Cannot read VPD keys

[Kenneth Porter <shiva@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm getting the following 3-line message spammed over and over on all 
virtual consoles:

Msg: Vpd: Cannot read VPD keys
Class: internal Software error
Nr: 0x19e

This of course makes the virtual consoles unusable. Note the odd 
capitalization. Where does this message come from and what does it mean? 
System is AMD64 socket 939 based on a DFI LANParty UT motherboard.