I could use SoftRAID.

With Terminal, I saw 185 Apple drivers and 4 drivers from my backup system, but no SoftRAID drivers. Clearly, something is wrong...

The consequence: In partitioning, I got error messages "Cannot create file system" even though I was able to create volumes. They wouldn't mount, however.

@david-1260

That is the clue that the SoftRAID driver was blocked from loading in the extensions cache.

Did you get the chance to "Allow" OWC as an identified developer in System Preferences/Security?

that step is a must. Its easy to miss, as the dialog box that alerts you has "OK" as the default, which is incorrect.

I don't even remember seeing the security issue put before me. Something wasn't handled well there...

I've enabled full disk access for SoftRAID lite, restarted SRL, saw it install the driver again, gotten the successful install message, but still can't mount the volumes. What other security authorization is needed?

In addition, the message that indicated that the driver was installed correctly was wrong. More issues for the Devs...

Attach a SoftRAID tech support file. As others have run into Big Sir does not like obsolete extensions. lets see if that is causing this. When you install the driver, you should get the System Preferences dialog box. If not then the extensions cache is not being built correctly.

@softraid-support

I'm running Catalina. No System Preference dialog box comes up when I open SRL. It immediately starts to install the driver.

For Catalina, follow these instructions, they should help.

https://srforums.wpengine.com/pages/support/5.8_Volumes_Not_Mounting.pdf

But there should have been a dialog box pointing you to system preferences at some point.

You may need to "uninstall SoftRAID" then reinstall it and then go to System preferences/Security.

The problem is with the "there should have been." There was no dialog box pointing to System Prefs on install. There was no entry in Security/General to enable OWC software. And finally, the dialog box indicating Successful Install did not detect the failure to load.

To add insult to injury, I deleted an authorized copy of SRL. The new one you instructed me to install is now asking me "Would you like to download a copy of that software or use this version as a 30 day trial?" I don't want to do either. The question seems ridiculous. I want to authorize the current copy. It looks like you've placed me in an impossible bind.

It looks to me like the later versions of SR don't play well with Catalina's annoying defense measures. How do I make this work?

@david-1260

First, the application is not what is authorized, it is the driver. I believe you were running Lite XT and then downloaded lite. Here is a link to Lite XT.

https://softraid.com/srlxt

There is no need to delete the app, the correct test is "uninstall SoftRAID" from utilities menu. That removes all driver components so you can start fresh. the application is code signed, and cannot run if damaged.

Catalina has been fine, once you understand the mechanisms. Unlike Big Sur, it generally does not block the driver unexpectedly. Maybe the latest security update is adding some Big Sur "protections". I hope not!

Try the uninstall/reinstall. When you reinstall there should be a dialog box. If not, save a tech support file and post it.