Merge branch 'develop' into eoc_valgrind_bugfix

42 files changed, 3323 insertions, 1521 deletions

diff --git a/java/src/hdf/hdf5lib/H5.java b/java/src/hdf/hdf5lib/H5.java
index 789fea5..50faa6d 100644
--- a/java/src/hdf/hdf5lib/H5.java
+++ b/java/src/hdf/hdf5lib/H5.java
@@ -2854,6 +2854,7 @@ public class H5 implements java.io.Serializable {
 
     // /////// unimplemented ////////
     // ssize_t H5Fget_file_image(hid_t file_id, void * buf_ptr, size_t buf_len);
+    // herr_t H5Fget_metadata_read_retry_info(hid_t file_id, H5F_retry_info_t *info);
     // ssize_t H5Fget_free_sections(hid_t file_id, H5F_mem_t type, size_t nsects, H5F_sect_info_t *sect_info/*out*/);
 
     // /**
@@ -5672,6 +5673,41 @@ public class H5 implements java.io.Serializable {
     public synchronized static native void H5Pset_elink_file_cache_size(long fapl_id, int efc_size)
             throws HDF5LibraryException;
 
+    /**
+    /**
+     * H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts retrieves the number of read attempts that is set in the file access property list plist_id.
+     *
+     * @param plist_id
+     *            IN: File access property list identifier
+     *
+     * @return The number of read attempts.
+     *
+     * @exception HDF5LibraryException
+     *                - Error from the HDF-5 Library.
+     *
+     **/
+    public synchronized static native long H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts(long plist_id) throws HDF5LibraryException;
+
+    /**
+     * H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts sets the number of reads that the library will try when reading checksummed
+     * metadata in an HDF5 file opened with SWMR access. When reading such metadata, the library will compare the
+     * checksum computed for the metadata just read with the checksum stored within the piece of checksum. When
+     * performing SWMR operations on a file, the checksum check might fail when the library reads data on a system
+     * that is not atomic. To remedy such situations, the library will repeatedly read the piece of metadata until
+     * the check passes or finally fails the read when the allowed number of attempts is reached.
+     *
+     * @param plist_id
+     *            IN: File access property list identifier
+     * @param attempts
+     *            IN: The number of read attempts which is a value greater than 0.
+     *
+     * @exception HDF5LibraryException
+     *                - Error from the HDF-5 Library.
+     *
+     **/
+    public synchronized static native void H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts(long plist_id, long attempts)
+            throws HDF5LibraryException;
+
     // Dataset creation property list (DCPL) routines //
 
     /**
diff --git a/java/src/jni/h5pImp.c b/java/src/jni/h5pImp.c
index 7c71da1..01da210 100644
--- a/java/src/jni/h5pImp.c
+++ b/java/src/jni/h5pImp.c
@@ -5542,6 +5542,40 @@ Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Piterate
     return (jint)status;
 } /* end Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Piterate */
 
+/*
+ * Class:     hdf_hdf5lib_H5
+ * Method:    H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts
+ * Signature: (J)J
+ */
+JNIEXPORT jlong JNICALL
+Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Pget_1metadata_1read_1attempts
+    (JNIEnv *env, jclass clss, jlong plist_id)
+{
+    unsigned attempts;
+    if (H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts((hid_t)plist_id, &attempts) < 0)
+        h5libraryError(env);
+
+    return (jlong) attempts;
+} /* end Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Pget_1metadata_1read_1attempts */
+
+/*
+ * Class:     hdf_hdf5lib_H5
+ * Method:    H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts
+ * Signature: (JJ)V
+ */
+JNIEXPORT void JNICALL
+Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Pset_1metadata_1read_1attempts
+    (JNIEnv *env, jclass clss, jlong plist_id, jlong attempts)
+{
+     if (attempts <= 0) {
+         h5badArgument(env, "H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts:  attempts <= 0");
+     } /* end if */
+     else {
+        if(H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts((hid_t)plist_id, (unsigned)attempts) < 0)
+            h5libraryError(env);
+     } /* end else */
+} /* end Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Pset_1metadata_1read_1attempts */
+
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 } /* end extern "C" */
 #endif /* __cplusplus */
diff --git a/java/src/jni/h5pImp.h b/java/src/jni/h5pImp.h
index 2269624..d606b7a 100644
--- a/java/src/jni/h5pImp.h
+++ b/java/src/jni/h5pImp.h
@@ -1473,6 +1473,25 @@ JNIEXPORT jint JNICALL
 Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Piterate
   (JNIEnv*, jclass, jlong, jintArray, jobject, jobject);
 
+/*
+ * Class:     hdf_hdf5lib_H5
+ * Method:    H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts
+ * Signature: (J)J
+ */
+JNIEXPORT jlong JNICALL
+Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Pget_1metadata_1read_1attempts
+(JNIEnv *, jclass, jlong);
+
+
+/*
+ * Class:     hdf_hdf5lib_H5
+ * Method:    H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts
+ * Signature: (JJ)V
+ */
+JNIEXPORT void JNICALL
+Java_hdf_hdf5lib_H5_H5Pset_1metadata_1read_1attempts
+(JNIEnv *, jclass, jlong, jlong);
+
 
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 } /* end extern "C" */
diff --git a/src/H5ACprivate.h b/src/H5ACprivate.h
index 3a260d0..2251af4 100644
--- a/src/H5ACprivate.h
+++ b/src/H5ACprivate.h
@@ -175,7 +175,9 @@ typedef H5C_notify_action_t     H5AC_notify_action_t;
 #define H5AC__CLASS_SKIP_READS		H5C__CLASS_SKIP_READS
 #define H5AC__CLASS_SKIP_WRITES		H5C__CLASS_SKIP_WRITES
 
-typedef H5C_get_load_size_func_t	H5AC_get_load_size_func_t;
+typedef H5C_get_initial_load_size_func_t	H5AC_get_initial_load_size_func_t;
+typedef H5C_get_final_load_size_func_t	H5AC_get_final_load_size_func_t;
+typedef H5C_verify_chksum_func_t	H5AC_verify_chksum_func_t;
 typedef H5C_deserialize_func_t		H5AC_deserialize_func_t;
 typedef H5C_image_len_func_t		H5AC_image_len_func_t;
 
diff --git a/src/H5B2cache.c b/src/H5B2cache.c
index 32db4b0..51ad32b 100644
--- a/src/H5B2cache.c
+++ b/src/H5B2cache.c
@@ -65,7 +65,8 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache callbacks */
-static herr_t H5B2__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5B2__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5B2__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata);
 static void *H5B2__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5B2__cache_hdr_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -73,7 +74,8 @@ static herr_t H5B2__cache_hdr_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
     void *thing);
 static herr_t H5B2__cache_hdr_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5B2__cache_int_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5B2__cache_int_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5B2__cache_int_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata);
 static void *H5B2__cache_int_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5B2__cache_int_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -81,7 +83,8 @@ static herr_t H5B2__cache_int_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
     void *thing);
 static herr_t H5B2__cache_int_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5B2__cache_leaf_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5B2__cache_leaf_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5B2__cache_leaf_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata);
 static void *H5B2__cache_leaf_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5B2__cache_leaf_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -99,7 +102,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_BT2_HDR[1] = {{
     "v2 B-tree header",                 /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_BTREE,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5B2__cache_hdr_get_load_size,      /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5B2__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size, /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5B2__cache_hdr_verify_chksum,      /* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5B2__cache_hdr_deserialize,        /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5B2__cache_hdr_image_len,          /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -115,7 +120,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_BT2_INT[1] = {{
     "v2 B-tree internal node",          /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_BTREE,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5B2__cache_int_get_load_size,      /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5B2__cache_int_get_initial_load_size, /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5B2__cache_int_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5B2__cache_int_deserialize,        /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5B2__cache_int_image_len,          /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -131,7 +138,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_BT2_LEAF[1] = {{
     "v2 B-tree leaf node",              /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_BTREE,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5B2__cache_leaf_get_load_size,     /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5B2__cache_leaf_get_initial_load_size, /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5B2__cache_leaf_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5B2__cache_leaf_deserialize,       /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5B2__cache_leaf_image_len,         /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -154,7 +163,7 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_BT2_LEAF[1] = {{
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5B2__cache_hdr_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5B2__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -167,21 +176,58 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_BT2_LEAF[1] = {{
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5B2__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5B2__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5B2_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5B2_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
+    H5B2_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5B2_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(udata->f);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
     /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = H5B2_HEADER_SIZE_FILE(udata->f);
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5B2__cache_hdr_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5B2__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5B2__cache_hdr_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static htri_t
+H5B2__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5B2__cache_hdr_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -208,7 +254,6 @@ H5B2__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
     H5B2_subid_t        id;		/* ID of B-tree class, as found in file */
     uint16_t            depth;          /* Depth of B-tree */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     H5B2_hdr_t		*ret_value = NULL;      /* Return value */
 
@@ -254,19 +299,14 @@ H5B2__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
     UINT16DECODE(image, hdr->root.node_nrec);
     H5F_DECODE_LENGTH(udata->f, image, hdr->root.all_nrec);
 
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
+
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
 
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == hdr->hdr_size);
 
-    /* Compute checksum on entire header */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (hdr->hdr_size - H5B2_SIZEOF_CHKSUM), 0);
-
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_BTREE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for v2 B-tree header")
-
     /* Initialize B-tree header info */
     cparam.cls = H5B2_client_class_g[id];
     if(H5B2__hdr_init(hdr, &cparam, udata->ctx_udata, depth) < 0)
@@ -426,7 +466,7 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5B2__cache_int_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5B2__cache_int_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -439,9 +479,9 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5B2__cache_int_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5B2__cache_int_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5B2_internal_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5B2_internal_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
+    H5B2_internal_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5B2_internal_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -454,7 +494,49 @@ H5B2__cache_int_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     *image_len = udata->hdr->node_size;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5B2__cache_int_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5B2__cache_int_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5B2__cache_int_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static htri_t
+H5B2__cache_int_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len, void *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       			/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5B2_internal_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5B2_internal_cache_ud_t *)_udata;     	/* Pointer to user data */
+    size_t chk_size;       	/* Exact size of the node with checksum at the end */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+
+    /* Internal node prefix header + records + child pointer triplets: size with checksum at the end */
+    chk_size = H5B2_INT_PREFIX_SIZE + (udata->nrec * udata->hdr->rrec_size) + ((size_t)(udata->nrec + 1) * H5B2_INT_POINTER_SIZE(udata->hdr, udata->depth));
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, chk_size, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5B2__cache_int_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -481,7 +563,6 @@ H5B2__cache_int_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
     uint8_t		*native;        /* Pointer to native record info */
     H5B2_node_ptr_t	*int_node_ptr;  /* Pointer to node pointer info */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     unsigned		u;              /* Local index variable */
     H5B2_internal_t	*ret_value = NULL;      /* Return value */
 
@@ -555,8 +636,7 @@ H5B2__cache_int_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
         int_node_ptr++;
     } /* end for */
 
-    /* Compute checksum on internal node */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -564,10 +644,6 @@ H5B2__cache_int_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
     /* Sanity check parsing */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) <= len);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_BTREE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for v2 internal node")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = internal;
 
@@ -733,7 +809,7 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5B2__cache_leaf_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5B2__cache_leaf_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -746,9 +822,9 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5B2__cache_leaf_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5B2__cache_leaf_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5B2_leaf_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5B2_leaf_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
+    H5B2_leaf_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5B2_leaf_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -761,7 +837,49 @@ H5B2__cache_leaf_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     *image_len = udata->hdr->node_size;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5B2__cache_leaf_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5B2__cache_leaf_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5B2__cache_leaf_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static htri_t
+H5B2__cache_leaf_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len, void *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       			/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5B2_internal_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5B2_internal_cache_ud_t *)_udata;     	/* Pointer to user data */
+    size_t chk_size;       	/* Exact size of the node with checksum at the end */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+
+    /* Leaf node prefix header + records: size with checksum at the end */
+    chk_size = H5B2_LEAF_PREFIX_SIZE + (udata->nrec * udata->hdr->rrec_size);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, chk_size, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5B2__cache_leaf_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -787,7 +905,6 @@ H5B2__cache_leaf_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint8_t		*native;        /* Pointer to native keys */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     unsigned		u;              /* Local index variable */
     H5B2_leaf_t		*ret_value = NULL;      /* Return value */
 
@@ -841,8 +958,7 @@ H5B2__cache_leaf_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
         native += udata->hdr->cls->nrec_size;
     } /* end for */
 
-    /* Compute checksum on leaf node */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -850,10 +966,6 @@ H5B2__cache_leaf_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
     /* Sanity check parsing */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) <= udata->hdr->node_size);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_BTREE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for v2 leaf node")
-
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) <= len);
 
diff --git a/src/H5Bcache.c b/src/H5Bcache.c
index 44c5e62..b2be829 100644
--- a/src/H5Bcache.c
+++ b/src/H5Bcache.c
@@ -54,13 +54,13 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache callbacks */
-static herr_t H5B__get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
-static void *H5B__deserialize(const void *image, size_t len, void *udata,
+static herr_t H5B__cache_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static void *H5B__cache_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len, void *udata,
     hbool_t *dirty);
-static herr_t H5B__image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
-static herr_t H5B__serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
+static herr_t H5B__cache_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5B__cache_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
     void *thing);
-static herr_t H5B__free_icr(void *thing);
+static herr_t H5B__cache_free_icr(void *thing);
 
 
 /*********************/
@@ -73,13 +73,15 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_BT[1] = {{
     "v1 B-tree",                        /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_BTREE,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5B__get_load_size,                 /* 'get_load_size' callback */
-    H5B__deserialize,                   /* 'deserialize' callback */
-    H5B__image_len,                     /* 'image_len' callback */
+    H5B__cache_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
+    H5B__cache_deserialize,             /* 'deserialize' callback */
+    H5B__cache_image_len,               /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
-    H5B__serialize,                     /* 'serialize' callback */
+    H5B__cache_serialize,               /* 'serialize' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'notify' callback */
-    H5B__free_icr,                      /* 'free_icr' callback */
+    H5B__cache_free_icr,                /* 'free_icr' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'fsf_size' callback */
 }};
 
@@ -90,7 +92,7 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_BT[1] = {{
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5B__get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5B__cache_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -103,9 +105,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_BT[1] = {{
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5B__get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5B__cache_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5B_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5B_cache_ud_t *)_udata;       /* User data for callback */
+    H5B_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5B_cache_ud_t *)_udata;       /* User data for callback */
     H5B_shared_t *shared;       /* Pointer to shared B-tree info */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
@@ -122,11 +124,11 @@ H5B__get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     *image_len = shared->sizeof_rnode;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5B__get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5B__cache_get_initial_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5B__deserialize
+ * Function:    H5B__cache_deserialize
  *
  * Purpose:     Deserialize the data structure from disk.
  *
@@ -140,7 +142,7 @@ H5B__get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static void *
-H5B__deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len, void *_udata,
+H5B__cache_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len, void *_udata,
     hbool_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED *dirty)
 {
     H5B_t *bt = NULL;           /* Pointer to the deserialized B-tree node */
@@ -229,11 +231,11 @@ done:
             HDONE_ERROR(H5E_BTREE, H5E_CANTFREE, NULL, "unable to destroy B-tree node")
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
-} /* end H5B__deserialize() */
+} /* end H5B__cache_deserialize() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5B__image_len
+ * Function:    H5B__cache_image_len
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -246,7 +248,7 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5B__image_len(const void *_thing, size_t *image_len)
+H5B__cache_image_len(const void *_thing, size_t *image_len)
 {
     const H5B_t *bt = (const H5B_t *)_thing;        /* Pointer to the B-tree node */
     H5B_shared_t *shared;       /* Pointer to shared B-tree info */
@@ -265,11 +267,11 @@ H5B__image_len(const void *_thing, size_t *image_len)
     *image_len = shared->sizeof_rnode;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5B__image_len() */
+} /* end H5B__cache_image_len() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5B__serialize
+ * Function:    H5B__cache_serialize
  *
  * Purpose:     Serialize the data structure for writing to disk.
  *
@@ -282,7 +284,7 @@ H5B__image_len(const void *_thing, size_t *image_len)
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5B__serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
+H5B__cache_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
     void *_thing)
 {
     H5B_t *bt = (H5B_t *)_thing;        /* Pointer to the B-tree node */
@@ -351,11 +353,11 @@ H5B__serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len,
 
 done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
-} /* end H5B__serialize() */
+} /* end H5B__cache_serialize() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5B__free_icr
+ * Function:    H5B__cache_free_icr
  *
  * Purpose:     Destroy/release an "in core representation" of a data structure
  *
@@ -368,7 +370,7 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5B__free_icr(void *thing)
+H5B__cache_free_icr(void *thing)
 {
     herr_t      ret_value = SUCCEED;    /* Return value */
 
@@ -383,5 +385,5 @@ H5B__free_icr(void *thing)
 
 done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
-} /* end H5B__free_icr() */
+} /* end H5B__cache_free_icr() */
 
diff --git a/src/H5C.c b/src/H5C.c
index a1477d4..147489b 100644
--- a/src/H5C.c
+++ b/src/H5C.c
@@ -167,6 +167,9 @@ static herr_t H5C__mark_flush_dep_dirty(H5C_cache_entry_t * entry);
 
 static herr_t H5C__mark_flush_dep_clean(H5C_cache_entry_t * entry);
 
+static herr_t H5C__verify_len_eoa(H5F_t *f, const H5C_class_t * type,
+    haddr_t addr, size_t *len, hbool_t actual);
+
 static herr_t H5C__generate_image(const H5F_t *f, H5C_t * cache_ptr, H5C_cache_entry_t *entry_ptr, 
                                   hid_t dxpl_id);
 
@@ -6136,6 +6139,70 @@ done:
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  *
+ * Function:    H5C__verify_len_eoa
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify that 'len' does not exceed eoa when 'actual' is
+ *              false i.e. 'len" is the initial speculative length from
+ *              get_load_size callback with null image pointer.
+ *              If exceed, adjust 'len' accordingly.
+ *
+ *              Verify that 'len' should not exceed eoa when 'actual' is
+ *              true i.e. 'len' is the actual length from get_load_size 
+ *              callback with non-null image pointer.
+ *              If exceed, return error.
+ *
+ * Return:      FAIL if error is detected, SUCCEED otherwise.
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi
+ *              9/6/15
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t
+H5C__verify_len_eoa(H5F_t *f, const H5C_class_t *type, haddr_t addr,
+    size_t *len, hbool_t actual)
+{
+    H5FD_mem_t cooked_type;             /* Modified type, accounting for switching global heaps */
+    haddr_t eoa;                	/* End-of-allocation in the file */
+    herr_t ret_value = SUCCEED;      	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
+
+    /* if type == H5FD_MEM_GHEAP, H5F_block_read() forces 
+     * type to H5FD_MEM_DRAW via its call to H5F__accum_read().
+     * Thus we do the same for purposes of computing the EOA
+     * for sanity checks.
+     */
+    cooked_type = (type->mem_type == H5FD_MEM_GHEAP) ? H5FD_MEM_DRAW : type->mem_type;
+
+    /* Get the file's end-of-allocation value */
+    eoa = H5F_get_eoa(f, cooked_type);
+    if(!H5F_addr_defined(eoa))
+	HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "invalid EOA address for file")
+
+    /* Check for bad address in general */
+    if(H5F_addr_gt(addr, eoa))
+	HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "address of object past end of allocation")
+
+    /* Check if the amount of data to read will be past the EOA */
+    if(H5F_addr_gt((addr + *len), eoa)) {
+	if(actual)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "actual len exceeds EOA.")
+	else
+	    /* Trim down the length of the metadata */
+	    *len = (size_t)(eoa - addr);
+    } /* end if */
+
+    if(*len <= 0)
+	HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "len not positive after adjustment for EOA.")
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* H5C__verify_len_eoa() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ *
  * Function:    H5C_load_entry
  *
  * Purpose:     Attempt to load the entry at the specified disk address
@@ -6163,7 +6230,7 @@ H5C_load_entry(H5F_t *              f,
                 void *              udata)
 {
     hbool_t     dirty = FALSE;          /* Flag indicating whether thing was dirtied during deserialize */
-    void *      image = NULL;           /* Buffer for disk image                    */
+    uint8_t *   image = NULL;           /* Buffer for disk image                    */
     void *      thing = NULL;           /* Pointer to thing loaded                  */
     H5C_cache_entry_t *entry = NULL;    /* Alias for thing loaded, as cache entry   */
     size_t      len;                    /* Size of image in file                    */
@@ -6176,10 +6243,18 @@ H5C_load_entry(H5F_t *              f,
 
     FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT
 
+    /* Sanity checks */
     HDassert(f);
     HDassert(f->shared);
     HDassert(f->shared->cache);
     HDassert(type);
+    HDassert(H5F_addr_defined(addr));
+    HDassert(type->get_initial_load_size);
+    if(type->flags & H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG)
+        HDassert(type->get_final_load_size);
+    else
+        HDassert(NULL == type->get_final_load_size);
+    HDassert(type->deserialize);
 
     /* Can't see how skip reads could be usefully combined with
      * the speculative read flag.  Hence disallow.
@@ -6187,59 +6262,19 @@ H5C_load_entry(H5F_t *              f,
     HDassert(!((type->flags & H5C__CLASS_SKIP_READS) &&
                (type->flags & H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG)));
 
-    HDassert(H5F_addr_defined(addr));
-    HDassert(type->get_load_size);
-    HDassert(type->deserialize);
-
-    /* Call the get_load_size callback, to retrieve the initial 
-     * size of image 
-     */
-    if(type->get_load_size(udata, &len) < 0)
+    /* Call the get_initial_load_size callback, to retrieve the initial size of image */
+    if(type->get_initial_load_size(udata, &len) < 0)
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTGET, NULL, "can't retrieve image size")
-
     HDassert(len > 0);
 
     /* Check for possible speculative read off the end of the file */
-    if(type->flags & H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG) {
-
-        haddr_t eoa;                /* End-of-allocation in the file */
-        H5FD_mem_t  cooked_type;
-
-        /* if type == H5FD_MEM_GHEAP, H5F_block_read() forces 
-         * type to H5FD_MEM_DRAW via its call to H5F__accum_read().
-         * Thus we do the same for purposes of computing the eoa
-         * for sanity checks.
-         */
-        cooked_type = (type->mem_type == H5FD_MEM_GHEAP) ? H5FD_MEM_DRAW : type->mem_type;
-
-        /* Get the file's end-of-allocation value */
-        eoa = H5F_get_eoa(f, cooked_type);
-
-        HDassert(H5F_addr_defined(eoa));
-
-        /* Check for bad address in general */
-        if ( H5F_addr_gt(addr, eoa) )
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "address of object past end of allocation")
-
-        /* Check if the amount of data to read will be past the eoa */
-        if( H5F_addr_gt((addr + len), eoa) ) {
-
-            /* Trim down the length of the metadata */
-            /* Note that for some cache clients, this will cause an 
-             * assertion failure.   JRM -- 8/29/14
-             */
-            len = (size_t)(eoa - addr);
-        } /* end if */
-
-        if ( len <= 0 )
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "len not positive after adjustment for EOA.")
-
-    } /* end if */
+    if(type->flags & H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG)
+        if(H5C__verify_len_eoa(f, type, addr, &len, FALSE) < 0)
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "invalid len with respect to EOA")
 
     /* Allocate the buffer for reading the on-disk entry image */
-    if(NULL == (image = H5MM_malloc(len + H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE)))
+    if(NULL == (image = (uint8_t *)H5MM_malloc(len + H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE)))
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "memory allocation failed for on disk image buffer.")
-
 #if H5C_DO_MEMORY_SANITY_CHECKS
     HDmemcpy(image + len, H5C_IMAGE_SANITY_VALUE, H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE);
 #endif /* H5C_DO_MEMORY_SANITY_CHECKS */
@@ -6255,150 +6290,144 @@ H5C_load_entry(H5F_t *              f,
 
     /* Get the on-disk entry image */
     if(0 == (type->flags & H5C__CLASS_SKIP_READS)) {
+        unsigned tries, max_tries;      /* The # of read attempts               */
+        unsigned retries;               /* The # of retries                     */
+        htri_t chk_ret;                 /* return from verify_chksum callback   */
+        size_t actual_len = len;        /* The actual length, after speculative reads have been resolved */
+        uint64_t nanosec = 1;           /* # of nanoseconds to sleep between retries */
+        void *new_image;                /* Pointer to image                     */
+        hbool_t len_changed = TRUE;     /* Whether to re-check speculative entries */
+
+        /* Get the # of read attempts */
+        max_tries = tries = H5F_GET_READ_ATTEMPTS(f);
+
+        /* 
+         * This do/while loop performs the following till the metadata checksum
+         * is correct or the file's number of allowed read attempts are reached.
+         *   --read the metadata
+         *   --determine the actual size of the metadata
+         *   --perform checksum verification
+         */
+        do {
+            if(actual_len != len) {
+                if(NULL == (new_image = H5MM_realloc(image, len + H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE)))
+                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "image null after H5MM_realloc()")
+                image = (uint8_t *)new_image;
+#if H5C_DO_MEMORY_SANITY_CHECKS
+                HDmemcpy(image + len, H5C_IMAGE_SANITY_VALUE, H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE);
+#endif /* H5C_DO_MEMORY_SANITY_CHECKS */
+            } /* end if */
+
 #ifdef H5_HAVE_PARALLEL
-        if(!coll_access || 0 == mpi_rank) {
+            if(!coll_access || 0 == mpi_rank) {
 #endif /* H5_HAVE_PARALLEL */
-
-            if(H5F_block_read(f, type->mem_type, addr, len, dxpl_id, image) < 0)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_READERROR, NULL, "Can't read image*")
-
+                if(H5F_block_read(f, type->mem_type, addr, len, dxpl_id, image) < 0)
+                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_READERROR, NULL, "Can't read image*")
 #ifdef H5_HAVE_PARALLEL
-        } /* end if */
-
-        /* if the collective metadata read optimization is turned on,
-         * bcast the metadata read from process 0 to all ranks in the file
-         * communicator
-         */
-        if(coll_access) {
-            int buf_size;
+            } /* end if */
+            /* if the collective metadata read optimization is turned on,
+             * bcast the metadata read from process 0 to all ranks in the file
+             * communicator
+             */
+            if(coll_access) {
+                int buf_size;
 
-            H5_CHECKED_ASSIGN(buf_size, int, len, size_t);
-            if(MPI_SUCCESS != (mpi_code = MPI_Bcast(image, buf_size, MPI_BYTE, 0, comm)))
-                HMPI_GOTO_ERROR(NULL, "MPI_Bcast failed", mpi_code)
-        } /* end if */
+                H5_CHECKED_ASSIGN(buf_size, int, len, size_t);
+                if(MPI_SUCCESS != (mpi_code = MPI_Bcast(image, buf_size, MPI_BYTE, 0, comm)))
+                    HMPI_GOTO_ERROR(NULL, "MPI_Bcast failed", mpi_code)
+            } /* end if */
 #endif /* H5_HAVE_PARALLEL */
-    } /* end if */
-
-    /* Deserialize the on-disk image into the native memory form */
-    if(NULL == (thing = type->deserialize(image, len, udata, &dirty)))
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTLOAD, NULL, "Can't deserialize image")
-
-    /* If the client's cache has an image_len callback, check it */
-    if(type->image_len) {
-        size_t	new_len;        /* New size of on-disk image */
-
-        /* set magic and type field in *entry_ptr.  While the image_len 
-         * callback shouldn't touch the cache specific fields, it may check 
-         * these fields to ensure that it it has received the expected 
-         * value.
-         *
-         * Note that this initialization is repeated below on the off 
-         * chance that we had to re-try the deserialization.
-         */
-        entry = (H5C_cache_entry_t *)thing;
-        entry->magic = H5C__H5C_CACHE_ENTRY_T_MAGIC;
-        entry->type  = type;
-
-        /* Get the actual image size for the thing */
-        if(type->image_len(thing, &new_len) < 0)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTGET, NULL, "can't retrieve image length")
-
-        if(new_len == 0)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "image length is 0")
-
-        if(new_len != len) {
-
-            if (type->flags & H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG) {
-
-                void *new_image;       /* Buffer for disk image */
-
-                /* Adjust the size of the image to match new_len */
-                if(NULL == (new_image = H5MM_realloc(image, 
-                                            new_len + H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE)))
-
-                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "image null after H5MM_realloc()")
-
-                image = new_image;
 
+            /* If the entry could be read speculatively and the length is still
+             *  changing, check for updating the actual size
+             */
+            if((type->flags & H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG) && len_changed) {
+                /* Retrieve the actual length */
+                actual_len = len;
+                if(type->get_final_load_size(image, len, udata, &actual_len) < 0)
+                    continue;   /* Transfer control to while() and count towards retries */
+
+                /* Check for the length changing */
+                if(actual_len != len) {
+                    /* Verify that the length isn't past the EOA for the file */
+                    if(H5C__verify_len_eoa(f, type, addr, &actual_len, TRUE) < 0)
+                        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "actual_len exceeds EOA.")
+
+                    /* Expand buffer to new size */
+                    if(NULL == (new_image = H5MM_realloc(image, actual_len + H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE)))
+                        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "image null after H5MM_realloc()")
+                    image = (uint8_t *)new_image;
 #if H5C_DO_MEMORY_SANITY_CHECKS
-                HDmemcpy(((uint8_t *)image) + new_len, H5C_IMAGE_SANITY_VALUE, H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE);
+                    HDmemcpy(image + actual_len, H5C_IMAGE_SANITY_VALUE, H5C_IMAGE_EXTRA_SPACE);
 #endif /* H5C_DO_MEMORY_SANITY_CHECKS */
 
-                /* If the thing's image needs to be bigger for a speculatively
-                 *      loaded thing, free the thing and retry with new length
-                 */
-                if (new_len > len) {
-
-                    /* Release previous (possibly partially initialized) 
-                     * thing.  Note that we must set entry->magic to 
-                     * H5C__H5C_CACHE_ENTRY_T_BAD_MAGIC and set one or 
-                     * two other fields before the call to free_icr
-                     * so as to avoid sanity check failures.
-                     */
-                    entry->magic = H5C__H5C_CACHE_ENTRY_T_BAD_MAGIC;
-
-                    entry->addr  = addr;
-
-                    if ( type->free_icr(thing) < 0 )
-
-                        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTFLUSH, NULL, "free_icr callback failed")
-
+                    if(actual_len > len) {
 #ifdef H5_HAVE_PARALLEL
-                    if(!coll_access || 0 == mpi_rank) {
+                        if(!coll_access || 0 == mpi_rank) {
 #endif /* H5_HAVE_PARALLEL */
-
-                    /* Go get the on-disk image again */
-                    if(H5F_block_read(f, type->mem_type, addr, 
-                                      new_len, dxpl_id, image) < 0)
-                        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTLOAD, NULL, "Can't read image")
-
+                            /* If the thing's image needs to be bigger for a speculatively
+                             * loaded thing, go get the on-disk image again (the extra portion).
+                             */
+                            if(H5F_block_read(f, type->mem_type, addr + len, actual_len - len, dxpl_id, image + len) < 0)
+                                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTLOAD, NULL, "can't read image")
 #ifdef H5_HAVE_PARALLEL
-                    }
-                    /* if the collective metadata read optimization is turned on,
-                       bcast the metadata read from process 0 to all ranks in the file
-                       communicator */
-                    if(coll_access) {
-                        int buf_size;
-
-                        H5_CHECKED_ASSIGN(buf_size, int, new_len, size_t);
-                        if(MPI_SUCCESS != (mpi_code = MPI_Bcast(image, buf_size, MPI_BYTE, 0, comm)))
-                            HMPI_GOTO_ERROR(NULL, "MPI_Bcast failed", mpi_code)
-                    } /* end if */
+                        }
+                        /* If the collective metadata read optimization is turned on,
+                         * Bcast the metadata read from process 0 to all ranks in the file
+                         * communicator */
+                        if(coll_access) {
+                            int buf_size;
+
+                            H5_CHECKED_ASSIGN(buf_size, int, actual_len - len, size_t);
+                            if(MPI_SUCCESS != (mpi_code = MPI_Bcast(image + len, buf_size, MPI_BYTE, 0, comm)))
+                                HMPI_GOTO_ERROR(NULL, "MPI_Bcast failed", mpi_code)
+                        } /* end if */
 #endif /* H5_HAVE_PARALLEL */
+                    } /* end if */
+                } /* end if (actual_len != len) */
+                else {
+                    /* The length has stabilized */
+                    len_changed = FALSE;
 
-                    /* Deserialize on-disk image into native memory form again */
-                    if(NULL == (thing = type->deserialize(image, new_len, udata, &dirty)))
-                        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTLOAD, NULL, "Can't deserialize image")
+                    /* Set the final length */
+                    len = actual_len;
+                } /* else */
+            } /* end if */
 
-#ifndef NDEBUG
-                    {
-                        size_t new_new_len;
+            /* If there's no way to verify the checksum for a piece of metadata
+             * (usually because there's no checksum in the file), leave now
+             */
+            if(type->verify_chksum == NULL)
+                break;
 
-                        /* Get the actual image size for the thing again.  Note
-                         * that since this is a new thing, we have to set 
-                         * the magic and type fields again so as to avoid
-                         * failing sanity checks.
-                         */
-                        entry = (H5C_cache_entry_t *)thing;
-                        entry->magic = H5C__H5C_CACHE_ENTRY_T_MAGIC;
-                        entry->type  = type;
+            /* Verify the checksum for the metadata image */
+            if((chk_ret = type->verify_chksum(image, actual_len, udata)) < 0)
+                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTGET, NULL, "failure from verify_chksum callback")
+            if(chk_ret == TRUE)
+                break;
 
-                        type->image_len(thing, &new_new_len);
-                        HDassert(new_new_len == new_len);
-                    } /* end block */
-#endif /* NDEBUG */
-                } /* end if (new_len > len) */
+            /* Sleep for some time */
+            H5_nanosleep(nanosec);
+            nanosec *= 2;               /* Double the sleep time next time */
+        } while(--tries);
 
-                /* Retain adjusted size */
-                len = new_len;
+        /* Check for too many tries */
+        if(tries == 0)
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_READERROR, NULL, "incorrect metadatda checksum after all read attempts")
 
-            } else { /* throw an error */
+        /* Calculate and track the # of retries */
+        retries = max_tries - tries;
+        if(retries)     /* Does not track 0 retry */
+            if(H5F_track_metadata_read_retries(f, (unsigned)type->mem_type, retries) < 0)
+                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "cannot track read tries = %u ", retries)
 
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_UNSUPPORTED, NULL, \
-                     "size of non-speculative object changed")
-            }
-        } /* end if (new_len != len) */
-    } /* end if */
+        /* Set the final length (in case it wasn't set earlier) */
+        len = actual_len;
+    } /* end if !H5C__CLASS_SKIP_READS */
+
+    /* Deserialize the on-disk image into the native memory form */
+    if(NULL == (thing = type->deserialize(image, len, udata, &dirty)))
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTLOAD, NULL, "Can't deserialize image")
 
     entry = (H5C_cache_entry_t *)thing;
 
@@ -6480,7 +6509,7 @@ done:
         if(thing && type->free_icr(thing) < 0)
             HDONE_ERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_CANTFLUSH, NULL, "free_icr callback failed")
         if(image)
-            image = H5MM_xfree(image);
+            image = (uint8_t *)H5MM_xfree(image);
     } /* end if */
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
diff --git a/src/H5Cepoch.c b/src/H5Cepoch.c
index eacb247..3726aa1 100644
--- a/src/H5Cepoch.c
+++ b/src/H5Cepoch.c
@@ -63,8 +63,12 @@
  * epochs so that they can be evicted from the cache.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
-static herr_t H5C__epoch_marker_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr,
+static herr_t H5C__epoch_marker_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr,
     size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t H5C__epoch_marker_get_final_load_size(const void *image_ptr,
+    size_t image_len_ptr, void *udata_ptr, size_t *actual_len);
+static htri_t H5C__epoch_marker_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, 
+    size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void * H5C__epoch_marker_deserialize(const void * image_ptr,
     size_t len, void * udata, hbool_t * dirty_ptr);
 static herr_t H5C__epoch_marker_image_len(const void * thing,
@@ -101,7 +105,9 @@ const H5C_class_t H5C__epoch_marker_class =
     /* name             = */ "epoch marker",
     /* mem_type         = */ H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT, /* value doesn't matter */
     /* flags		= */ H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    /* get_load_size    = */ H5C__epoch_marker_get_load_size,
+    /* get_initial_load_size = */ H5C__epoch_marker_get_initial_load_size,
+    /* get_final_load_size = */ H5C__epoch_marker_get_final_load_size,
+    /* verify_chksum    = */ H5C__epoch_marker_verify_chksum,
     /* deserialize      = */ H5C__epoch_marker_deserialize,
     /* image_len        = */ H5C__epoch_marker_image_len,
     /* pre_serialize    = */ H5C__epoch_marker_pre_serialize,
@@ -123,7 +129,7 @@ const H5C_class_t H5C__epoch_marker_class =
 
 
 static herr_t
-H5C__epoch_marker_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata_ptr,
+H5C__epoch_marker_get_initial_load_size(void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata_ptr,
     size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED *image_len_ptr)
 {
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR /* Yes, even though this pushes an error on the stack */
@@ -131,7 +137,32 @@ H5C__epoch_marker_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata_ptr,
     HERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_SYSTEM, "called unreachable fcn.");
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(FAIL)
-} /* end H5C__epoch_marker_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5C__epoch_marker_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+static herr_t
+H5C__epoch_marker_get_final_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *image_ptr,
+    size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED image_len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata_ptr,
+    size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED *actual_len)
+{
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR /* Yes, even though this pushes an error on the stack */
+
+    HERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_SYSTEM, "called unreachable fcn.");
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(FAIL)
+} /* end H5C__epoch_marker_final_get_load_size() */
+
+
+static htri_t 
+H5C__epoch_marker_verify_chksum(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *image_ptr, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len, 
+    void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata_ptr)
+{
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR /* Yes, even though this pushes an error on the stack */
+
+    HERROR(H5E_CACHE, H5E_SYSTEM, "called unreachable fcn.");
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(FALSE)
+} /* end H5C__epoch_marker_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 static void *
diff --git a/src/H5Cprivate.h b/src/H5Cprivate.h
index c4037b0..c03e2e7 100644
--- a/src/H5Cprivate.h
+++ b/src/H5Cprivate.h
@@ -323,50 +323,124 @@ typedef struct H5C_t H5C_t;
  *		code.  When it is set, writes of buffers prepared by the 
  *		serialize callback will be skipped.
  *
- * GET_LOAD_SIZE: Pointer to the 'get load size' function.
+ * GET_INITIAL_LOAD_SIZE: Pointer to the 'get initial load size' function.
  *
- * 	This function must be able to determine the size of the disk image of
- *      a metadata cache entry, given the 'udata' that will be passed to the
- *      'deserialize' callback.
+ *	This function determines the size based on the information in the 
+ *	parameter "udata" or an initial speculative guess.  The size is
+ *	returned in the parameter "image_len_ptr".
  *
- *	Note that if either the H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG is set, the disk image size 
- *	returned by this callback is a first guess.
- *	In other cases, the value returned should be the correct 
- *	size of the entry.
+ * 	For an entry with H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET:
+ *	  This function returns in "image_len_ptr" the on disk size of the
+ *              entry.
+ *	
+ * 	For an entry with H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG:
+ *	  This function returns in "image_len_ptr" an initial guess of the
+ *              entry's on disk size.  This many bytes will be loaded from
+ *              the file and then passed to 'get_final_load_size' callback
+ *              for the actual (final) image length to be determined.
  *
- *	The typedef for the deserialize callback is as follows:
+ *	The typedef for the get_initial_load_size callback is as follows:
  *
- * 	   typedef herr_t (*H5C_get_load_size_func_t)(void *udata_ptr,
- * 	                                           size_t *image_len_ptr);
+ * 	   typedef herr_t (*H5C_get_initial_load_size_func_t)(void *udata_ptr,
+ * 	                                              size_t *image_len_ptr);
  *
- *	The parameters of the deserialize callback are as follows:
+ *	The parameters of the get_initial_load_size callback are as follows:
  *
  *	udata_ptr: Pointer to user data provided in the protect call, which
- *         	will also be passed through to the deserialize callback.
+ *         	will also be passed through to the 'get_final_load_size',
+ *              'verify_chksum', and 'deserialize' callbacks.
  *
- *	image_len_ptr: Pointer to the location in which the length in bytes 
- *		of the in file image to be deserialized is to be returned.
+ *	image_len_ptr: Pointer to the length in bytes of the in-file image to
+ *              be deserialized is to be returned.
  *
  *              This value is used by the cache to determine the size of
  *              the disk image for the metadata, in order to read the disk
  *              image from the file.
- *
+ *	
  *	Processing in the get_load_size function should proceed as follows:
  *
- *	If successful, the function will place the length of the on disk
- *	image associated with supplied user data in *image_len_ptr, and 
- *	then return SUCCEED.
+ *	If successful, the function will place the length in the *image_len_ptr
+ *      associated with supplied user data and then return SUCCEED.
  *
  *	On failure, the function must return FAIL and push error information
  *	onto the error stack with the error API routines, without modifying
- *      the value pointed to by the image_len_ptr.
+ *      the value pointed to by image_len_ptr.
+ *
+ *
+ * GET_FINAL_LOAD_SIZE: Pointer to the 'get final load size' function.
+ *
+ * 	This function determines the final size of a speculatively loaded
+ *      metadata cache entry based on the parameter "image" and the "udata"
+ *      parameters.  This callback _must_ be implemented for cache clients
+ *      which set the H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG and must return the
+ *      actual length of on-disk image after being called once.
+ *
+ *	This function might deserialize the needed metadata information to
+ *	determine the actual size.  The size is returned in the parameter
+ *      "actual_len_ptr".
+ *
+ *	The typedef for the get_load_size callback is as follows:
+ *
+ * 	   typedef herr_t (*H5C_get_final_load_size_func_t)(const void *image_ptr,
+ * 	                                              size_t image_len,
+ *						      void *udata_ptr,
+ *						      size_t *actual_len_ptr);
+ *
+ *	The parameters of the get_load_size callback are as follows:
+ *
+ *	image_ptr: Pointer to a buffer containing the (possibly partial)
+ *              metadata read in.
+ *
+ *	image_len: The length in bytes of the (possibly partial) in-file image
+ *              to be queried for an actual length.
+ *
+ *	udata_ptr: Pointer to user data provided in the protect call, which
+ *         	will also be passed through to the 'verify_chksum' and
+ *              'deserialize' callbacks.
+ *
+ *	actual_len_ptr: Pointer to the location containing the actual length
+ *			of the metadata entry on disk.
+ *
+ *	Processing in the get_final_load_size function should proceed as follows:
+ *
+ *	If successful, the function will place the length in the *actual_len_ptr
+ *      associated with supplied image and/or user data and then return SUCCEED.
+ *
+ *	On failure, the function must return FAIL and push error information
+ *	onto the error stack with the error API routines, without modifying
+ *      the value pointed to by actual_len_ptr.
+ *
+ *
+ * VERIFY_CHKSUM: Pointer to the verify_chksum function.
+ *
+ *	This function verifies the checksum computed for the metadata is
+ *	the same as the checksum stored in the metadata.
+ *
+ *	It computes the checksum based on the metadata stored in the
+ *	parameter "image_ptr" and the actual length of the metadata in the 
+ * 	parameter "len"  which is obtained from the "get_load_size" callback.
+ *
+ *	The typedef for the verify_chksum callback is as follows:
+ *
+ *	   typedef htri_t (*H5C_verify_chksum_func_t)(const void *image_ptr, 
+ *						      size_t len, 
+ *						      void *udata_ptr);
+ *
+ *	The parameters of the verify_chksum callback are as follows:
+ *	
+ *	image_ptr: Pointer to a buffer containing the metadata read in.
+ *
+ *	len: The actual length of the metadata.
+ *
+ *	udata_ptr: Pointer to user data.
  *
  *
  * DESERIALIZE: Pointer to the deserialize function.
  *
- * 	This function must be able to read a buffer containing the on disk 
- *	image of a metadata cache entry, allocate and load the equivalent 
- *	in core representation, and return a pointer to that representation.
+ * 	This function must be able to deserialize a buffer containing the
+ *      on-disk image of a metadata cache entry, allocate and initialize the
+ *      equivalent in core representation, and return a pointer to that
+ *      representation.
  *
  *	The typedef for the deserialize callback is as follows:
  *
@@ -399,17 +473,17 @@ typedef struct H5C_t H5C_t;
  *	Processing in the deserialize function should proceed as follows:
  *
  *      If the image contains valid data, and is of the correct length,
- *      the deserialize function must allocate space for an in core
- *      representation of that data, load the contents of the image into
- *      the space allocated for the in core representation, and return
+ *      the deserialize function must allocate space for an in-core
+ *      representation of that data, deserialize the contents of the image
+ *      into the space allocated for the in-core representation, and return
  *      a pointer to the in core representation.  Observe that an
  *      instance of H5C_cache_entry_t must be the first item in this
  *      representation.  The cache will initialize it after the callback
  *      returns.
  *
- *      Note that the structure of the in core representation is otherwise
+ *      Note that the structure of the in-core representation is otherwise
  *      up to the cache client.  All that is required is that the pointer
- *      returned be sufficient for the clients purposes when it is returned
+ *      returned be sufficient for the client's purposes when it is returned
  *      on a protect call.
  *
  *      If the deserialize function has to clean up file corruption
@@ -421,30 +495,6 @@ typedef struct H5C_t H5C_t;
  *      buffer length, malloc failure, etc.) the function must return NULL and
  *      push error information on the error stack with the error API routines.
  *
- *	Exceptions to the above:
- *
- *	If the H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG is set, the buffer supplied
- *	to the function need not be currect on the first invocation of the 
- *	callback in any single attempt to load the entry.
- *
- *	In this case, if the buffer is larger than necessary, the function
- *	should load the entry as described above and not flag an error due
- *	to the oversized buffer.  The cache will correct its mis-apprehension
- *	of the entry size with a subsequent call to the image_len callback.
- *
- *	If the buffer is too small, and this is the first deserialize call
- *	in the entry load operation, the function should not flag an error.
- *	Instead, it must compute the correct size of the entry, allocate an
- *	in core representation and initialize it to the extent that an 
- *	immediate call to the image len callback will return the correct 
- *	image size.
- *
- *	In this case, when the deserialize callback returns, the cache will
- *	call the image length callback, realize that the supplied buffer was
- *	too small, discard the returned in core representation, allocate
- *	and load a new buffer of the correct size from file, and then call
- *	the deserialize callback again.
- *
  *
  * IMAGE_LEN: Pointer to the image length callback.
  *
@@ -473,6 +523,7 @@ typedef struct H5C_t H5C_t;
  *      onto the error stack with the error API routines, and return without
  *      modifying the values pointed to by the image_len_ptr parameter.
  *
+ *
  * PRE_SERIALIZE: Pointer to the pre-serialize callback.
  *
  *	The pre-serialize callback is invoked by the metadata cache before
@@ -818,8 +869,10 @@ typedef enum H5C_notify_action_t {
 } H5C_notify_action_t;
 
 /* Cache client callback function pointers */
-typedef herr_t (*H5C_get_load_size_func_t)(const void *udata_ptr,
-    size_t *image_len_ptr);
+typedef herr_t (*H5C_get_initial_load_size_func_t)(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+typedef herr_t (*H5C_get_final_load_size_func_t)(const void *image_ptr,
+    size_t image_len, void *udata_ptr, size_t *actual_len_ptr);
+typedef htri_t (*H5C_verify_chksum_func_t)(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 typedef void *(*H5C_deserialize_func_t)(const void *image_ptr,
     size_t len, void *udata_ptr, hbool_t *dirty_ptr);
 typedef herr_t (*H5C_image_len_func_t)(const void *thing, size_t *image_len_ptr);
@@ -838,7 +891,9 @@ typedef struct H5C_class_t {
     const char *		name;
     H5FD_mem_t			mem_type;
     unsigned			flags;
-    H5C_get_load_size_func_t 	get_load_size;
+    H5C_get_initial_load_size_func_t 	get_initial_load_size;
+    H5C_get_final_load_size_func_t 	get_final_load_size;
+    H5C_verify_chksum_func_t	verify_chksum;
     H5C_deserialize_func_t 	deserialize;
     H5C_image_len_func_t	image_len;
     H5C_pre_serialize_func_t	pre_serialize;
diff --git a/src/H5EAcache.c b/src/H5EAcache.c
index 4a53b5c..4210b07 100644
--- a/src/H5EAcache.c
+++ b/src/H5EAcache.c
@@ -73,7 +73,8 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache (H5AC) callbacks */
-static herr_t H5EA__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5EA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5EA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5EA__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_hdr_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -81,7 +82,8 @@ static herr_t H5EA__cache_hdr_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
     void *thing);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_hdr_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5EA__cache_iblock_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5EA__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5EA__cache_iblock_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5EA__cache_iblock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_iblock_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -90,7 +92,8 @@ static herr_t H5EA__cache_iblock_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t l
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_iblock_notify(H5AC_notify_action_t action, void *thing);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_iblock_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5EA__cache_sblock_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5EA__cache_sblock_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5EA__cache_sblock_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5EA__cache_sblock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_sblock_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -99,7 +102,8 @@ static herr_t H5EA__cache_sblock_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t l
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_sblock_notify(H5AC_notify_action_t action, void *thing);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_sblock_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5EA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5EA__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblock_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -109,7 +113,8 @@ static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblock_notify(H5AC_notify_action_t action, void *thing
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblock_free_icr(void *thing);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblock_fsf_size(const void *thing, size_t *fsf_size);
 
-static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5EA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5EA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5EA__cache_dblk_page_image_len(const void *thing, 
@@ -130,7 +135,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_EARRAY_HDR[1] = {{
     "Extensible Array Header",          /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_EARRAY_HDR,                /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5EA__cache_hdr_get_load_size,      /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size,      /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5EA__cache_hdr_deserialize,        /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5EA__cache_hdr_image_len,          /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -146,7 +153,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_EARRAY_IBLOCK[1] = {{
     "Extensible Array Index Block",     /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_EARRAY_IBLOCK,             /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5EA__cache_iblock_get_load_size,   /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_iblock_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5EA__cache_iblock_deserialize,     /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5EA__cache_iblock_image_len,       /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -162,7 +171,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_EARRAY_SBLOCK[1] = {{
     "Extensible Array Super Block",     /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_EARRAY_SBLOCK,             /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5EA__cache_sblock_get_load_size,   /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_sblock_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_sblock_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5EA__cache_sblock_deserialize,     /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5EA__cache_sblock_image_len,       /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -178,7 +189,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_EARRAY_DBLOCK[1] = {{
     "Extensible Array Data Block",      /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_EARRAY_DBLOCK,             /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5EA__cache_dblock_get_load_size,   /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5EA__cache_dblock_deserialize,     /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5EA__cache_dblock_image_len,       /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -194,7 +207,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_EARRAY_DBLK_PAGE[1] = {{
     "Extensible Array Data Block Page", /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_EARRAY_DBLK_PAGE,          /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size, /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size, /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5EA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum, /* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5EA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize,  /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5EA__cache_dblk_page_image_len,    /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -217,7 +232,7 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_EARRAY_DBLK_PAGE[1] = {{
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5EA__cache_hdr_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5EA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -231,21 +246,54 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_EARRAY_DBLK_PAGE[1] = {{
  */
 BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
 herr_t, SUCCEED, -,
-H5EA__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
+H5EA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
 
     /* Local variables */
-    const H5EA_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5EA_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
+    H5EA_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5EA_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(udata);
     HDassert(udata->f);
-    HDassert(H5F_addr_defined(udata->addr));
     HDassert(image_len);
 
     /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)H5EA_HEADER_SIZE_FILE(udata->f);
 
-END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_hdr_get_load_size() */
+END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5EA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
+htri_t, TRUE, -,
+H5EA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata))
+
+    /* Local variables */
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+END_FUNC(STATIC) 	/* end H5EA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -273,7 +321,6 @@ H5EA__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     H5EA_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5EA_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata;
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(image);
@@ -348,17 +395,11 @@ H5EA__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     /* (allow for checksum not decoded yet) */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == (len - H5EA_SIZEOF_CHKSUM));
 
-    /* Compute checksum on entire header */
-    /* (including the filter information, if present) */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	H5E_THROW(H5E_BADVALUE, "incorrect metadata checksum for extensible array header")
-
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == len);
 
@@ -510,7 +551,7 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_hdr_free_icr() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5EA__cache_iblock_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5EA__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -524,11 +565,11 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_hdr_free_icr() */
  */
 BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
 herr_t, SUCCEED, -,
-H5EA__cache_iblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
+H5EA__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
 
     /* Local variables */
-    const H5EA_hdr_t *hdr = (const H5EA_hdr_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
-    H5EA_iblock_t iblock;           /* Fake index block for computing size */
+    H5EA_hdr_t *hdr = (H5EA_hdr_t *)_udata;   		/* User data for callback */
+    H5EA_iblock_t iblock;           			/* Fake index block for computing size */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(hdr);
@@ -544,7 +585,41 @@ H5EA__cache_iblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
     /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)H5EA_IBLOCK_SIZE(&iblock);
 
-END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_iblock_get_load_size() */
+END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5EA__cache_iblock_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
+htri_t, TRUE, -,
+H5EA__cache_iblock_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata))
+
+    /* Local variables */
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+END_FUNC(STATIC) 	/* end H5EA__cache_iblock_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -571,7 +646,6 @@ H5EA__cache_iblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     H5EA_hdr_t *hdr = (H5EA_hdr_t *)_udata;     /* User data for callback */
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     haddr_t             arr_addr;       /* Address of array header in the file */
     size_t              u;              /* Local index variable */
 
@@ -635,8 +709,7 @@ H5EA__cache_iblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Save the index block's size */
     iblock->size = len;
 
-    /* Compute checksum on index block */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata((const uint8_t *)_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -644,10 +717,6 @@ H5EA__cache_iblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == iblock->size);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	H5E_THROW(H5E_BADVALUE, "incorrect metadata checksum for extensible array index block")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = iblock;
 
@@ -863,7 +932,7 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_iblock_free_icr() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5EA__cache_sblock_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5EA__cache_sblock_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -877,11 +946,11 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_iblock_free_icr() */
  */
 BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
 herr_t, SUCCEED, -,
-H5EA__cache_sblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
+H5EA__cache_sblock_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
 
     /* Local variables */
-    const H5EA_sblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5EA_sblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
-    H5EA_sblock_t sblock;           /* Fake super block for computing size */
+    H5EA_sblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5EA_sblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
+    H5EA_sblock_t sblock;           			/* Fake super block for computing size */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(udata);
@@ -917,7 +986,41 @@ H5EA__cache_sblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
     /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)H5EA_SBLOCK_SIZE(&sblock);
 
-END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_sblock_get_load_size() */
+END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_sblock_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5EA__cache_sblock_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
+htri_t, TRUE, -,
+H5EA__cache_sblock_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata))
+
+    /* Local variables */
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+END_FUNC(STATIC) 	/* end H5EA__cache_sblock_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -944,7 +1047,6 @@ H5EA__cache_sblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     H5EA_sblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5EA_sblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     haddr_t             arr_addr;       /* Address of array header in the file */
     size_t              u;              /* Local index variable */
 
@@ -1005,8 +1107,7 @@ H5EA__cache_sblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Save the super block's size */
     sblock->size = len;
 
-    /* Compute checksum on super block */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -1014,10 +1115,6 @@ H5EA__cache_sblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == sblock->size);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	H5E_THROW(H5E_BADVALUE, "incorrect metadata checksum for extensible array super block")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = sblock;
 
@@ -1235,7 +1332,7 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_sblock_free_icr() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5EA__cache_dblock_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5EA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -1249,11 +1346,11 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_sblock_free_icr() */
  */
 BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
 herr_t, SUCCEED, -,
-H5EA__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
+H5EA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
 
     /* Local variables */
-    const H5EA_dblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5EA_dblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
-    H5EA_dblock_t dblock;           /* Fake data block for computing size */
+    H5EA_dblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5EA_dblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
+    H5EA_dblock_t dblock;           			/* Fake data block for computing size */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(udata);
@@ -1290,7 +1387,41 @@ H5EA__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
     else
         *image_len = H5EA_DBLOCK_PREFIX_SIZE(&dblock);
 
-END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_dblock_get_load_size() */
+END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5EA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
+htri_t, TRUE, -,
+H5EA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata))
+
+    /* Local variables */
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+END_FUNC(STATIC) 	/* end H5EA__cache_sblock_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1317,7 +1448,6 @@ H5EA__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     H5EA_dblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5EA_dblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     haddr_t             arr_addr;       /* Address of array header in the file */
 
     /* Check arguments */
@@ -1377,8 +1507,7 @@ H5EA__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* (Note: This is not the same as the image length, for paged data blocks) */
     dblock->size = H5EA_DBLOCK_SIZE(dblock);
 
-    /* Compute checksum on data block */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -1386,10 +1515,6 @@ H5EA__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == len);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	H5E_THROW(H5E_BADVALUE, "incorrect metadata checksum for extensible array data block")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = dblock;
 
@@ -1655,7 +1780,7 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_dblock_fsf_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -1669,10 +1794,10 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_dblock_fsf_size() */
  */
 BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
 herr_t, SUCCEED, -,
-H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
+H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
 
     /* Local variables */
-    const H5EA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5EA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
+    H5EA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5EA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(udata);
@@ -1680,9 +1805,44 @@ H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
     HDassert(udata->parent);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)H5EA_DBLK_PAGE_SIZE(udata->hdr);
 
-END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size() */
+END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5EA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5EA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
+htri_t, TRUE, -,
+H5EA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata))
+
+    /* Local variables */
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+END_FUNC(STATIC) 	/* end H5EA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1709,7 +1869,6 @@ H5EA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     H5EA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5EA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data for loading data block page */
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
 
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert(udata);
@@ -1739,8 +1898,7 @@ H5EA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Set the data block page's size */
     dblk_page->size = len;
 
-    /* Compute checksum on data block page */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -1748,10 +1906,6 @@ H5EA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == dblk_page->size);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	H5E_THROW(H5E_BADVALUE, "incorrect metadata checksum for extensible array data block page")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = dblk_page;
 
diff --git a/src/H5FAcache.c b/src/H5FAcache.c
index 9574c9f..82b87dd 100644
--- a/src/H5FAcache.c
+++ b/src/H5FAcache.c
@@ -71,7 +71,8 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache (H5AC) callbacks */
-static herr_t H5FA__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5FA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5FA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5FA__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5FA__cache_hdr_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -79,7 +80,8 @@ static herr_t H5FA__cache_hdr_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
     void *thing);
 static herr_t H5FA__cache_hdr_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5FA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5FA__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblock_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -88,7 +90,8 @@ static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblock_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t l
 static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblock_free_icr(void *thing);
 static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblock_fsf_size(const void *thing, size_t *fsf_size);
 
-static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5FA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5FA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5FA__cache_dblk_page_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -107,7 +110,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FARRAY_HDR[1] = {{
     "Fixed-array Header",               /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_FARRAY_HDR,                /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5FA__cache_hdr_get_load_size,      /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5FA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size,      /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5FA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5FA__cache_hdr_deserialize,        /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5FA__cache_hdr_image_len,          /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -123,7 +128,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FARRAY_DBLOCK[1] = {{
     "Fixed Array Data Block",           /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_FARRAY_DBLOCK,             /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5FA__cache_dblock_get_load_size,   /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5FA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5FA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5FA__cache_dblock_deserialize,     /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5FA__cache_dblock_image_len,       /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -139,7 +146,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FARRAY_DBLK_PAGE[1] = {{
     "Fixed Array Data Block Page",      /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_FARRAY_DBLK_PAGE,          /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size, /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size, /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5FA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum, /* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5FA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize,  /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5FA__cache_dblk_page_image_len,    /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -162,7 +171,7 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FARRAY_DBLK_PAGE[1] = {{
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5FA__cache_hdr_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5FA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -176,10 +185,10 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FARRAY_DBLK_PAGE[1] = {{
  */
 BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
 herr_t, SUCCEED, -,
-H5FA__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
+H5FA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
 
     /* Local variables */
-    const H5FA_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5FA_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
+    H5FA_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FA_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(udata);
@@ -189,7 +198,41 @@ H5FA__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
     /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)H5FA_HEADER_SIZE_FILE(udata->f);
 
-END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_hdr_get_load_size() */
+END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5FA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
+htri_t, TRUE, -,
+H5FA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata))
+
+    /* Local variables */
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+END_FUNC(STATIC) 	/* end H5FA__cache_hdr_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -217,7 +260,6 @@ H5FA__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     H5FA_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FA_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata;
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(udata);
@@ -281,9 +323,7 @@ H5FA__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* (allow for checksum not decoded yet) */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == (len - H5FA_SIZEOF_CHKSUM));
 
-    /* Compute checksum on entire header */
-    /* (including the filter information, if present) */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -291,10 +331,6 @@ H5FA__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == len);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	H5E_THROW(H5E_BADVALUE, "incorrect metadata checksum for fixed array header")
-
     /* Finish initializing fixed array header */
     if(H5FA__hdr_init(hdr, udata->ctx_udata) < 0)
         H5E_THROW(H5E_CANTINIT, "initialization failed for fixed array header")
@@ -434,7 +470,7 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_hdr_free_icr() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5FA__cache_dblock_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5FA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -448,7 +484,7 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_hdr_free_icr() */
  */
 BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
 herr_t, SUCCEED, -,
-H5FA__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
+H5FA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
 
     /* Local variables */
     H5FA_dblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FA_dblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
@@ -470,7 +506,6 @@ H5FA__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
      *       dblock->npages
      *       dblock->dblk_page_init_size
      */
-
     dblock.hdr = udata->hdr;
     dblk_page_nelmts = (size_t)1 << udata->hdr->cparam.max_dblk_page_nelmts_bits;
     if(udata->hdr->cparam.nelmts > dblk_page_nelmts) {
@@ -484,7 +519,41 @@ H5FA__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
     else
         *image_len = (size_t)H5FA_DBLOCK_PREFIX_SIZE(&dblock);
 
-END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_dblock_get_load_size() */
+END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5FA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
+htri_t, TRUE, -,
+H5FA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata))
+
+    /* Local variables */
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+END_FUNC(STATIC) 	/* end H5FA__cache_dblock_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -511,7 +580,6 @@ H5FA__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     H5FA_dblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FA_dblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for loading data block */
     const uint8_t  *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;    /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t       stored_chksum;   /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t       computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     haddr_t        arr_addr;        /* Address of array header in the file */
 
     /* Sanity check */
@@ -568,8 +636,7 @@ H5FA__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Set the data block's size */
     dblock->size = H5FA_DBLOCK_SIZE(dblock);
 
-    /* Compute checksum on data block */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -577,10 +644,6 @@ H5FA__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == len);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	H5E_THROW(H5E_BADVALUE, "incorrect metadata checksum for fixed array data block")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = dblock;
 
@@ -780,7 +843,7 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_dblock_fsf_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -794,10 +857,10 @@ END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_dblock_fsf_size() */
  */
 BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
 herr_t, SUCCEED, -,
-H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
+H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
 
     /* Local variables */
-    const H5FA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5FA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
+    H5FA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *)_udata;      /* User data */
 
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(udata);
@@ -805,9 +868,44 @@ H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len))
     HDassert(udata->nelmts > 0);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)H5FA_DBLK_PAGE_SIZE(udata->hdr, udata->nelmts);
 
-END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_load_size() */
+END_FUNC(STATIC)   /* end H5FA__cache_dblk_page_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5FA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+BEGIN_FUNC(STATIC, NOERR,
+htri_t, TRUE, -,
+H5FA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata))
+
+    /* Local variables */
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+END_FUNC(STATIC) 	/* end H5FA__cache_dblk_page_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -834,7 +932,6 @@ H5FA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     H5FA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FA_dblk_page_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for loading data block page */
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
 
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert(udata);
@@ -864,8 +961,7 @@ H5FA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Set the data block page's size */
     dblk_page->size = len;
 
-    /* Compute checksum on data block */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -873,10 +969,6 @@ H5FA__cache_dblk_page_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == dblk_page->size);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	H5E_THROW(H5E_BADVALUE, "incorrect metadata checksum for fixed array data block page")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = dblk_page;
 
diff --git a/src/H5FScache.c b/src/H5FScache.c
index b403a69..c1a9e0a 100644
--- a/src/H5FScache.c
+++ b/src/H5FScache.c
@@ -78,7 +78,8 @@ static herr_t H5FS__sinfo_serialize_sect_cb(void *_item, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *ke
 static herr_t H5FS__sinfo_serialize_node_cb(void *_item, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *key, void *_udata);
 
 /* Metadata cache callbacks */
-static herr_t H5FS__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5FS__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5FS__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5FS__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5FS__cache_hdr_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -89,7 +90,8 @@ static herr_t H5FS__cache_hdr_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image,
     size_t len, void *thing);
 static herr_t H5FS__cache_hdr_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5FS__cache_sinfo_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5FS__cache_sinfo_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5FS__cache_sinfo_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -111,7 +113,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FSPACE_HDR[1] = {{
     "Free Space Header",                /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_FSPACE_HDR,                /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5FS__cache_hdr_get_load_size,      /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5FS__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size,      /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5FS__cache_hdr_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5FS__cache_hdr_deserialize,        /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5FS__cache_hdr_image_len,          /* 'image_len' callback */
     H5FS__cache_hdr_pre_serialize,      /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -127,7 +131,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FSPACE_SINFO[1] = {{
     "Free Space Section Info",          /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_FSPACE_SINFO,              /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_load_size,    /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_initial_load_size,    /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5FS__cache_sinfo_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5FS__cache_sinfo_deserialize,      /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5FS__cache_sinfo_image_len,        /* 'image_len' callback */
     H5FS__cache_sinfo_pre_serialize,    /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -150,7 +156,7 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FSPACE_SINFO[1] = {{
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5FS__cache_hdr_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5FS__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -163,9 +169,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FSPACE_SINFO[1] = {{
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5FS__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5FS__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5FS_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5FS_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User-data for metadata cache callback */
+    H5FS_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FS_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User-data for metadata cache callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -178,7 +184,43 @@ H5FS__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     *image_len = (size_t)H5FS_HEADER_SIZE(udata->f);
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5FS__cache_hdr_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5FS__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5FS__cache_hdr_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+htri_t
+H5FS__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+        ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5FS__cache_hdr_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -206,7 +248,6 @@ H5FS__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     H5FS_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FS_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata;  /* User data for callback */
     const uint8_t	*image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     unsigned            nclasses;       /* Number of section classes */
     H5FS_t		*ret_value = NULL;      /* Return value */
 
@@ -279,8 +320,7 @@ H5FS__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     /* Allocated size of serialized free space sections */
     H5F_DECODE_LENGTH(udata->f, image, fspace->alloc_sect_size);
 
-    /* Compute checksum on indirect block */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -288,10 +328,6 @@ H5FS__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) <= len);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-	HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FSPACE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for fractal heap indirect block")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = fspace;
 
@@ -721,10 +757,6 @@ H5FS__cache_hdr_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *_image, size_t len,
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
 } /* H5FS__cache_hdr_serialize() */
 
-/***************************************/
-/* no H5FS__cache_hdr_notify() function */
-/***************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:	H5FS__cache_hdr_free_icr
@@ -768,13 +800,9 @@ done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
 } /* end H5FS__cache_hdr_free_icr() */
 
-/********************************************************/
-/* metadata cache callback definitions for section info */
-/********************************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:	H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_load_size()
+ * Function:	H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Compute the size of the on disk image of the free space 
  *		manager section info, and place this value in *image_len.
@@ -788,10 +816,10 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t 
-H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_load_size(const void  *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_initial_load_size(void  *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5FS_t 		*fspace;        /* free space manager */
-    const H5FS_sinfo_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5FS_sinfo_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
+    const H5FS_t *fspace;        			/* free space manager */
+    H5FS_sinfo_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5FS_sinfo_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -802,10 +830,47 @@ H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_load_size(const void  *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     HDassert(fspace->sect_size > 0);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)(fspace->sect_size);
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5FS__cache_sinfo_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5FS__cache_sinfo_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+htri_t
+H5FS__cache_sinfo_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+        ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5FS__cache_sinfo_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -835,7 +900,6 @@ H5FS__cache_sinfo_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     size_t                  old_sect_size;  /* Old section size */
     const uint8_t          *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;    /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     uint32_t                stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum  */
-    uint32_t                computed_chksum;    /* Computed metadata checksum */
     void *                  ret_value = NULL;   /* Return value */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
@@ -942,16 +1006,11 @@ H5FS__cache_sinfo_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
         HDassert(old_tot_space == fspace->tot_space);
     } /* end if */
 
-    /* Compute checksum on indirect block */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata((const uint8_t *)_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FSPACE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for fractal heap indirect block")
-
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == old_sect_size);
 
diff --git a/src/H5Fint.c b/src/H5Fint.c
index 51a8ab5..2895364 100644
--- a/src/H5Fint.c
+++ b/src/H5Fint.c
@@ -686,6 +686,18 @@ H5F_new(H5F_file_t *shared, unsigned flags, hid_t fcpl_id, hid_t fapl_id, H5FD_t
          */
         f->shared->use_tmp_space = !H5F_HAS_FEATURE(f, H5FD_FEAT_HAS_MPI);
 
+        /* Retrieve the # of read attempts here so that sohm in superblock will get the correct # of attempts */
+        if(H5P_get(plist, H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_NAME, &f->shared->read_attempts) < 0)
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_PLIST, H5E_CANTGET, NULL, "can't get the # of read attempts")
+
+        /* If no value for read attempts has been set, use the default */
+        if(!f->shared->read_attempts)
+            f->shared->read_attempts = H5F_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS;
+
+        /* Determine the # of bins for metdata read retries */
+        if(H5F_set_retries(f) < 0)
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "can't set retries and retries_nbins")
+
         /* Get the metadata cache log location (if we're logging) */
         {
             char *mdc_log_location = NULL;      /* location of metadata cache log location */
@@ -780,6 +792,7 @@ H5F_dest(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, hbool_t flush)
     HDassert(f->shared);
 
     if(1 == f->shared->nrefs) {
+        int actype;                         /* metadata cache type (enum value) */
         H5F_io_info_t fio_info;             /* I/O info for operation */
 
         /* Flush at this point since the file will be closed.
@@ -897,6 +910,11 @@ H5F_dest(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, hbool_t flush)
         f->shared->mtab.child = (H5F_mount_t *)H5MM_xfree(f->shared->mtab.child);
         f->shared->mtab.nalloc = 0;
 
+        /* Clean up the metadata retries array */
+        for(actype = 0; actype < (int)H5AC_NTYPES; actype++)
+            if(f->shared->retries[actype])
+                f->shared->retries[actype] = (uint32_t *)H5MM_xfree(f->shared->retries[actype]);
+
         /* Destroy shared file struct */
         f->shared = (H5F_file_t *)H5FL_FREE(H5F_file_t, f->shared);
 
@@ -2128,6 +2146,96 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5F_track_metadata_read_retries
+ *
+ * Purpose:     To track the # of a "retries" (log10) for a metadata item.
+ *		This routine should be used only when:
+ *		  "retries" > 0
+ *		  f->shared->read_attempts > 1 (does not have retry when 1)
+ *		  f->shared->retries_nbins > 0 (calculated based on f->shared->read_attempts)
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
+ *              Failure:        FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi; October 2013
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+herr_t
+H5F_track_metadata_read_retries(H5F_t *f, unsigned actype, unsigned retries)
+{
+    unsigned log_ind;			/* Index to the array of retries based on log10 of retries */
+    double tmp;                         /* Temporary value, to keep compiler quiet */
+    herr_t ret_value = SUCCEED; 	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI(FAIL)
+
+    /* Sanity check */
+    HDassert(f);
+    HDassert(f->shared->read_attempts > 1);
+    HDassert(f->shared->retries_nbins > 0);
+    HDassert(retries > 0);
+    HDassert(retries < f->shared->read_attempts);
+    HDassert(actype < H5AC_NTYPES);
+
+    /* Allocate memory for retries */
+    if(NULL == f->shared->retries[actype])
+        if(NULL == (f->shared->retries[actype] = (uint32_t *)H5MM_calloc((size_t)f->shared->retries_nbins * sizeof(uint32_t))))
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, FAIL, "memory allocation failed")
+
+    /* Index to retries based on log10 */
+    tmp = HDlog10((double)retries);
+    log_ind = (unsigned)tmp;
+    HDassert(log_ind < f->shared->retries_nbins);
+
+    /* Increment the # of the "retries" */
+    f->shared->retries[actype][log_ind]++;
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* H5F_track_metadata_read_retries() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5F_set_retries
+ *
+ * Purpose:     To initialize data structures for read retries:
+ *		--zero out "retries"
+ *		--set up "retries_nbins" based on read_attempts
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
+ *              Failure:        FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi; November 2013
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+herr_t
+H5F_set_retries(H5F_t *f)
+{
+    double tmp;				/* Temporary variable */
+
+    /* Use FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT_NOERR here to avoid performance issues */
+    FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT_NOERR
+
+    /* Sanity check */
+    HDassert(f);
+
+    /* Initialize the tracking for metadata read retries */
+    HDmemset(f->shared->retries, 0, sizeof(f->shared->retries));
+
+    /* Initialize the # of bins for retries */
+    f->shared->retries_nbins = 0;
+    if(f->shared->read_attempts > 1) {
+        tmp = HDlog10((double)(f->shared->read_attempts - 1));
+        f->shared->retries_nbins = (unsigned)tmp + 1;
+    }
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
+} /* H5F_set_retries() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:    H5F_object_flush_cb
  *
  * Purpose:     To invoke the callback function for object flush that is set
diff --git a/src/H5Fio.c b/src/H5Fio.c
index 2ccd3f3..273ee74 100644
--- a/src/H5Fio.c
+++ b/src/H5Fio.c
@@ -282,3 +282,46 @@ done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value);
 } /* end H5F_evict_tagged_metadata */
 
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5F_get_checksums
+ *
+ * Purpose:   	Decode checksum stored in the buffer
+ *		Calculate checksum for the data in the buffer
+ *
+ * Note:	Assumes that the checksum is the last data in the buffer
+ *
+ * Return:      Non-negative on success/Negative on failure
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi
+ *		Sept 2013
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+herr_t
+H5F_get_checksums(const uint8_t *buf, size_t buf_size, uint32_t *s_chksum/*out*/, uint32_t *c_chksum/*out*/)
+{
+    FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(buf);
+    HDassert(buf_size);
+
+    /* Return the stored checksum */
+    if(s_chksum) {
+        const uint8_t *chk_p;      	/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+
+        /* Offset to the checksum in the buffer */
+        chk_p = buf + buf_size - H5_SIZEOF_CHKSUM;
+
+        /* Decode the checksum stored in the buffer */
+        UINT32DECODE(chk_p, *s_chksum);
+    } /* end if */
+
+    /* Return the computed checksum for the buffer */
+    if(c_chksum)
+	*c_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(buf, buf_size - H5_SIZEOF_CHKSUM, 0);
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
+} /* end H5F_get_chksums() */
+
diff --git a/src/H5Fpkg.h b/src/H5Fpkg.h
index 8d7dcbd..e9c45f3 100644
--- a/src/H5Fpkg.h
+++ b/src/H5Fpkg.h
@@ -152,6 +152,9 @@ typedef struct H5F_superblock_cache_ud_t {
     unsigned btree_k[H5B_NUM_BTREE_ID]; /* B-tree key values for each type */
     haddr_t stored_eof;     /* End-of-file in file */
     hbool_t drvrinfo_removed; /* Indicate if the driver info was removed */
+    unsigned    super_vers;   /* Superblock version obtained in get_load_size callback. 
+			       * It will be used later in verify_chksum callback 
+			       */
 } H5F_superblock_cache_ud_t;
 
 /* Structure for passing 'user data' to driver info block cache callbacks */
@@ -299,6 +302,11 @@ struct H5F_file_t {
     /* Metadata accumulator information */
     H5F_meta_accum_t accum;     /* Metadata accumulator info           	*/
 
+    /* Metadata retry info */
+    unsigned 		read_attempts;	/* The # of reads to try when reading metadata with checksum */
+    unsigned		retries_nbins;		/* # of bins for each retries[] */
+    uint32_t		*retries[H5AC_NTYPES];  /* Track # of read retries for metdata items with checksum */
+
     /* Object flush info */
     H5F_object_flush_t 	object_flush;		/* Information for object flush callback */
 };
diff --git a/src/H5Fprivate.h b/src/H5Fprivate.h
index 9dd4f52..50cd763 100644
--- a/src/H5Fprivate.h
+++ b/src/H5Fprivate.h
@@ -286,6 +286,7 @@
 #define H5F_FILE_ID(F)          ((F)->file_id)
 #define H5F_PARENT(F)           ((F)->parent)
 #define H5F_NMOUNTS(F)          ((F)->nmounts)
+#define H5F_GET_READ_ATTEMPTS(F) ((F)->shared->read_attempts)
 #define H5F_DRIVER_ID(F)        ((F)->shared->lf->driver_id)
 #define H5F_GET_FILENO(F,FILENUM) ((FILENUM) = (F)->shared->lf->fileno)
 #define H5F_HAS_FEATURE(F,FL)   ((F)->shared->lf->feature_flags & (FL))
@@ -335,6 +336,7 @@
 #define H5F_FILE_ID(F)          (H5F_get_file_id(F))
 #define H5F_PARENT(F)           (H5F_get_parent(F))
 #define H5F_NMOUNTS(F)          (H5F_get_nmounts(F))
+#define H5F_GET_READ_ATTEMPTS(F) (H5F_get_read_attempts(F))
 #define H5F_DRIVER_ID(F)        (H5F_get_driver_id(F))
 #define H5F_GET_FILENO(F,FILENUM) (H5F_get_fileno((F), &(FILENUM)))
 #define H5F_HAS_FEATURE(F,FL)   (H5F_has_feature(F,FL))
@@ -467,6 +469,7 @@
 #define H5F_ACS_MULTI_TYPE_NAME                 "multi_type"    /* Data type in multi file driver */
 #define H5F_ACS_LATEST_FORMAT_NAME              "latest_format" /* 'Use latest format version' flag */
 #define H5F_ACS_WANT_POSIX_FD_NAME              "want_posix_fd" /* Internal: query the file descriptor from the core VFD, instead of the memory address */
+#define H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_NAME     "metadata_read_attempts" /* # of metadata read attempts */
 #define H5F_ACS_OBJECT_FLUSH_CB_NAME     	"object_flush_cb" 	 /* Object flush callback */
 #define H5F_ACS_EFC_SIZE_NAME                   "efc_size"      /* Size of external file cache */
 #define H5F_ACS_FILE_IMAGE_INFO_NAME            "file_image_info" /* struct containing initial file image and callback info */
@@ -518,12 +521,19 @@
 /* Default free space section threshold used by free-space managers */
 #define H5F_FREE_SPACE_THRESHOLD_DEF	        1
 
+/* Metadata read attempt values */
+#define H5F_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS		1	/* Default # of read attempts for non-SWMR access */
+
 /* Macros to define signatures of all objects in the file */
 
 /* Size of signature information (on disk) */
 /* (all on-disk signatures should be this length) */
 #define H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC                 4
 
+/* Size of checksum information (on disk) */
+/* (all on-disk checksums should be this length) */
+#define H5_SIZEOF_CHKSUM              	4
+
 /* v1 B-tree node signature */
 #define H5B_MAGIC	                "TREE"
 
@@ -652,6 +662,7 @@ H5_DLL unsigned H5F_decr_nopen_objs(H5F_t *f);
 H5_DLL hid_t H5F_get_file_id(const H5F_t *f);
 H5_DLL H5F_t *H5F_get_parent(const H5F_t *f);
 H5_DLL unsigned H5F_get_nmounts(const H5F_t *f);
+H5_DLL unsigned H5F_get_read_attempts(const H5F_t *f);
 H5_DLL hid_t H5F_get_access_plist(H5F_t *f, hbool_t app_ref);
 H5_DLL hid_t H5F_get_id(H5F_t *file, hbool_t app_ref);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5F_get_obj_count(const H5F_t *f, unsigned types, hbool_t app_ref, size_t *obj_id_count_ptr);
@@ -716,6 +727,13 @@ H5_DLL herr_t H5F_block_write(const H5F_t *f, H5FD_mem_t type, haddr_t addr,
 H5_DLL herr_t H5F_flush_tagged_metadata(H5F_t * f, haddr_t tag, hid_t dxpl_id);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5F_evict_tagged_metadata(H5F_t * f, haddr_t tag, hid_t dxpl_id);
 
+/* Functions that verify a piece of metadata with checksum */
+H5_DLL herr_t H5F_get_checksums(const uint8_t *buf, size_t chk_size, uint32_t *s_chksum, uint32_t *c_chksum);
+
+/* Routine to track the # of retries */
+H5_DLL herr_t H5F_track_metadata_read_retries(H5F_t *f, unsigned actype, unsigned retries);
+H5_DLL herr_t H5F_set_retries(H5F_t *f);
+
 /* Routine to invoke callback function upon object flush */
 H5_DLL herr_t H5F_object_flush_cb(H5F_t *f, hid_t obj_id);
 
diff --git a/src/H5Fpublic.h b/src/H5Fpublic.h
index 6db5a69..018618e 100644
--- a/src/H5Fpublic.h
+++ b/src/H5Fpublic.h
@@ -175,6 +175,14 @@ typedef enum H5F_file_space_type_t {
     H5F_FILE_SPACE_NTYPES	    /* must be last */
 } H5F_file_space_type_t;
 
+/* Data structure to report the collection of read retries for metadata items with checksum */
+/* Used by public routine H5Fget_metadata_read_retry_info() */
+#define H5F_NUM_METADATA_READ_RETRY_TYPES	21
+typedef struct H5F_retry_info_t {
+    unsigned nbins;
+    uint32_t *retries[H5F_NUM_METADATA_READ_RETRY_TYPES];
+} H5F_retry_info_t;
+
 /* Callback for H5Pset_object_flush_cb() in a file access property list */
 typedef herr_t (*H5F_flush_cb_t)(hid_t object_id, void *udata);
 
@@ -216,6 +224,7 @@ H5_DLL herr_t H5Fget_mdc_size(hid_t file_id,
 H5_DLL herr_t H5Freset_mdc_hit_rate_stats(hid_t file_id);
 H5_DLL ssize_t H5Fget_name(hid_t obj_id, char *name, size_t size);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5Fget_info2(hid_t obj_id, H5F_info2_t *finfo);
+H5_DLL herr_t H5Fget_metadata_read_retry_info(hid_t file_id, H5F_retry_info_t *info);
 H5_DLL ssize_t H5Fget_free_sections(hid_t file_id, H5F_mem_t type,
     size_t nsects, H5F_sect_info_t *sect_info/*out*/);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5Fclear_elink_file_cache(hid_t file_id);
diff --git a/src/H5Fquery.c b/src/H5Fquery.c
index 55a50fd..14dd655 100644
--- a/src/H5Fquery.c
+++ b/src/H5Fquery.c
@@ -322,6 +322,29 @@ H5F_get_nmounts(const H5F_t *f)
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5F_get_read_attempts
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Retrieve the file's 'read_attempts' value
+ *
+ * Return:	'# of read attempts' on success/abort on failure (shouldn't fail)
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vaili Choi; Sept 2013
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+unsigned
+H5F_get_read_attempts(const H5F_t *f)
+{
+    /* Use FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT_NOERR here to avoid performance issues */
+    FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT_NOERR
+
+    HDassert(f);
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(f->shared->read_attempts)
+} /* end H5F_get_read_attempts() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:	H5F_get_fcpl
  *
  * Purpose:	Retrieve the value of a file's FCPL.
diff --git a/src/H5Fsuper_cache.c b/src/H5Fsuper_cache.c
index d863159..6cfd9c7 100644
--- a/src/H5Fsuper_cache.c
+++ b/src/H5Fsuper_cache.c
@@ -67,7 +67,10 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache (H5AC) callbacks */
-static herr_t H5F__cache_superblock_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5F__cache_superblock_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5F__cache_superblock_get_final_load_size(const void *image_ptr,
+    size_t image_len, void *udata, size_t *actual_len);
+static htri_t H5F__cache_superblock_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5F__cache_superblock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5F__cache_superblock_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -78,7 +81,9 @@ static herr_t H5F__cache_superblock_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_
     void *thing);
 static herr_t H5F__cache_superblock_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_final_load_size(const void *image_ptr,
+    size_t image_len, void *udata, size_t *actual_len);
 static void *H5F__cache_drvrinfo_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5F__cache_drvrinfo_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -97,7 +102,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_SUPERBLOCK[1] = {{
     "Superblock",                       /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_SUPER,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG,  /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5F__cache_superblock_get_load_size,/* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5F__cache_superblock_get_initial_load_size,/* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    H5F__cache_superblock_get_final_load_size, /* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5F__cache_superblock_verify_chksum, /* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5F__cache_superblock_deserialize,  /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5F__cache_superblock_image_len,    /* 'image_len' callback */
     H5F__cache_superblock_pre_serialize,/* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -113,7 +120,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_DRVRINFO[1] = {{
     "Driver info block",                /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_SUPER,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG,  /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_load_size,  /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_initial_load_size,  /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_final_load_size, /* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5F__cache_drvrinfo_deserialize,    /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5F__cache_drvrinfo_image_len,      /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -139,7 +148,7 @@ H5FL_EXTERN(H5F_super_t);
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5F__cache_superblock_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5F__cache_superblock_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
  *
@@ -152,7 +161,7 @@ H5FL_EXTERN(H5F_super_t);
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5F__cache_superblock_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5F__cache_superblock_get_initial_load_size(void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -161,10 +170,138 @@ H5F__cache_superblock_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata, size_t *im
 
     /* Set the initial image length size */
     *image_len = H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE +    /* Fixed size of superblock */
-        H5F_SUPERBLOCK_MINIMAL_VARLEN_SIZE;
+                 H5F_SUPERBLOCK_MINIMAL_VARLEN_SIZE;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5F__cache_superblock_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5F__cache_superblock_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5F__cache_superblock_get_final_load_size
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Compute the final size of the data structure on disk.
+ *
+ * Return:      Non-negative on success/Negative on failure
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Quincey Koziol
+ *              koziol@lbl.gov
+ *              November 17, 2016
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t
+H5F__cache_superblock_get_final_load_size(const void *_image, size_t image_len,
+    void *_udata, size_t *actual_len)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;   			    /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5F_superblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5F_superblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data */
+    unsigned super_vers;                /* Superblock version */
+    uint8_t sizeof_addr;                /* Size of offsets in the file (in bytes) */
+    uint8_t sizeof_size;                /* Size of lengths in the file (in bytes) */
+    size_t variable_size;               /* Variable size of superblock */
+    htri_t ret_value = SUCCEED;         /* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(udata->f);
+    HDassert(actual_len);
+    HDassert(*actual_len == image_len);
+
+    /* Skip over file signature */
+    image += H5F_SIGNATURE_LEN;
+
+    /* Superblock version */
+    super_vers = *image++;
+    if(super_vers > HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_LATEST)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad superblock version number")
+
+    /* Save the version to be used in verify_chksum callback */
+    udata->super_vers = super_vers;
+
+    /* Sanity check */
+    HDassert(((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image)) == H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE);
+    HDassert(image_len >= H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE + 6);
+
+    /* Determine the size of addresses & size of offsets, for computing the
+     * variable-sized portion of the superblock.
+     */
+    if(super_vers < HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_2) {
+        sizeof_addr = image[4];
+        sizeof_size = image[5];
+    } /* end if */
+    else {
+        sizeof_addr = image[0];
+        sizeof_size = image[1];
+    } /* end else */
+    if(sizeof_addr != 2 && sizeof_addr != 4 &&
+            sizeof_addr != 8 && sizeof_addr != 16 && sizeof_addr != 32)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad byte number in an address")
+    if(sizeof_size != 2 && sizeof_size != 4 &&
+            sizeof_size != 8 && sizeof_size != 16 && sizeof_size != 32)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad byte number for object size")
+
+    /* Determine the size of the variable-length part of the superblock */
+    variable_size = (size_t)H5F_SUPERBLOCK_VARLEN_SIZE(super_vers, sizeof_addr, sizeof_size);
+    HDassert(variable_size > 0);
+
+    /* Sanity check */
+    HDassert(image_len == (H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE + H5F_SUPERBLOCK_MINIMAL_VARLEN_SIZE));
+
+    /* Make certain we can read the variable-sized portion of the superblock */
+    if(H5F__set_eoa(udata->f, H5FD_MEM_SUPER, (haddr_t)(H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE + variable_size)) < 0)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTINIT, FAIL, "set end of space allocation request failed")
+
+    /* Set the final size for the cache image */
+    *actual_len = H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE + variable_size;
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5F__cache_superblock_get_final_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5F__cache_superblock_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the 
+ *		same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static htri_t
+H5F__cache_superblock_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;    	/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5F_superblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5F_superblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+
+    /* No checksum for version 0 & 1 */
+    if(udata->super_vers >= HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_2) {
+
+	/* Get stored and computed checksums */
+	H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+	if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	    ret_value = FALSE;
+    } /* end if */
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5F__cache_superblock_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -244,176 +381,161 @@ H5F__cache_superblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     variable_size = (size_t)H5F_SUPERBLOCK_VARLEN_SIZE(super_vers, sizeof_addr, sizeof_size);
     HDassert(variable_size > 0);
 
-    /* Handle metadata cache retry for variable-sized portion of the superblock */
-    if(len != (H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE + variable_size)) {
-        /* Sanity check */
-        HDassert(len == (H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE + H5F_SUPERBLOCK_MINIMAL_VARLEN_SIZE));
+    HDassert(len == (H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE + variable_size));
 
-        /* Make certain we can read the variabled-sized portion of the superblock */
-        if(H5F__set_eoa(udata->f, H5FD_MEM_SUPER, (haddr_t)(H5F_SUPERBLOCK_FIXED_SIZE + variable_size)) < 0)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "set end of space allocation request failed")
-    } /* end if */
-    else {
-        /* Check for older version of superblock format */
-        if(super_vers < HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_2) {
-            uint32_t    status_flags;	    /* File status flags	   */
-            unsigned    sym_leaf_k;         /* Symbol table leaf node's 'K' value */
-            unsigned    snode_btree_k;      /* B-tree symbol table internal node 'K' value */
-            unsigned    chunk_btree_k;      /* B-tree chunk internal node 'K' value */
-
-            /* Freespace version (hard-wired) */
-            if(HDF5_FREESPACE_VERSION != *image++)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad free space version number")
-
-            /* Root group version number (hard-wired) */
-            if(HDF5_OBJECTDIR_VERSION != *image++)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad object directory version number")
-
-            /* Skip over reserved byte */
-            image++;
-
-            /* Shared header version number (hard-wired) */
-            if(HDF5_SHAREDHEADER_VERSION != *image++)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad shared-header format version number")
-
-            /* Size of file addresses */
-            sizeof_addr = *image++;
-            if(sizeof_addr != 2 && sizeof_addr != 4 &&
-                    sizeof_addr != 8 && sizeof_addr != 16 && sizeof_addr != 32)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad byte number in an address")
-            sblock->sizeof_addr = sizeof_addr;
-            udata->f->shared->sizeof_addr = sizeof_addr;  /* Keep a local copy also */
-
-            /* Size of file sizes */
-            sizeof_size = *image++;
-            if(sizeof_size != 2 && sizeof_size != 4 &&
-                    sizeof_size != 8 && sizeof_size != 16 && sizeof_size != 32)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad byte number for object size")
-            sblock->sizeof_size = sizeof_size;
-            udata->f->shared->sizeof_size = sizeof_size;  /* Keep a local copy also */
-
-            /* Skip over reserved byte */
-            image++;
-
-            /* Various B-tree sizes */
-            UINT16DECODE(image, sym_leaf_k);
-            if(sym_leaf_k == 0)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADRANGE, NULL, "bad symbol table leaf node 1/2 rank")
-            udata->sym_leaf_k = sym_leaf_k;    /* Keep a local copy also */
-
-            /* Need 'get' call to set other array values */
-            UINT16DECODE(image, snode_btree_k);
-            if(snode_btree_k == 0)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADRANGE, NULL, "bad 1/2 rank for btree internal nodes")
-            udata->btree_k[H5B_SNODE_ID] = snode_btree_k;
-
-            /*
-             * Delay setting the value in the property list until we've checked
-             * for the indexed storage B-tree internal 'K' value later.
-             */
-
-            /* File status flags (not really used yet) */
-            UINT32DECODE(image, status_flags);
-            HDassert(status_flags <= 255);
-            sblock->status_flags = (uint8_t)status_flags;
-            if(sblock->status_flags & ~H5F_SUPER_ALL_FLAGS)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad flag value for superblock")
-
-            /*
-             * If the superblock version # is greater than 0, read in the indexed
-             * storage B-tree internal 'K' value
-             */
-            if(super_vers > HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_DEF) {
-                UINT16DECODE(image, chunk_btree_k);
-
-                /* Reserved bytes are present only in version 1 */
-                if(super_vers == HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_1)
-                    image += 2;   /* reserved */
-            } /* end if */
-            else
-                chunk_btree_k = HDF5_BTREE_CHUNK_IK_DEF;
-            udata->btree_k[H5B_CHUNK_ID] = chunk_btree_k;
-
-            /* Remainder of "variable-sized" portion of superblock */
-            H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->base_addr/*out*/);
-            H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->ext_addr/*out*/);
-            H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &udata->stored_eof/*out*/);
-            H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->driver_addr/*out*/);
-
-            /* Allocate space for the root group symbol table entry */
-            HDassert(!sblock->root_ent);
-            if(NULL == (sblock->root_ent = (H5G_entry_t *)H5MM_calloc(sizeof(H5G_entry_t))))
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "can't allocate space for root group symbol table entry")
-
-            /* decode the root group symbol table entry */
-            if(H5G_ent_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, sblock->root_ent) < 0)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTDECODE, NULL, "can't decode root group symbol table entry")
-
-            /* Set the root group address to the correct value */
-            sblock->root_addr = sblock->root_ent->header;
-
-            /* This step is for h5repart tool only. If user wants to change file driver
-             *  from family to sec2 while using h5repart, set the driver address to
-             *  undefined to let the library ignore the family driver information saved
-             *  in the superblock.
-             */
-            if(udata->ignore_drvrinfo && H5F_addr_defined(sblock->driver_addr)) {
-                /* Eliminate the driver info */
-                sblock->driver_addr = HADDR_UNDEF;
-                udata->drvrinfo_removed = TRUE;
-            } /* end if */
+    /* Check for older version of superblock format */
+    if(super_vers < HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_2) {
+	uint32_t    status_flags;	    /* File status flags	   */
+	unsigned    sym_leaf_k;         /* Symbol table leaf node's 'K' value */
+	unsigned    snode_btree_k;      /* B-tree symbol table internal node 'K' value */
+	unsigned    chunk_btree_k;      /* B-tree chunk internal node 'K' value */
+
+	/* Freespace version (hard-wired) */
+	if(HDF5_FREESPACE_VERSION != *image++)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad free space version number")
+
+	/* Root group version number (hard-wired) */
+	if(HDF5_OBJECTDIR_VERSION != *image++)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad object directory version number")
+
+	/* Skip over reserved byte */
+	image++;
+
+	/* Shared header version number (hard-wired) */
+	if(HDF5_SHAREDHEADER_VERSION != *image++)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad shared-header format version number")
+
+	/* Size of file addresses */
+	sizeof_addr = *image++;
+	if(sizeof_addr != 2 && sizeof_addr != 4 &&
+		sizeof_addr != 8 && sizeof_addr != 16 && sizeof_addr != 32)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad byte number in an address")
+	sblock->sizeof_addr = sizeof_addr;
+	udata->f->shared->sizeof_addr = sizeof_addr;  /* Keep a local copy also */
+
+	/* Size of file sizes */
+	sizeof_size = *image++;
+	if(sizeof_size != 2 && sizeof_size != 4 &&
+		sizeof_size != 8 && sizeof_size != 16 && sizeof_size != 32)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad byte number for object size")
+	sblock->sizeof_size = sizeof_size;
+	udata->f->shared->sizeof_size = sizeof_size;  /* Keep a local copy also */
+
+	/* Skip over reserved byte */
+	image++;
+
+	/* Various B-tree sizes */
+	UINT16DECODE(image, sym_leaf_k);
+	if(sym_leaf_k == 0)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADRANGE, NULL, "bad symbol table leaf node 1/2 rank")
+        udata->sym_leaf_k = sym_leaf_k;    /* Keep a local copy also */
+
+        /* Need 'get' call to set other array values */
+        UINT16DECODE(image, snode_btree_k);
+        if(snode_btree_k == 0)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADRANGE, NULL, "bad 1/2 rank for btree internal nodes")
+	udata->btree_k[H5B_SNODE_ID] = snode_btree_k;
+
+	/*
+         * Delay setting the value in the property list until we've checked
+         * for the indexed storage B-tree internal 'K' value later.
+         */
 
-            /* NOTE: Driver info block is decoded separately, later */
+        /* File status flags (not really used yet) */
+        UINT32DECODE(image, status_flags);
+        HDassert(status_flags <= 255);
+        sblock->status_flags = (uint8_t)status_flags;
+        if(sblock->status_flags & ~H5F_SUPER_ALL_FLAGS)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad flag value for superblock")
 
-        } /* end if */
-        else {
-            uint32_t computed_chksum;       /* Computed checksum  */
-            uint32_t read_chksum;           /* Checksum read from file  */
-
-            /* Size of file addresses */
-            sizeof_addr = *image++;
-            if(sizeof_addr != 2 && sizeof_addr != 4 &&
-                    sizeof_addr != 8 && sizeof_addr != 16 && sizeof_addr != 32)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad byte number in an address")
-            sblock->sizeof_addr = sizeof_addr;
-            udata->f->shared->sizeof_addr = sizeof_addr;  /* Keep a local copy also */
-
-            /* Size of file sizes */
-            sizeof_size = *image++;
-            if(sizeof_size != 2 && sizeof_size != 4 &&
-                    sizeof_size != 8 && sizeof_size != 16 && sizeof_size != 32)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad byte number for object size")
-            sblock->sizeof_size = sizeof_size;
-            udata->f->shared->sizeof_size = sizeof_size;  /* Keep a local copy also */
-
-            /* File status flags (not really used yet) */
-            sblock->status_flags = *image++;
-            if(sblock->status_flags & ~H5F_SUPER_ALL_FLAGS)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad flag value for superblock")
-
-            /* Base, superblock extension, end of file & root group object header addresses */
-            H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->base_addr/*out*/);
-            H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->ext_addr/*out*/);
-            H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &udata->stored_eof/*out*/);
-            H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->root_addr/*out*/);
-
-            /* Compute checksum for superblock */
-            computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
-
-            /* Decode checksum */
-            UINT32DECODE(image, read_chksum);
-
-            /* Verify correct checksum */
-            if(read_chksum != computed_chksum)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTOPENFILE, NULL, "bad checksum on driver information block")
-
-            /* The Driver Information Block may not appear with the version
-             * 2 super block.  Thus we set the driver_addr field of the in 
-             * core representation of the super block HADDR_UNDEF to prevent 
-             * any attempt to load the Driver Information Block.
-             */
-            sblock->driver_addr = HADDR_UNDEF;
-        } /* end else */
+	/*
+         * If the superblock version # is greater than 0, read in the indexed
+         * storage B-tree internal 'K' value
+         */
+        if(super_vers > HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_DEF) {
+	    UINT16DECODE(image, chunk_btree_k);
+
+	    /* Reserved bytes are present only in version 1 */
+	    if(super_vers == HDF5_SUPERBLOCK_VERSION_1)
+		image += 2;   /* reserved */
+	} /* end if */
+	else
+	    chunk_btree_k = HDF5_BTREE_CHUNK_IK_DEF;
+	udata->btree_k[H5B_CHUNK_ID] = chunk_btree_k;
+
+	/* Remainder of "variable-sized" portion of superblock */
+	H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->base_addr/*out*/);
+	H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->ext_addr/*out*/);
+	H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &udata->stored_eof/*out*/);
+	H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->driver_addr/*out*/);
+
+	/* Allocate space for the root group symbol table entry */
+	HDassert(!sblock->root_ent);
+	if(NULL == (sblock->root_ent = (H5G_entry_t *)H5MM_calloc(sizeof(H5G_entry_t))))
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "can't allocate space for root group symbol table entry")
+
+	/* decode the root group symbol table entry */
+	if(H5G_ent_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, sblock->root_ent) < 0)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTDECODE, NULL, "can't decode root group symbol table entry")
+
+	/* Set the root group address to the correct value */
+	sblock->root_addr = sblock->root_ent->header;
+
+	/* This step is for h5repart tool only. If user wants to change file driver
+         *  from family to sec2 while using h5repart, set the driver address to
+         *  undefined to let the library ignore the family driver information saved
+         *  in the superblock.
+         */
+	if(udata->ignore_drvrinfo && H5F_addr_defined(sblock->driver_addr)) {
+	    /* Eliminate the driver info */
+	    sblock->driver_addr = HADDR_UNDEF;
+            udata->drvrinfo_removed = TRUE;
+	} /* end if */
+
+	/* NOTE: Driver info block is decoded separately, later */
+
+    } /* end if */
+    else {
+	uint32_t read_chksum;           /* Checksum read from file  */
+
+       /* Size of file addresses */
+       sizeof_addr = *image++;
+       if(sizeof_addr != 2 && sizeof_addr != 4 &&
+		sizeof_addr != 8 && sizeof_addr != 16 && sizeof_addr != 32)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad byte number in an address")
+	sblock->sizeof_addr = sizeof_addr;
+	udata->f->shared->sizeof_addr = sizeof_addr;  /* Keep a local copy also */
+
+	/* Size of file sizes */
+	sizeof_size = *image++;
+	if(sizeof_size != 2 && sizeof_size != 4 &&
+		sizeof_size != 8 && sizeof_size != 16 && sizeof_size != 32)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad byte number for object size")
+	sblock->sizeof_size = sizeof_size;
+	udata->f->shared->sizeof_size = sizeof_size;  /* Keep a local copy also */
+
+	/* File status flags (not really used yet) */
+	sblock->status_flags = *image++;
+	if(sblock->status_flags & ~H5F_SUPER_ALL_FLAGS)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad flag value for superblock")
+
+	/* Base, superblock extension, end of file & root group object header addresses */
+	H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->base_addr/*out*/);
+	H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->ext_addr/*out*/);
+	H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &udata->stored_eof/*out*/);
+	H5F_addr_decode(udata->f, (const uint8_t **)&image, &sblock->root_addr/*out*/);
+
+	/* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */		
+
+	/* Decode checksum */
+	UINT32DECODE(image, read_chksum);
+
+	/* The Driver Information Block may not appear with the version
+	 * 2 super block.  Thus we set the driver_addr field of the in 
+         * core representation of the super block HADDR_UNDEF to prevent 
+         * any attempt to load the Driver Information Block.
+	 */
+	sblock->driver_addr = HADDR_UNDEF;
     } /* end else */
 
     /* Sanity check */
@@ -759,9 +881,9 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_load_size
+ * Function:    H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_initial_load_size
  *
- * Purpose:     Compute the size of the data structure on disk.
+ * Purpose:     Compute the intiial size of the data structure on disk.
  *
  * Return:      Non-negative on success/Negative on failure
  *
@@ -772,7 +894,7 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_initial_load_size(void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -783,7 +905,76 @@ H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *udata, size_t *imag
     *image_len = H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE;     /* Fixed size portion of driver info block */
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_final_load_size
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Compute the final size of the data structure on disk.
+ *
+ * Return:      Non-negative on success/Negative on failure
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Quincey Koziol
+ *              koziol@lbl.gov
+ *              November 17, 2016
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t
+H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_final_load_size(const void *_image, size_t image_len,
+    void *_udata, size_t *actual_len)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;   			/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5F_drvrinfo_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5F_drvrinfo_cache_ud_t *)_udata;	/* User data */
+    unsigned drv_vers;          /* Version of driver info block */
+    size_t drvinfo_len;         /* Length of encoded buffer */
+    haddr_t eoa;                /* Current EOA for the file */
+    haddr_t min_eoa;            /* Minimum EOA needed for reading the driver info */
+    htri_t ret_value = SUCCEED; /* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(udata->f);
+    HDassert(actual_len);
+    HDassert(*actual_len == image_len);
+
+    /* Version number */
+    drv_vers = *image++;
+    if(drv_vers != HDF5_DRIVERINFO_VERSION_0)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad driver information block version number")
+
+    image += 3; /* reserved bytes */
+
+    /* Driver info size */
+    UINT32DECODE(image, drvinfo_len);
+
+    /* Sanity check */
+    HDassert(image_len == H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE);
+
+    /* Extend the EOA if required so that we can read the complete driver info block */
+
+    /* Get current EOA... */
+    if((eoa = H5FD_get_eoa(udata->f->shared->lf, H5FD_MEM_SUPER)) == HADDR_UNDEF)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTGET, FAIL, "driver get_eoa request failed")
+
+    /* ... if it is too small, extend it. */
+    min_eoa = udata->driver_addr + H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE + drvinfo_len;
+
+    /* If it grew, set it */
+    if(H5F_addr_gt(min_eoa, eoa))
+        if(H5FD_set_eoa(udata->f->shared->lf, H5FD_MEM_SUPER, min_eoa) < 0)
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTINIT, FAIL, "set end of space allocation request failed")
+
+    /* Set the final size for the cache image */
+    *actual_len = H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE + drvinfo_len;
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5F__cache_drvrinfo_get_final_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -838,35 +1029,11 @@ H5F__cache_drvrinfo_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     drv_name[8] = '\0';
     image += 8; /* advance past name/version */
 
-    /* Handle metadata cache retry for variable-sized portion of the driver info block */
-    if(len != (H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE + drvinfo->len)) {
-        /* Sanity check */
-        HDassert(len == H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE);
-
-        /* extend the eoa if required so that we can read the complete driver info block */
-        {
-            haddr_t eoa;
-            haddr_t min_eoa;
-
-            /* get current eoa... */
-	    if ((eoa = H5FD_get_eoa(udata->f->shared->lf, H5FD_MEM_SUPER)) == HADDR_UNDEF)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_CANTGET, NULL, "driver get_eoa request failed")
-
-            /* ... if it is too small, extend it. */
-            min_eoa = udata->driver_addr + H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE + drvinfo->len;
+    HDassert(len == (H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE + drvinfo->len));
 
-            if ( H5F_addr_gt(min_eoa, eoa) )
-                if(H5FD_set_eoa(udata->f->shared->lf, H5FD_MEM_SUPER, min_eoa) < 0)
-                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, \
-                        "set end of space allocation request failed")
-        }        
-
-    } /* end if */
-    else {
-        /* Validate and decode driver information */
-        if(H5FD_sb_load(udata->f->shared->lf, drv_name, image) < 0)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTDECODE, NULL, "unable to decode driver information")
-    } /* end if */
+    /* Validate and decode driver information */
+    if(H5FD_sb_load(udata->f->shared->lf, drv_name, image) < 0)
+	HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_FILE, H5E_CANTDECODE, NULL, "unable to decode driver information")
 
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) <= len);
@@ -911,7 +1078,7 @@ H5F__cache_drvrinfo_image_len(const void *_thing, size_t *image_len)
 
     /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)(H5F_DRVINFOBLOCK_HDR_SIZE +   /* Fixed-size portion of driver info block */
-        drvinfo->len);                                  /* Variable-size portion of driver info block */
+            drvinfo->len);                              /* Variable-size portion of driver info block */
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
 } /* end H5F__cache_drvrinfo_image_len() */
diff --git a/src/H5Gcache.c b/src/H5Gcache.c
index c3e1c12..d153560 100644
--- a/src/H5Gcache.c
+++ b/src/H5Gcache.c
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache (H5AC) callbacks */
-static herr_t H5G__cache_node_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5G__cache_node_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
 static void *H5G__cache_node_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5G__cache_node_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -92,7 +92,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_SNODE[1] = {{
     "Symbol table node",                /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_BTREE,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5G__cache_node_get_load_size,      /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5G__cache_node_get_initial_load_size,      /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5G__cache_node_deserialize,        /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5G__cache_node_image_len,          /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -111,17 +113,11 @@ H5FL_SEQ_EXTERN(H5G_entry_t);
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5G__cache_node_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    H5G__cache_node_get_initial_load_size()
  *
- * Purpose:	Determine the size of the on disk image of the node, and 
+ * Purpose:	Determine the size of the on-disk image of the node, and 
  *		return this value in *image_len.
  *
- *		Note that this computation requires access to the file pointer,
- *		which is not provided in the parameter list for this callback.
- *		Finesse this issue by passing in the file pointer twice to the
- *		H5AC_protect() call -- once as the file pointer proper, and 
- *		again as the user data.
- *      
  * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
  *              Failure:        FAIL
  *
@@ -131,9 +127,9 @@ H5FL_SEQ_EXTERN(H5G_entry_t);
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5G__cache_node_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5G__cache_node_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5F_t	       *f = (const H5F_t *)_udata;   /* User data for callback */
+    H5F_t *f = (H5F_t *)_udata;   		/* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -141,11 +137,11 @@ H5G__cache_node_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     HDassert(f);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
-    /* report image length */
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)(H5G_NODE_SIZE(f));
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5G__cache_node_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5G__cache_node_get_initial_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -256,11 +252,6 @@ H5G__cache_node_image_len(const void *_thing, size_t *image_len)
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
 } /* end H5G__cache_node_image_len() */
 
-
-/*************************************/
-/* no H5G__cache_node_pre_serialize() */
-/*************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:    H5G__cache_node_serialize
@@ -320,11 +311,6 @@ done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
 } /* end H5G__cache_node_serialize() */
 
-
-/***************************************/
-/* no H5G__cache_node_notify() function */
-/***************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:    H5G__cache_node_free_icr
diff --git a/src/H5HFcache.c b/src/H5HFcache.c
index 0e9485f..04f1459 100644
--- a/src/H5HFcache.c
+++ b/src/H5HFcache.c
@@ -73,7 +73,10 @@ static herr_t H5HF__dtable_encode(H5F_t *f, uint8_t **pp, const H5HF_dtable_t *d
 static herr_t H5HF__dtable_decode(H5F_t *f, const uint8_t **pp, H5HF_dtable_t *dtable);
 
 /* Metadata cache (H5AC) callbacks */
-static herr_t H5HF__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5HF__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5HF__cache_hdr_get_final_load_size(const void *image_ptr,
+    size_t image_len, void *udata, size_t *actual_len);
+static htri_t H5HF__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5HF__cache_hdr_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -84,7 +87,8 @@ static herr_t H5HF__cache_hdr_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image,
     size_t len, void *thing); 
 static herr_t H5HF__cache_hdr_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5HF__cache_iblock_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5HF__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5HF__cache_iblock_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5HF__cache_iblock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5HF__cache_iblock_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -96,7 +100,8 @@ static herr_t H5HF__cache_iblock_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image,
 static herr_t H5HF__cache_iblock_notify(H5C_notify_action_t action, void *thing); 
 static herr_t H5HF__cache_iblock_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5HF__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5HF__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5HF__cache_dblock_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5HF__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5HF__cache_dblock_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -131,7 +136,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FHEAP_HDR[1] = {{
     "fractal heap header",              /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_FHEAP_HDR,                 /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG,  /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5HF__cache_hdr_get_load_size,      /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5HF__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size, /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    H5HF__cache_hdr_get_final_load_size, /* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5HF__cache_hdr_verify_chksum, 	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize,        /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5HF__cache_hdr_image_len,          /* 'image_len' callback */
     H5HF__cache_hdr_pre_serialize,      /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -147,7 +154,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FHEAP_IBLOCK[1] = {{
     "fractal heap indirect block",      /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_FHEAP_IBLOCK,              /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5HF__cache_iblock_get_load_size,   /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5HF__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5HF__cache_iblock_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5HF__cache_iblock_deserialize,     /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5HF__cache_iblock_image_len,       /* 'image_len' callback */
     H5HF__cache_iblock_pre_serialize,   /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -163,7 +172,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_FHEAP_DBLOCK[1] = {{
     "fractal heap direct block",        /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_FHEAP_DBLOCK,              /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5HF__cache_dblock_get_load_size,   /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5HF__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5HF__cache_dblock_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5HF__cache_dblock_deserialize,     /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5HF__cache_dblock_image_len,       /* 'image_len' callback */
     H5HF__cache_dblock_pre_serialize,   /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -287,21 +298,13 @@ H5HF__dtable_encode(H5F_t *f, uint8_t **pp, const H5HF_dtable_t *dtable)
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
 } /* end H5HF__dtable_encode() */
 
-/**************************************************/
-/* metadata cache callback definitions for header */
-/**************************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:	H5HF__cache_hdr_get_load_size()
+ * Function:	H5HF__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Determine the size of the fractal heap header on disk,
  *		and set *image_len to this value.
  *
- *		This code is based on the old H5HF_cache_hdr_load() routine
- *		that was used with the version 2 metadata cache.  Note the 
- *		use of a dummy header to compute the on disk size of the header.
- *
  *		Note also that the value returned by this function presumes that 
  *		there is no I/O filtering data in the header.  If there is, the 
  *		size reported will be too small, and H5C_load_entry()
@@ -316,10 +319,10 @@ H5HF__dtable_encode(H5F_t *f, uint8_t **pp, const H5HF_dtable_t *dtable)
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t 
-H5HF__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5HF__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5HF_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5HF_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* pointer to user data */
-    H5HF_hdr_t  	dummy_hdr; 	/* dummy header -- to compute size */
+    H5HF_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5HF_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* Pointer to user data */
+    H5HF_hdr_t dummy_hdr; 	/* Dummy header -- to compute size */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -336,40 +339,108 @@ H5HF__cache_hdr_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     *image_len = (size_t)H5HF_HEADER_SIZE(&dummy_hdr);
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5HF__cache_hdr_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5HF__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:	H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize
+ * Function:	H5HF__cache_hdr_get_final_load_size()
  *
- * Purpose:	Given a buffer containing an on disk image of a fractal heap
- *		header block, allocate an instance of H5HF_hdr_t, load the contents
- *		of the buffer into into the new instance of H5HF_hdr_t, and then
- *		return a pointer to the new instance.
+ * Purpose:	Determine the final size of the fractal heap header on disk,
+ *		and set *actual_len to this value.
  *
- *		Since H5HF__cache_hdr_get_load_size() reports header on disk size 
- *		base on the assumption that the header contains no I/O filtering 
- *		data, it is possible that the provided image will be too small.
+ * Return:	Success:	SUCCEED
+ *		Failure:	FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Quincey Koziol
+ *		November 18, 2016
  *
- *		In this case, we DO NOT flag an error when this is discovered.
- *		Instead, we make note of the correct image size, and report 
- *		success.
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t 
+H5HF__cache_hdr_get_final_load_size(const void *_image, size_t image_len,
+    void *_udata, size_t *actual_len)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;	/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5HF_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5HF_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* pointer to user data */
+    unsigned filter_len;        /* Size of I/O filter information (in bytes) */
+    htri_t ret_value = SUCCEED; /* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
+
+    /* Sanity checks */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(actual_len);
+    HDassert(*actual_len == image_len);
+
+    /* Magic number */
+    if(HDmemcmp(image, H5HF_HDR_MAGIC, (size_t)H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC))
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "wrong fractal heap header signature")
+    image += H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC;
+
+    /* Version */
+    if(*image++ != H5HF_HDR_VERSION)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_VERSION, FAIL, "wrong fractal heap header version")
+
+    /* General heap information */
+    image += 2;                               /* Heap ID length */
+    UINT16DECODE(image, filter_len);          /* I/O filters' encoded length */
+
+    /* Check for I/O filter info on this heap */
+    if(filter_len > 0)
+        /* Compute the extra heap header size */
+        *actual_len += (size_t)(H5F_SIZEOF_SIZE(udata->f)   /* Size of size for filtered root direct block */
+                            + (unsigned)4		/* Size of filter mask for filtered root direct block */
+                            + filter_len);         	/* Size of encoded I/O filter info */
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5HF__cache_hdr_get_final_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5HF__cache_hdr_verify_chksum
  *
- *		Since H5HF__cache_hdr_image_len() callback is defined, 
- *		H5C_load_entry() will call H5HF__cache_hdr_image_len() and 
- *		obtain the correct image length.  
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
  *
- *		Since the H5AC__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG is set, 
- *		H5C_load_entry() will load an image of the correct size, and 
- *		then call this function again to deserialize it.  Before doing 
- *		so, it will also call H5HF__cache_hdr_free_icr() to discard the 
- *		result of the first deserialize call.
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
  *
- *		Note that the v2 B-tree and free space manager associated 
- *		with the fractal heap (roots stored in the huge_bt2 and fspace 
- *		fields respectively) are not loaded at this time.  As best I can
- *		tell from reviewing the code, they are loaded or created when 
- *		they are accessed.
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static htri_t
+H5HF__cache_hdr_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+        ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5HF__cache_hdr_verify_chksum() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Given a buffer containing an on disk image of a fractal heap
+ *		header block, allocate an instance of H5HF_hdr_t, load the contents
+ *		of the buffer into into the new instance of H5HF_hdr_t, and then
+ *		return a pointer to the new instance.
  *
  * Return:	Success:	Pointer to in core representation
  *		Failure:	NULL
@@ -386,9 +457,7 @@ H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     H5HF_hdr_t          *hdr = NULL;     /* Fractal heap info */
     H5HF_hdr_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5HF_hdr_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
     const uint8_t       *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into into supplied image */
-    size_t              size;           /* Header size */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     uint8_t             heap_flags;     /* Status flags for heap */
     void *              ret_value = NULL;       /* Return value */
 
@@ -404,28 +473,6 @@ H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     if(NULL == (hdr = H5HF_hdr_alloc(udata->f)))
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
 
-    /* Compute the 'base' size of the fractal heap header on disk */
-    size = (size_t)H5HF_HEADER_SIZE(hdr);
-
-    /* the size we have just calculated presumes that there is no I/O 
-     * filter information in the header.  If there is no filter information,
-     * the deserialize operation should succeed.
-     *
-     * If there is filter information, the first attempt to deserialize 
-     * the header will reveal this.  In this case, we will be unable to 
-     * deserialize the header as the supplied image will be too small.
-     * However, we will make note of the correct size and report success 
-     * anyway.  
-     *
-     * When H5C_load_entry() calls H5HF__cache_hdr_image_len(), we will report 
-     * the correct size.  Since the H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG is set,
-     * this will prompt H5C_load_entry() to load the correct size image,
-     * discard the result of the first attempt at deserialization, and 
-     * call this routine a second time to deserialize the correct size 
-     * buffer.
-     */
-    HDassert(size <= len);
-
     /* Magic number */
     if(HDmemcmp(image, H5HF_HDR_MAGIC, (size_t)H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC))
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "wrong fractal heap header signature")
@@ -469,32 +516,24 @@ H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     if(H5HF__dtable_decode(hdr->f, &image, &(hdr->man_dtable)) < 0)
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTENCODE, NULL, "unable to encode managed obj. doubling table info")
 
+    /* Set the fractal heap header's 'base' size */
+    hdr->heap_size = (size_t)H5HF_HEADER_SIZE(hdr);
+
     /* Sanity check */
     /* (allow for checksum not decoded yet) */
-    HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == (size - H5HF_SIZEOF_CHKSUM));
+    HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == (hdr->heap_size - H5HF_SIZEOF_CHKSUM));
 
     /* Check for I/O filter information to decode */
     if(hdr->filter_len > 0) {
-        size_t filter_info_size;    /* Size of filter information */
         H5O_pline_t *pline;         /* Pipeline information from the header on disk */
 
-        /* Compute the size of the extra filter information */
-        filter_info_size = (size_t)(hdr->sizeof_size     /* Size of size for filtered root direct block */
-            + (unsigned)4		/* Size of filter mask for filtered root direct block */
-            + hdr->filter_len);         /* Size of encoded I/O filter info */
+        /* Sanity check */
+        HDassert(len > hdr->heap_size);       /* A header with filter info is > than a standard header */
 
         /* Compute the heap header's size */
-        hdr->heap_size = size + filter_info_size;
-
-        if(size == len) 
-	    /* we were supplied with too small a buffer -- goto done
-             * and let H5C_load_entry() retry with a larger buffer
-             */
-	    HGOTO_DONE((void *)hdr)
-
-	else
-            if((size + filter_info_size) != len)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_ARGS, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad image len")
+        hdr->heap_size += (size_t)(hdr->sizeof_size     /* Size of size for filtered root direct block */
+                + (unsigned)4           /* Size of filter mask for filtered root direct block */
+                + hdr->filter_len);     /* Size of encoded I/O filter info */
 
         /* Decode the size of a filtered root direct block */
         H5F_DECODE_LENGTH(udata->f, image, hdr->pline_root_direct_size);
@@ -506,6 +545,7 @@ H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
         if(NULL == (pline = (H5O_pline_t *)H5O_msg_decode(hdr->f, udata->dxpl_id, NULL, H5O_PLINE_ID, image)))
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTDECODE, NULL, "can't decode I/O pipeline filters")
 
+        /* Advance past filter info to checksum */
         image += hdr->filter_len;
 
         /* Copy the information into the header's I/O pipeline structure */
@@ -515,13 +555,6 @@ H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
         /* Release the space allocated for the I/O pipeline filters */
         H5O_msg_free(H5O_PLINE_ID, pline);
     } /* end if */
-    else
-        /* Set the heap header's size */
-        hdr->heap_size = size;
-
-    /* Compute checksum on entire header */
-    /* (including the filter information, if present) */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -529,10 +562,6 @@ H5HF__cache_hdr_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == hdr->heap_size);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for fractal heap header")
-
     /* Finish initialization of heap header */
     if(H5HF_hdr_finish_init(hdr) < 0)
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "can't finish initializing shared fractal heap header")
@@ -556,7 +585,7 @@ done:
  *		disk image.  
  *
  *		If the header contains filter information, this size will be 
- *		larger than the value returned by H5HF__cache_hdr_get_load_size().  
+ *		larger than the value returned by H5HF__cache_hdr_get_initial_load_size().  
  *
  * Return:	Success:	SUCCEED
  *		Failure:	FAIL
@@ -770,10 +799,6 @@ done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
 } /* end H5HF__cache_hdr_serialize() */
 
-/***************************************/
-/* no H5HF__cache_hdr_notify() function */
-/***************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:	H5HF__cache_hdr_free_icr
@@ -820,13 +845,9 @@ done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
 } /* end H5HF__cache_hdr_free_icr() */
 
-/***********************************************************/
-/* metadata cache callback definitions for indirect blocks */
-/***********************************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:	H5HF__cache_iblock_get_load_size()
+ * Function:	H5HF__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Compute the size of the on disk image of the indirect 
  *		block, and place this value in *image_len.
@@ -840,24 +861,60 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t 
-H5HF__cache_iblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5HF__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5HF_iblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5HF_iblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;   /* User data for callback */
+    H5HF_iblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5HF_iblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;   /* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
     /* Sanity checks */
     HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(udata->par_info);
+    HDassert(udata->par_info->hdr);
     HDassert(image_len);
    
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)H5HF_MAN_INDIRECT_SIZE(udata->par_info->hdr, *udata->nrows);
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5HF__cache_iblock_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5HF__cache_iblock_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5HF__cache_iblock_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static htri_t
+H5HF__cache_iblock_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+        ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5HF__cache_iblock_verify_chksum() */
 
-/***********************************************************/
-/* metadata cache callback definitions for indirect blocks */
-/***********************************************************/
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -890,7 +947,6 @@ H5HF__cache_iblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     const uint8_t       *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
     haddr_t             heap_addr;      /* Address of heap header in the file */
     uint32_t            stored_chksum;  /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t            computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     unsigned            u;              /* Local index variable */
     void *              ret_value = NULL;       /* Return value */
 
@@ -1017,8 +1073,7 @@ H5HF__cache_iblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert(iblock->nchildren);   /* indirect blocks w/no children should have been deleted */
 
-    /* Compute checksum on indirect block */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata((const uint8_t *)_image, (size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image), 0);
+    /* checksum verification already done by verify_chksum cb */
 
     /* Metadata checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
@@ -1026,10 +1081,6 @@ H5HF__cache_iblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == iblock->size);
 
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for fractal heap indirect block")
-
     /* Check if we have any indirect block children */
     if(iblock->nrows > hdr->man_dtable.max_direct_rows) {
         unsigned indir_rows;/* Number of indirect rows in this indirect block */
@@ -1481,7 +1532,7 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:	H5HF__cache_dblock_get_load_size()
+ * Function:	H5HF__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Determine the size of the direct block on disk image, and 
  *		return it in *image_len.
@@ -1495,44 +1546,158 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t 
-H5HF__cache_dblock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5HF__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
     const H5HF_dblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5HF_dblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;    /* User data for callback */
-    const H5HF_parent_t         *par_info; /* Pointer to parent information */
-    const H5HF_hdr_t            *hdr;     /* Shared fractal heap information */
-    size_t                      size;
+    const H5HF_parent_t *par_info; 	/* Pointer to parent information */
+    const H5HF_hdr_t  *hdr;     	/* Shared fractal heap information */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
     /* Sanity checks */
     HDassert(udata);
     HDassert(image_len);
+
+    /* Convenience variables */
     par_info = (const H5HF_parent_t *)(&(udata->par_info));
     HDassert(par_info);
     hdr = par_info->hdr;
     HDassert(hdr);
-    HDassert(hdr->cache_info.magic == H5C__H5C_CACHE_ENTRY_T_MAGIC);
-    HDassert(hdr->cache_info.type == H5AC_FHEAP_HDR);
 
     /* Check for I/O filters on this heap */
     if(hdr->filter_len > 0) {
         /* Check for root direct block */
         if(par_info->iblock == NULL)
-            size = hdr->pline_root_direct_size;
+            /* filtered root direct block */
+            *image_len = hdr->pline_root_direct_size;
         else
-            size = par_info->iblock->filt_ents[par_info->entry].size;
+            /* filtered direct block */
+            *image_len = par_info->iblock->filt_ents[par_info->entry].size;
+    }  /* end if */
+    else
+        *image_len = udata->dblock_size;
+    
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
+} /* end H5HF__cache_dblock_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5HF__cache_dblock_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static htri_t
+H5HF__cache_dblock_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       		/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5HF_dblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5HF_dblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;   /* User data for callback */
+    void *read_buf = NULL;     	/* Pointer to buffer to read in */
+    H5HF_hdr_t  *hdr;           /* Shared fractal heap information */
+    H5HF_parent_t *par_info;   	/* Pointer to parent information */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    size_t chk_size;       	/* The size for validating checksum */
+    uint8_t *chk_p;         	/* Pointer to the area for validating checksum */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
+
+    /* Sanity checks */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+    par_info = (H5HF_parent_t *)(&(udata->par_info));
+    HDassert(par_info);
+    hdr = par_info->hdr;
+    HDassert(hdr);
+
+    /* Reset callback context info */
+    udata->decompressed = FALSE;
+    udata->dblk = NULL;
+
+    /* Get out if data block is not checksummed */
+    if(!(hdr->checksum_dblocks))
+	HGOTO_DONE(TRUE);
+
+    if(hdr->filter_len > 0) {
+	size_t nbytes;          /* Number of bytes used in buffer, after applying reverse filters */
+	unsigned filter_mask;	/* Excluded filters for direct block */
+	H5Z_cb_t filter_cb = {NULL, NULL};  /* Filter callback structure */
+
+        /* Allocate buffer to perform I/O filtering on and copy image into
+         * it.  Must do this as H5Z_pipeline() may re-size the buffer 
+         * provided to it.
+         */
+        if(NULL == (read_buf = H5MM_malloc(len)))
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_NOSPACE, FAIL, "memory allocation failed for pipeline buffer")
+
+	/* Set up parameters for filter pipeline */
+	nbytes = len;
+	filter_mask = udata->filter_mask;
+        HDmemcpy(read_buf, image, len);
+
+	/* Push direct block data through I/O filter pipeline */
+	if(H5Z_pipeline(&(hdr->pline), H5Z_FLAG_REVERSE, &filter_mask, H5Z_ENABLE_EDC, filter_cb, &nbytes, &len, &read_buf) < 0)
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTFILTER, FAIL, "output pipeline failed")
+
+        /* Update info about direct block */
+	udata->decompressed = TRUE;
+        len = nbytes;
     } /* end if */
     else
-        size = udata->dblock_size;
+        read_buf = (void *)image;       /* Casting away const OK - QAK */
 
-    *image_len = size;
+    /* Decode checksum */
+    chk_size = (size_t)(H5HF_MAN_ABS_DIRECT_OVERHEAD(hdr) - H5HF_SIZEOF_CHKSUM);
+    chk_p = (uint8_t *)read_buf + chk_size;
 
-    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5HF__cache_dblock_get_load_size() */
+    /* Metadata checksum */
+    UINT32DECODE(chk_p, stored_chksum);
+
+    chk_p -= H5HF_SIZEOF_CHKSUM;
+
+    /* Reset checksum field, for computing the checksum */
+    /* (Casting away const OK - QAK) */
+    HDmemset(chk_p, 0, (size_t)H5HF_SIZEOF_CHKSUM);
 
-/*********************************************************/
-/* metadata cache callback definitions for direct blocks */
-/*********************************************************/
+    /* Compute checksum on entire direct block */
+    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(read_buf, len, 0);
+
+    /* Restore the checksum */
+    UINT32ENCODE(chk_p, stored_chksum)
+
+    /* Verify checksum */
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	HGOTO_DONE(FALSE);
+
+    /* Save the decompressed data to be used later in deserialize callback */
+    if(hdr->filter_len > 0) {
+        /* Sanity check */
+	HDassert(udata->decompressed);
+	HDassert(len == udata->dblock_size);
+
+	/* Allocate block buffer */
+	if(NULL == (udata->dblk = H5FL_BLK_MALLOC(direct_block, (size_t)len)))
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, FAIL, "memory allocation failed")
+
+	/* Copy un-filtered data into block's buffer */
+	HDmemcpy(udata->dblk, read_buf, len);
+    } /* end if */
+
+done:
+    /* Release the read buffer */
+    if(read_buf && read_buf != image)
+	H5MM_xfree(read_buf);
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5HF__cache_dblock_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1563,14 +1728,15 @@ H5HF__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     H5HF_dblock_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5HF_dblock_cache_ud_t *)_udata;   /* User data for callback */
     H5HF_parent_t       *par_info;      /* Pointer to parent information */
     H5HF_direct_t       *dblock = NULL; /* Direct block info */
-    const uint8_t       *image;         /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    const uint8_t       *image = _image;/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    void                *read_buf = NULL; /* Pointer to buffer to decompress */
     haddr_t             heap_addr;      /* Address of heap header in the file */
     void *              ret_value = NULL;       /* Return value */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
 
     /* Sanity checks */
-    HDassert(_image);
+    HDassert(image);
     HDassert(udata);
     par_info = (H5HF_parent_t *)(&(udata->par_info));
     HDassert(par_info);
@@ -1581,7 +1747,7 @@ H5HF__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     HDassert(dirty);
 
     /* Allocate space for the fractal heap direct block */
-    if(NULL == (dblock = H5FL_MALLOC(H5HF_direct_t)))
+    if(NULL == (dblock = H5FL_CALLOC(H5HF_direct_t)))
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
     HDmemset(&dblock->cache_info, 0, sizeof(H5AC_info_t));
 
@@ -1595,61 +1761,62 @@ H5HF__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
 
     /* Set block's internal information */
     dblock->size = udata->dblock_size;
-    dblock->file_size = 0;
-
-    /* initialize fields used in serialization */
-    dblock->write_buf = NULL;
-    dblock->write_size = 0;
-
-    /* Allocate block buffer */
-/* XXX: Change to using free-list factories */
-    if(NULL == (dblock->blk = H5FL_BLK_MALLOC(direct_block, (size_t)dblock->size)))
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
 
     /* Check for I/O filters on this heap */
     if(hdr->filter_len > 0) {
-	H5Z_cb_t filter_cb = {NULL, NULL};  /* Filter callback structure */
-	size_t nbytes;          /* Number of bytes used in buffer, after applying reverse filters */
-	void *read_buf;         /* Pointer to buffer to read in */
-	size_t read_size;       /* Size of filtered direct block to read */
-	unsigned filter_mask;	/* Excluded filters for direct block */
+        /* Direct block is already decompressed in verify_chksum callback */
+        if(udata->decompressed) { 
+            /* Sanity check */
+            HDassert(udata->dblk);
 
-        /* Check for root direct block */
-        if(par_info->iblock == NULL)
-            /* Set up parameters to read filtered direct block */
-            read_size = hdr->pline_root_direct_size;
-        else
-            /* Set up parameters to read filtered direct block */
-            read_size = par_info->iblock->filt_ents[par_info->entry].size;
-        HDassert(len == read_size);
+            /* Take ownership of the decompressed direct block */
+            dblock->blk = udata->dblk;
+            udata->dblk = NULL;
+        } /* end if */
+        else {
+            H5Z_cb_t filter_cb = {NULL, NULL};  /* Filter callback structure */
+            size_t nbytes;          /* Number of bytes used in buffer, after applying reverse filters */
+            unsigned filter_mask;   /* Excluded filters for direct block */
 
-        /* Allocate buffer to perform I/O filtering on and copy image into
-         * it.  Must do this as H5Z_pipeline() may re-sized the buffer 
-         * provided to it.
-         */
-        if(NULL == (read_buf = H5MM_malloc(read_size)))
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed for pipeline buffer")
-        HDmemcpy(read_buf, _image, len);
+            /* Sanity check */
+	    HDassert(udata->dblk == NULL);
 
-        /* Push direct block data through I/O filter pipeline */
-        nbytes = read_size;
-        filter_mask = udata->filter_mask;
-        if(H5Z_pipeline(&(hdr->pline), H5Z_FLAG_REVERSE, &filter_mask, H5Z_ENABLE_EDC, filter_cb, &nbytes, &read_size, &read_buf) < 0)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTFILTER, NULL, "output pipeline failed")
+	    /* Allocate buffer to perform I/O filtering on and copy image into
+	     * it.  Must do this as H5Z_pipeline() may resize the buffer 
+	     * provided to it.
+	     */
+	    if(NULL == (read_buf = H5MM_malloc(len)))
+		HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed for pipeline buffer")
 
-        /* Sanity check */
-        HDassert(nbytes == dblock->size);
+            /* Copy compressed image into buffer */
+	    HDmemcpy(read_buf, image, len);
 
-        /* Copy un-filtered data into block's buffer */
-        HDmemcpy(dblock->blk, read_buf, dblock->size);
+	    /* Push direct block data through I/O filter pipeline */
+	    nbytes = len;
+	    filter_mask = udata->filter_mask;
+	    if(H5Z_pipeline(&(hdr->pline), H5Z_FLAG_REVERSE, &filter_mask, H5Z_ENABLE_EDC, filter_cb, &nbytes, &len, &read_buf) < 0)
+		HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTFILTER, NULL, "output pipeline failed")
 
-        /* Release the read buffer */
-        H5MM_xfree(read_buf);
+	    /* Sanity check */
+	    HDassert(nbytes == dblock->size);
+
+	    /* Copy un-filtered data into block's buffer */
+	    HDmemcpy(dblock->blk, read_buf, dblock->size);
+	} /* end if */
     } /* end if */
     else {
-        /* copy image to dblock->blk */
+        /* Sanity checks */
+	HDassert(udata->dblk == NULL);
+	HDassert(!udata->decompressed);
+
+	/* Allocate block buffer */
+/* XXX: Change to using free-list factories */
+	if(NULL == (dblock->blk = H5FL_BLK_MALLOC(direct_block, (size_t)dblock->size)))
+	    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
+
+        /* Copy image to dblock->blk */
         HDassert(dblock->size == len);
-        HDmemcpy(dblock->blk, _image, dblock->size);
+        HDmemcpy(dblock->blk, image, dblock->size);
     } /* end else */
 
     /* Start decoding direct block */
@@ -1684,22 +1851,12 @@ H5HF__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
 
     /* Decode checksum on direct block, if requested */
     if(hdr->checksum_dblocks) {
-        uint32_t stored_chksum;         /* Metadata checksum value */
-        uint32_t computed_chksum;       /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+	uint32_t stored_chksum;         /* Metadata checksum value */
+
+	/* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
         /* Metadata checksum */
         UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
-
-        /* Reset checksum field, for computing the checksum */
-        /* (Casting away const OK - QAK) */
-        HDmemset((uint8_t *)image - H5HF_SIZEOF_CHKSUM, 0, (size_t)H5HF_SIZEOF_CHKSUM);
-
-        /* Compute checksum on entire direct block */
-        computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(dblock->blk, dblock->size, 0);
-
-        /* Verify checksum */
-        if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for fractal heap direct block")
     } /* end if */
 
     /* Sanity check */
@@ -1709,6 +1866,11 @@ H5HF__cache_dblock_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     ret_value = (void *)dblock;
 
 done:
+    /* Release the read buffer */
+    if(read_buf)
+        H5MM_xfree(read_buf);
+
+    /* Cleanup on error */
     if(!ret_value && dblock)
         if(H5HF_man_dblock_dest(dblock) < 0)
             HDONE_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTFREE, NULL, "unable to destroy fractal heap direct block")
diff --git a/src/H5HFpkg.h b/src/H5HFpkg.h
index 6253160..6abae65 100644
--- a/src/H5HFpkg.h
+++ b/src/H5HFpkg.h
@@ -544,6 +544,14 @@ typedef struct H5HF_dblock_cache_ud_t {
 				 * calls to it.
 				 */
     unsigned filter_mask;	/* Excluded filters for direct block */
+    uint8_t *dblk;  /* Pointer to the buffer containing the decompressed
+                     * direct block data obtained in verify_chksum callback.
+                     * It will be used later in deserialize callback.
+                     */
+    htri_t decompressed;    /* Indicate that the direct block has been
+                             * decompressed in verify_chksum callback.
+                             * It will be used later in deserialize callback.
+                             */
 } H5HF_dblock_cache_ud_t;
 
 
diff --git a/src/H5HGcache.c b/src/H5HGcache.c
index b01f30e..6bc9860 100644
--- a/src/H5HGcache.c
+++ b/src/H5HGcache.c
@@ -62,7 +62,9 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache callbacks */
-static herr_t H5HG__cache_heap_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5HG__cache_heap_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5HG__cache_heap_get_final_load_size(const void *_image,
+    size_t image_len, void *udata, size_t *actual_len);
 static void *H5HG__cache_heap_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5HG__cache_heap_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -81,7 +83,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_GHEAP[1] = {{
     "global heap",                      /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_GHEAP,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG,  /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5HG__cache_heap_get_load_size,     /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5HG__cache_heap_get_initial_load_size,     /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    H5HG__cache_heap_get_final_load_size, /* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    NULL, 				/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5HG__cache_heap_deserialize,       /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5HG__cache_heap_image_len,         /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -104,13 +108,13 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_GHEAP[1] = {{
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5HG__cache_heap_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    H5HG__cache_heap_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Return the initial speculative read size to the metadata 
  *		cache.  This size will be used in the initial attempt to read 
  *		the global heap.  If this read is too small, the cache will 
  *		try again with the correct value obtained from 
- *		H5HG__cache_heap_image_len().
+ *		H5HG__cache_get_final_load_size().
  *
  * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
  *              Failure:        FAIL
@@ -121,16 +125,74 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_GHEAP[1] = {{
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5HG__cache_heap_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5HG__cache_heap_get_initial_load_size(void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
+    /* Sanity check */
     HDassert(image_len);
 
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = (size_t)H5HG_MINSIZE;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5HG__cache_heap_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5HG__cache_heap_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5HG__cache_heap_get_initial_load_size()
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Return the final read size for a speculatively ready heap to
+ *		the metadata cache.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
+ *              Failure:        FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Quincey Koziol
+ *              November 18, 2016
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t
+H5HG__cache_heap_get_final_load_size(const void *_image, size_t image_len,
+    void *_udata, size_t *actual_len)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;   	/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5F_t *f = (H5F_t *)_udata;                 /* File pointer -- obtained from user data */
+    size_t heap_size = 0;                       /* Total size of collection      */
+    herr_t ret_value = SUCCEED;                 /* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
+
+    /* Sanity check */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(f);
+    HDassert(actual_len);
+    HDassert(*actual_len == image_len);
+
+    /* Magic number */
+    if(HDmemcmp(image, H5HG_MAGIC, (size_t)H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC))
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad global heap collection signature")
+    image += H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC;
+
+    /* Version */
+    if(H5HG_VERSION != *image++)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_VERSION, FAIL, "wrong version number in global heap")
+
+    /* Reserved */
+    image += 3;
+
+    /* Size */
+    H5F_DECODE_LENGTH(f, image, heap_size);
+    HDassert(heap_size >= H5HG_MINSIZE);
+    HDassert(image_len == H5HG_MINSIZE);
+
+    /* Set the final size for the cache image */
+    *actual_len = heap_size;
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5HG__cache_heap_get_final_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -140,10 +202,6 @@ H5HG__cache_heap_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_
  *		heap, deserialize it, load its contents into a newly allocated
  *		instance of H5HG_heap_t, and return a pointer to the new instance.
  *
- *		Note that this heap client uses speculative reads.  If the supplied
- *		buffer is too small, we simply make note of the correct size, and 
- *		wait for the metadata cache to try again.
- *
  * Return:      Success:        Pointer to in core representation
  *              Failure:        NULL
  *
@@ -159,6 +217,8 @@ H5HG__cache_heap_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     H5F_t       *f = (H5F_t *)_udata;   /* File pointer -- obtained from user data */
     H5HG_heap_t *heap = NULL;   /* New global heap */
     uint8_t     *image;         /* Pointer to image to decode */
+    size_t       max_idx = 0;   /* Maximum heap object index seen */
+    size_t       nalloc;        /* Number of objects allocated */
     void        *ret_value = NULL;      /* Return value */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
@@ -199,109 +259,98 @@ H5HG__cache_heap_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     HDassert((len == H5HG_MINSIZE) /* first try */ || 
              ((len == heap->size) && (len > H5HG_MINSIZE))); /* second try */
     
-    if(len == heap->size) {     /* proceed with the deserialize */
-        size_t       max_idx = 0;
-        size_t       nalloc;
-
-        /* Decode each object */
-        image = heap->chunk + H5HG_SIZEOF_HDR(f);
-        nalloc = H5HG_NOBJS(f, heap->size);
-
-        /* Calloc the obj array because the file format spec makes no guarantee
-         * about the order of the objects, and unused slots must be set to zero.
-         */
-        if(NULL == (heap->obj = H5FL_SEQ_CALLOC(H5HG_obj_t, nalloc)))
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
-        heap->nalloc = nalloc;
-
-        while(image < (heap->chunk + heap->size)) {
-            if((image + H5HG_SIZEOF_OBJHDR(f)) > (heap->chunk + heap->size)) {
-                /*
-                 * The last bit of space is too tiny for an object header, so
-                 * we assume that it's free space.
-                 */
-                HDassert(NULL == heap->obj[0].begin);
-                heap->obj[0].size = (size_t)(((const uint8_t *)heap->chunk + heap->size) - image);
-                heap->obj[0].begin = image;
-                image += heap->obj[0].size;
+    /* Decode each object */
+    image = heap->chunk + H5HG_SIZEOF_HDR(f);
+    nalloc = H5HG_NOBJS(f, heap->size);
+
+    /* Calloc the obj array because the file format spec makes no guarantee
+     * about the order of the objects, and unused slots must be set to zero.
+     */
+    if(NULL == (heap->obj = H5FL_SEQ_CALLOC(H5HG_obj_t, nalloc)))
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
+    heap->nalloc = nalloc;
+
+    while(image < (heap->chunk + heap->size)) {
+        if((image + H5HG_SIZEOF_OBJHDR(f)) > (heap->chunk + heap->size)) {
+            /*
+             * The last bit of space is too tiny for an object header, so
+             * we assume that it's free space.
+             */
+            HDassert(NULL == heap->obj[0].begin);
+            heap->obj[0].size = (size_t)(((const uint8_t *)heap->chunk + heap->size) - image);
+            heap->obj[0].begin = image;
+            image += heap->obj[0].size;
+        } /* end if */
+        else {
+            size_t need;
+            unsigned idx;
+            uint8_t *begin = image;
+
+            UINT16DECODE(image, idx);
+
+            /* Check if we need more room to store heap objects */
+            if(idx >= heap->nalloc) {
+                size_t new_alloc;       /* New allocation number */
+                H5HG_obj_t *new_obj;    /* New array of object   descriptions          */
+
+                /* Determine the new number of objects to index */
+                new_alloc = MAX(heap->nalloc * 2, (idx + 1));
+                HDassert(idx < new_alloc);
+
+                /* Reallocate array of objects */
+                if(NULL == (new_obj = H5FL_SEQ_REALLOC(H5HG_obj_t, heap->obj, new_alloc)))
+                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
+
+                /* Clear newly allocated space */
+                HDmemset(&new_obj[heap->nalloc], 0, (new_alloc - heap->nalloc) * sizeof(heap->obj[0]));
+
+                /* Update heap information */
+                heap->nalloc = new_alloc;
+                heap->obj = new_obj;
+                HDassert(heap->nalloc > heap->nused);
+            } /* end if */
+
+            UINT16DECODE(image, heap->obj[idx].nrefs);
+            image += 4; /*reserved*/
+            H5F_DECODE_LENGTH(f, image, heap->obj[idx].size);
+            heap->obj[idx].begin = begin;
+
+            /*
+             * The total storage size includes the size of the object 
+             * header and is zero padded so the next object header is 
+             * properly aligned. The entire obj array was calloc'ed, 
+             * so no need to zero the space here. The last bit of space 
+             * is the free space object whose size is never padded and 
+             * already includes the object header.
+             */
+            if(idx > 0) {
+                need = H5HG_SIZEOF_OBJHDR(f) + H5HG_ALIGN(heap->obj[idx].size);
+                if(idx > max_idx)
+                    max_idx = idx;
             } /* end if */
-            else {
-                size_t need;
-                unsigned idx;
-                uint8_t *begin = image;
-
-                UINT16DECODE(image, idx);
-
-                /* Check if we need more room to store heap objects */
-                if(idx >= heap->nalloc) {
-                    size_t new_alloc;       /* New allocation number */
-                    H5HG_obj_t *new_obj;    /* New array of object   descriptions          */
-
-                    /* Determine the new number of objects to index */
-                    new_alloc = MAX(heap->nalloc * 2, (idx + 1));
-                    HDassert(idx < new_alloc);
-
-                    /* Reallocate array of objects */
-                    if(NULL == (new_obj = H5FL_SEQ_REALLOC(H5HG_obj_t, heap->obj, new_alloc)))
-                        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
-
-                    /* Clear newly allocated space */
-                    HDmemset(&new_obj[heap->nalloc], 0, (new_alloc - heap->nalloc) * sizeof(heap->obj[0]));
-
-                    /* Update heap information */
-                    heap->nalloc = new_alloc;
-                    heap->obj = new_obj;
-                    HDassert(heap->nalloc > heap->nused);
-                } /* end if */
-
-                UINT16DECODE(image, heap->obj[idx].nrefs);
-                image += 4; /*reserved*/
-                H5F_DECODE_LENGTH(f, image, heap->obj[idx].size);
-                heap->obj[idx].begin = begin;
-
-                /*
-                 * The total storage size includes the size of the object 
-                 * header and is zero padded so the next object header is 
-                 * properly aligned. The entire obj array was calloc'ed, 
-                 * so no need to zero the space here. The last bit of space 
-                 * is the free space object whose size is never padded and 
-                 * already includes the object header.
-                 */
-                if(idx > 0) {
-                    need = H5HG_SIZEOF_OBJHDR(f) + H5HG_ALIGN(heap->obj[idx].size);
-                    if(idx > max_idx)
-                        max_idx = idx;
-                } /* end if */
-                else
-                    need = heap->obj[idx].size;
-
-                image = begin + need;
-            } /* end else */
-        } /* end while */
-
-        HDassert(image == heap->chunk + heap->size);
-        HDassert(H5HG_ISALIGNED(heap->obj[0].size));
-
-        /* Set the next index value to use */
-        if(max_idx > 0)
-            heap->nused = max_idx + 1;
-        else
-            heap->nused = 1;
-
-        HDassert(max_idx < heap->nused);
-
-        /* Add the new heap to the CWFS list for the file */
-        if(H5F_cwfs_add(f, heap) < 0)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "unable to add global heap collection to file's CWFS")
-    } /* end if ( len == heap->size ) */
+            else
+                need = heap->obj[idx].size;
+
+            image = begin + need;
+        } /* end else */
+    } /* end while */
+
+    /* Sanity checks */
+    HDassert(image == heap->chunk + heap->size);
+    HDassert(H5HG_ISALIGNED(heap->obj[0].size));
+
+    /* Set the next index value to use */
+    if(max_idx > 0)
+        heap->nused = max_idx + 1;
     else
-        /* if len is less than heap size, then the initial speculative 
-         * read was too small.  In this case we return without reporting
-         * failure.  H5C_load_entry() will call H5HG__cache_heap_image_len()
-         * to get the actual read size, and then repeat the read with the 
-         * correct size, and call this function a second time.
-         */
-        HDassert(len < heap->size);
+        heap->nused = 1;
+
+    /* Sanity check */
+    HDassert(max_idx < heap->nused);
+
+    /* Add the new heap to the CWFS list for the file */
+    if(H5F_cwfs_add(f, heap) < 0)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "unable to add global heap collection to file's CWFS")
 
     ret_value = heap;
 
@@ -347,10 +396,6 @@ H5HG__cache_heap_image_len(const void *_thing, size_t *image_len)
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
 } /* end H5HG__cache_heap_image_len() */
 
-/**************************************/
-/* no H5HG_cache_heap_pre_serialize() */
-/**************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:    H5HG__cache_heap_serialize
@@ -390,10 +435,6 @@ H5HG__cache_heap_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
 } /* end H5HG__cache_heap_serialize() */
 
-/****************************************/
-/* no H5HG_cache_heap_notify() function */
-/****************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:    H5HG__cache_heap_free_icr
diff --git a/src/H5HL.c b/src/H5HL.c
index 7ad2e3c..9af1119 100644
--- a/src/H5HL.c
+++ b/src/H5HL.c
@@ -341,12 +341,10 @@ H5HL_protect(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, haddr_t addr, unsigned flags))
     HDassert((flags & (unsigned)(~H5AC__READ_ONLY_FLAG)) == 0);
 
     /* Construct the user data for protect callback */
-    prfx_udata.made_attempt = FALSE;
     prfx_udata.sizeof_size = H5F_SIZEOF_SIZE(f);
     prfx_udata.sizeof_addr = H5F_SIZEOF_ADDR(f);
     prfx_udata.prfx_addr = addr;
     prfx_udata.sizeof_prfx = H5HL_SIZEOF_HDR(f);
-    prfx_udata.loaded = FALSE;
 
     /* Protect the local heap prefix */
     if(NULL == (prfx = (H5HL_prfx_t *)H5AC_protect(f, dxpl_id, H5AC_LHEAP_PRFX, addr, &prfx_udata, flags)))
@@ -359,25 +357,14 @@ H5HL_protect(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, haddr_t addr, unsigned flags))
     /* (for re-entrant situation) */
     if(heap->prots == 0) {
         /* Check if heap has separate data block */
-        if(heap->single_cache_obj) {
+        if(heap->single_cache_obj)
             /* Set the flag for pinning the prefix when unprotecting it */
             prfx_cache_flags |= H5AC__PIN_ENTRY_FLAG;
-        } /* end if */
         else {
-            H5HL_cache_dblk_ud_t dblk_udata; /* User data for protecting local heap data block */
-
-            /* Construct the user data for protect callback */
-            dblk_udata.heap = heap;
-            dblk_udata.loaded = FALSE;
-
             /* Protect the local heap data block */
-            if(NULL == (dblk = (H5HL_dblk_t *)H5AC_protect(f, dxpl_id, H5AC_LHEAP_DBLK, heap->dblk_addr, &dblk_udata, flags)))
+            if(NULL == (dblk = (H5HL_dblk_t *)H5AC_protect(f, dxpl_id, H5AC_LHEAP_DBLK, heap->dblk_addr, heap, flags)))
                 H5E_THROW(H5E_CANTPROTECT, "unable to load heap data block");
 
-            /* Pin the prefix, if the data block was loaded from file */
-            if(dblk_udata.loaded)
-                prfx_cache_flags |= H5AC__PIN_ENTRY_FLAG;
-
             /* Set the flag for pinning the data block when unprotecting it */
             dblk_cache_flags |= H5AC__PIN_ENTRY_FLAG;
         } /* end if */
@@ -931,12 +918,10 @@ H5HL_delete(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, haddr_t addr))
     HDassert(H5F_addr_defined(addr));
 
     /* Construct the user data for protect callback */
-    prfx_udata.made_attempt = FALSE;
     prfx_udata.sizeof_size = H5F_SIZEOF_SIZE(f);
     prfx_udata.sizeof_addr = H5F_SIZEOF_ADDR(f);
     prfx_udata.prfx_addr = addr;
     prfx_udata.sizeof_prfx = H5HL_SIZEOF_HDR(f);
-    prfx_udata.loaded = FALSE;
 
     /* Protect the local heap prefix */
     if(NULL == (prfx = (H5HL_prfx_t *)H5AC_protect(f, dxpl_id, H5AC_LHEAP_PRFX, addr, &prfx_udata, H5AC__NO_FLAGS_SET)))
@@ -946,24 +931,11 @@ H5HL_delete(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, haddr_t addr))
     heap = prfx->heap;
 
     /* Check if heap has separate data block */
-    if(!heap->single_cache_obj) {
-        H5HL_cache_dblk_ud_t dblk_udata; /* User data for protecting local heap data block */
-
-        /* Construct the user data for protect callback */
-        dblk_udata.heap = heap;
-        dblk_udata.loaded = FALSE;
-
+    if(!heap->single_cache_obj)
         /* Protect the local heap data block */
-        if(NULL == (dblk = (H5HL_dblk_t *)H5AC_protect(f, dxpl_id, H5AC_LHEAP_DBLK, heap->dblk_addr, &dblk_udata, H5AC__NO_FLAGS_SET)))
+        if(NULL == (dblk = (H5HL_dblk_t *)H5AC_protect(f, dxpl_id, H5AC_LHEAP_DBLK, heap->dblk_addr, heap, H5AC__NO_FLAGS_SET)))
             H5E_THROW(H5E_CANTPROTECT, "unable to load heap data block");
 
-        /* Pin the prefix, if the data block was loaded from file */
-        if(dblk_udata.loaded) {
-            if(FAIL == H5AC_pin_protected_entry(prfx))
-                H5E_THROW(H5E_CANTPIN, "unable to pin local heap prefix");
-        } /* end if */
-    } /* end if */
-
     /* Set the flags for releasing the prefix and data block */
     cache_flags |= H5AC__DIRTIED_FLAG | H5AC__DELETED_FLAG | H5AC__FREE_FILE_SPACE_FLAG;
 
@@ -1005,12 +977,10 @@ H5HL_get_size(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, haddr_t addr, size_t *size))
     HDassert(size);
 
     /* Construct the user data for protect callback */
-    prfx_udata.made_attempt = FALSE;
     prfx_udata.sizeof_size = H5F_SIZEOF_SIZE(f);
     prfx_udata.sizeof_addr = H5F_SIZEOF_ADDR(f);
     prfx_udata.prfx_addr = addr;
     prfx_udata.sizeof_prfx = H5HL_SIZEOF_HDR(f);
-    prfx_udata.loaded = FALSE;
 
     /* Protect the local heap prefix */
     if(NULL == (prfx = (H5HL_prfx_t *)H5AC_protect(f, dxpl_id, H5AC_LHEAP_PRFX, addr, &prfx_udata, H5AC__READ_ONLY_FLAG)))
@@ -1056,12 +1026,10 @@ H5HL_heapsize(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, haddr_t addr, hsize_t *heap_size))
     HDassert(heap_size);
 
     /* Construct the user data for protect callback */
-    prfx_udata.made_attempt = FALSE;
     prfx_udata.sizeof_size = H5F_SIZEOF_SIZE(f);
     prfx_udata.sizeof_addr = H5F_SIZEOF_ADDR(f);
     prfx_udata.prfx_addr = addr;
     prfx_udata.sizeof_prfx = H5HL_SIZEOF_HDR(f);
-    prfx_udata.loaded = FALSE;
 
     /* Protect the local heap prefix */
     if(NULL == (prfx = (H5HL_prfx_t *)H5AC_protect(f, dxpl_id, H5AC_LHEAP_PRFX, addr, &prfx_udata, H5AC__READ_ONLY_FLAG)))
diff --git a/src/H5HLcache.c b/src/H5HLcache.c
index 5697121..c53292a 100644
--- a/src/H5HLcache.c
+++ b/src/H5HLcache.c
@@ -71,7 +71,9 @@
 
 /* Metadata cache callbacks */
 /* Local heap prefix */
-static herr_t H5HL__cache_prefix_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5HL__cache_prefix_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5HL__cache_prefix_get_final_load_size(const void *_image,
+    size_t image_len, void *udata, size_t *actual_len);
 static void *H5HL__cache_prefix_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty);
 static herr_t H5HL__cache_prefix_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -80,13 +82,13 @@ static herr_t H5HL__cache_prefix_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image,
 static herr_t H5HL__cache_prefix_free_icr(void *thing);
 
 /* Local heap data block */
-static herr_t H5HL__cache_datablock_get_load_size(const void *udata,
-    size_t *image_len); 
+static herr_t H5HL__cache_datablock_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
 static void *H5HL__cache_datablock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5HL__cache_datablock_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
 static herr_t H5HL__cache_datablock_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image,
     size_t len, void *thing); 
+static herr_t H5HL__cache_datablock_notify(H5C_notify_action_t action, void *_thing);
 static herr_t H5HL__cache_datablock_free_icr(void *thing);
 
 /* Free list de/serialization */
@@ -103,7 +105,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_LHEAP_PRFX[1] = {{
     "local heap prefix",                /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_LHEAP,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG,  /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5HL__cache_prefix_get_load_size,   /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5HL__cache_prefix_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    H5HL__cache_prefix_get_final_load_size, /* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5HL__cache_prefix_deserialize,     /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5HL__cache_prefix_image_len,       /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -118,12 +122,14 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_LHEAP_DBLK[1] = {{
     "local heap datablock",             /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_LHEAP,                     /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5HL__cache_datablock_get_load_size,/* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5HL__cache_datablock_get_initial_load_size,/* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5HL__cache_datablock_deserialize,  /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5HL__cache_datablock_image_len,    /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
     H5HL__cache_datablock_serialize,    /* 'serialize' callback */
-    NULL,                               /* 'notify' callback */
+    H5HL__cache_datablock_notify,       /* 'notify' callback */
     H5HL__cache_datablock_free_icr,     /* 'free_icr' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'fsf_size' callback */
 }};
@@ -254,18 +260,11 @@ H5HL__fl_serialize(const H5HL_t *heap)
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5HL__cache_prefix_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    H5HL__cache_prefix_get_initial_load_size()
  *
- * Purpose:	Return the size of the buffer the metadata cache should 
+ * Purpose:	Return the initial size of the buffer the metadata cache should 
  *		load from file and pass to the deserialize routine.
  *
- *		The version 2 metadata cache callbacks included a test to 
- *		ensure that the read did not pass the end of file, but this 
- *		functionality has been moved to H5C_load_entry().  Thus 
- *		all this function does is set *image_len equal to 
- *		H5HL_SPEC_READ_SIZE, leaving it to the metadata cache to 
- *		reduce the size of the read if appropriate.
- *
  * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
  *              Failure:        FAIL
  *
@@ -275,16 +274,91 @@ H5HL__fl_serialize(const H5HL_t *heap)
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5HL__cache_prefix_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5HL__cache_prefix_get_initial_load_size(void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
+    /* Sanity check */
     HDassert(image_len);
 
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = H5HL_SPEC_READ_SIZE;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5HL__cache_prefix_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5HL__cache_prefix_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5HL__cache_prefix_get_final_load_size()
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Return the final size of the buffer the metadata cache should 
+ *		load from file and pass to the deserialize routine.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
+ *              Failure:        FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Quincey Koziol
+ *              November 18, 2016
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t
+H5HL__cache_prefix_get_final_load_size(const void *_image, size_t image_len,
+    void *_udata, size_t *actual_len)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;   			/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5HL_cache_prfx_ud_t *udata = (H5HL_cache_prfx_ud_t *)_udata; 	/* User data for callback */
+    H5HL_t heap;        	/* Local heap */
+    htri_t ret_value = SUCCEED; /* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
+
+    /* Sanity checks */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(actual_len);
+    HDassert(*actual_len == image_len);
+
+    /* Check magic number */
+    if(HDmemcmp(image, H5HL_MAGIC, (size_t)H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC)) 
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad local heap signature")
+    image += H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC;
+
+    /* Version */
+    if(H5HL_VERSION != *image++) 
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_VERSION, FAIL, "wrong version number in local heap")
+
+    /* Reserved */
+    image += 3;
+
+    /* Store the prefix's address & length */
+    heap.prfx_addr = udata->prfx_addr; /* NEED */
+    heap.prfx_size = udata->sizeof_prfx; /* NEED */
+
+    /* Heap data size */
+    H5F_DECODE_LENGTH_LEN(image, heap.dblk_size, udata->sizeof_size); /* NEED */
+
+    /* Free list head */
+    H5F_DECODE_LENGTH_LEN(image, heap.free_block, udata->sizeof_size);
+    if(heap.free_block != H5HL_FREE_NULL && heap.free_block >= heap.dblk_size)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad heap free list");
+
+    /* Heap data address */
+    H5F_addr_decode_len(udata->sizeof_addr, &image, &(heap.dblk_addr)); /* NEED */
+
+    /* Set the final size for the cache image */
+    *actual_len = heap.prfx_size;
+
+    /* Check if heap block exists */
+    if(heap.dblk_size)
+        /* Check if heap data block is contiguous with header */
+        if(H5F_addr_eq((heap.prfx_addr + heap.prfx_size), heap.dblk_addr))
+            /* Note that the heap should be a single object in the cache */
+            *actual_len += heap.dblk_size;
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5HL__cache_prefix_get_final_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -353,7 +427,6 @@ H5HL__cache_prefix_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
 
     /* Free list head */
     H5F_DECODE_LENGTH_LEN(image, heap->free_block, udata->sizeof_size);
-
     if((heap->free_block != H5HL_FREE_NULL) && (heap->free_block >= heap->dblk_size))
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "bad heap free list")
 
@@ -367,53 +440,29 @@ H5HL__cache_prefix_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
             /* Note that the heap should be a single object in the cache */
             heap->single_cache_obj = TRUE;
 
-            /* Check if the current buffer from the speculative read 
-             * already has the heap data 
-             */
-            if(len >= (heap->prfx_size + heap->dblk_size)) {
-                /* Allocate space for the heap data image */
-                if(NULL == (heap->dblk_image = H5FL_BLK_MALLOC(lheap_chunk, heap->dblk_size)))
-                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
-
-                /* Set image to the start of the data block.  This is necessary
-                 * because there may be a gap between the used portion of the
-                 * prefix and the data block due to alignment constraints. */
-                image = ((const uint8_t *)_image) + heap->prfx_size;
-
-                /* Copy the heap data from the speculative read buffer */
-                HDmemcpy(heap->dblk_image, image, heap->dblk_size);
-
-                /* Build free list */
-                if(H5HL__fl_deserialize(heap) < 0)
-                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "can't initialize free list")
-            } /* end if */
-            else {
-		/* the supplied buffer is too small -- We have already made note
-                 * of the correct size, so simply return success.  H5C_load_entry()
-                 * will notice the size discrepency, and re-try the load.
-                 */
-
-                /* Make certain that this is the first try ... */
-                HDassert(!udata->made_attempt);
-
-                /* ... and mark the udata so that we know that we have used up
-                 * our first try.
-                 */
-                udata->made_attempt = TRUE;
-	    } /* end else */
+            /* Allocate space for the heap data image */
+            if(NULL == (heap->dblk_image = H5FL_BLK_MALLOC(lheap_chunk, heap->dblk_size)))
+                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
+
+            /* Set image to the start of the data block.  This is necessary
+             * because there may be a gap between the used portion of the
+             * prefix and the data block due to alignment constraints. */
+            image = ((const uint8_t *)_image) + heap->prfx_size;
+
+            /* Copy the heap data from the speculative read buffer */
+            HDmemcpy(heap->dblk_image, image, heap->dblk_size);
+
+            /* Build free list */
+            if(H5HL__fl_deserialize(heap) < 0)
+                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "can't initialize free list")
         } /* end if */
-        else {
+        else
             /* Note that the heap should _NOT_ be a single 
              * object in the cache 
              */
             heap->single_cache_obj = FALSE;
-
-	} /* end else */
     } /* end if */
 
-    /* Set flag to indicate prefix from loaded from file */
-    udata->loaded = TRUE;
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = prfx;
 
@@ -568,10 +617,6 @@ H5HL__cache_prefix_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *_image, size_t len,
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
 } /* end H5HL__cache_prefix_serialize() */
 
-/******************************************/
-/* no H5HL_cache_prefix_notify() function */
-/******************************************/
-
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:    H5HL__cache_prefix_free_icr
@@ -619,7 +664,7 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5HL__cache_datablock_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    H5HL__cache_datablock_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Tell the metadata cache how large a buffer to read from 
  *		file when loading a datablock.  In this case, we simply lookup
@@ -634,22 +679,22 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5HL__cache_datablock_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5HL__cache_datablock_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5HL_cache_dblk_ud_t *udata = (const H5HL_cache_dblk_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
+    H5HL_t *heap = (H5HL_t *)_udata;    /* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
     /* Check arguments */
-    HDassert(udata);
-    HDassert(udata->heap);
-    HDassert(udata->heap->dblk_size > 0);
+    HDassert(heap);
+    HDassert(heap->dblk_size > 0);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
-    *image_len = udata->heap->dblk_size;
+    /* Set the image length size */
+    *image_len = heap->dblk_size;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5HL__cache_datablock_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5HL__cache_datablock_get_initial_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -671,8 +716,8 @@ static void *
 H5HL__cache_datablock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     hbool_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED *dirty)
 {
-    H5HL_dblk_t          *dblk = NULL;  /* Local heap data block deserialized */
-    H5HL_cache_dblk_ud_t *udata = (H5HL_cache_dblk_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
+    H5HL_dblk_t          *dblk = NULL;          /* Local heap data block deserialized */
+    H5HL_t *heap = (H5HL_t *)_udata;            /* User data for callback */
     void                 *ret_value = NULL;     /* Return value */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
@@ -680,34 +725,30 @@ H5HL__cache_datablock_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     /* Check arguments */
     HDassert(image);
     HDassert(len > 0);
-    HDassert(udata);
-    HDassert(udata->heap);
-    HDassert(udata->heap->dblk_size == len);
-    HDassert(!udata->heap->single_cache_obj);
-    HDassert(NULL == udata->heap->dblk);
+    HDassert(heap);
+    HDassert(heap->dblk_size == len);
+    HDassert(!heap->single_cache_obj);
+    HDassert(NULL == heap->dblk);
     HDassert(dirty);
 
     /* Allocate space in memory for the heap data block */
-    if(NULL == (dblk = H5HL__dblk_new(udata->heap)))
+    if(NULL == (dblk = H5HL__dblk_new(heap)))
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "memory allocation failed");
 
     /* Check for heap still retaining image */
-    if(NULL == udata->heap->dblk_image) {
+    if(NULL == heap->dblk_image) {
         /* Allocate space for the heap data image */
-        if(NULL == (udata->heap->dblk_image = H5FL_BLK_MALLOC(lheap_chunk, udata->heap->dblk_size)))
+        if(NULL == (heap->dblk_image = H5FL_BLK_MALLOC(lheap_chunk, heap->dblk_size)))
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTALLOC, NULL, "can't allocate data block image buffer");
 
         /* copy the datablock from the read buffer */
-        HDmemcpy(udata->heap->dblk_image, image, len);
+        HDmemcpy(heap->dblk_image, image, len);
 
         /* Build free list */
-        if(FAIL == H5HL__fl_deserialize(udata->heap))
+        if(FAIL == H5HL__fl_deserialize(heap))
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "can't initialize free list");
     } /* end if */
 
-    /* Set flag to indicate data block from loaded from file */
-    udata->loaded = TRUE;
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = dblk;
 
@@ -801,9 +842,73 @@ H5HL__cache_datablock_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
 } /* end H5HL__cache_datablock_serialize() */
 
-/*********************************************/
-/* no H5HL_cache_datablock_notify() function */
-/*********************************************/
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5HL__cache_datablock_notify
+ *
+ * Purpose:	This function is used to create and destroy pinned
+ *		relationships between datablocks and their prefix parent.
+ *
+ * Return:	Success:	SUCCEED
+ *		Failure:	FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Quincey Koziol
+ *		November 19, 2016
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t 
+H5HL__cache_datablock_notify(H5C_notify_action_t action, void *_thing)
+{
+    H5HL_dblk_t *dblk = (H5HL_dblk_t *)_thing;  /* Pointer to the local heap data block */
+    herr_t      	 ret_value = SUCCEED;   /* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
+
+    /* Sanity check */
+    HDassert(dblk);
+
+    switch(action) {
+        case H5AC_NOTIFY_ACTION_AFTER_INSERT:
+	    /* do nothing */
+	    break;
+
+        case H5AC_NOTIFY_ACTION_AFTER_LOAD:
+            /* Sanity checks */
+            HDassert(dblk->heap);
+            HDassert(dblk->heap->prfx);
+
+            /* Pin the heap's prefix */
+            if(FAIL == H5AC_pin_protected_entry(dblk->heap->prfx))
+                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTPIN, FAIL, "unable to pin local heap prefix")
+            break;
+
+	case H5AC_NOTIFY_ACTION_AFTER_FLUSH:
+        case H5AC_NOTIFY_ACTION_ENTRY_DIRTIED:
+        case H5AC_NOTIFY_ACTION_ENTRY_CLEANED:
+        case H5AC_NOTIFY_ACTION_CHILD_DIRTIED:
+        case H5AC_NOTIFY_ACTION_CHILD_CLEANED:
+	    /* do nothing */
+	    break;
+
+        case H5AC_NOTIFY_ACTION_BEFORE_EVICT:
+            /* Sanity checks */
+            HDassert(dblk->heap);
+            HDassert(dblk->heap->prfx);
+
+            /* Unpin the local heap prefix */
+            if(FAIL == H5AC_unpin_entry(dblk->heap->prfx))
+                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_HEAP, H5E_CANTUNPIN, FAIL, "unable to unpin local heap prefix")
+            break;
+
+        default:
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_ARGS, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "unknown action from metadata cache")
+            break;
+    } /* end switch */
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5HL__cache_datablock_notify() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -843,3 +948,4 @@ H5HL__cache_datablock_free_icr(void *_thing)
 done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
 } /* end H5HL__cache_datablock_free_icr() */
+
diff --git a/src/H5HLdblk.c b/src/H5HLdblk.c
index 69e0334..f90562b 100644
--- a/src/H5HLdblk.c
+++ b/src/H5HLdblk.c
@@ -119,10 +119,9 @@ H5HL__dblk_new(H5HL_t *heap))
 
 CATCH
     /* Ensure that the data block memory is deallocated on errors */
-    if(!ret_value && dblk != NULL) {
+    if(!ret_value && dblk != NULL)
         /* H5FL_FREE always returns NULL so we can't check for errors */
         dblk = H5FL_FREE(H5HL_dblk_t, dblk);
-    }
 
 END_FUNC(PKG) /* end H5HL__dblk_new() */
 
@@ -151,10 +150,6 @@ H5HL__dblk_dest(H5HL_dblk_t *dblk))
         /* Unlink data block from heap */
         dblk->heap->dblk = NULL;
 
-        /* Unpin the local heap prefix */
-        if(FAIL == H5AC_unpin_entry(dblk->heap->prfx))
-            H5E_THROW(H5E_CANTUNPIN, "can't unpin local heap prefix")
-
         /* Decrement ref. count on heap data structure */
         if(FAIL == H5HL__dec_rc(dblk->heap))
             H5E_THROW(H5E_CANTDEC, "can't decrement heap ref. count")
@@ -223,7 +218,6 @@ H5HL__dblk_realloc(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, H5HL_t *heap, size_t new_heap_size))
             /* Resize the heap prefix in the cache */
             if(FAIL == H5AC_resize_entry(heap->prfx, (size_t)(heap->prfx_size + new_heap_size)))
                 H5E_THROW(H5E_CANTRESIZE, "unable to resize heap in cache");
-
         } /* end if */
         else {
             /* Sanity check */
@@ -233,7 +227,6 @@ H5HL__dblk_realloc(H5F_t *f, hid_t dxpl_id, H5HL_t *heap, size_t new_heap_size))
             /* Resize the heap data block in the cache */
             if(H5AC_resize_entry(heap->dblk, (size_t)new_heap_size) < 0)
                 H5E_THROW(H5E_CANTRESIZE, "unable to resize heap (data block) in cache");
-
         } /* end else */
     } /* end if */
     else {
@@ -280,3 +273,4 @@ CATCH
     } /* end if */
 
 END_FUNC(PKG) /* end H5HL__dblk_realloc() */
+
diff --git a/src/H5HLpkg.h b/src/H5HLpkg.h
index fb8667b..7075b2a 100644
--- a/src/H5HLpkg.h
+++ b/src/H5HLpkg.h
@@ -131,28 +131,12 @@ struct H5HL_prfx_t {
 
 /* Callback information for loading local heap prefix from disk */
 typedef struct H5HL_cache_prfx_ud_t {
-    /* Downwards */
-    hbool_t made_attempt;               /* Whether the deserialize routine */
-                                        /* was already attempted */
     size_t sizeof_size;                 /* Size of file sizes */
     size_t sizeof_addr;                 /* Size of file addresses */
     haddr_t prfx_addr;                  /* Address of prefix */
     size_t sizeof_prfx;                 /* Size of heap prefix */
-
-    /* Upwards */
-    hbool_t loaded;                     /* Whether prefix was loaded */
-                                        /* from file */
 } H5HL_cache_prfx_ud_t;
 
-/* Callback information for loading local heap data block from disk */
-typedef struct H5HL_cache_dblk_ud_t {
-    /* Downwards */
-    H5HL_t *heap;                       /* Local heap                               */
-
-    /* Upwards */
-    hbool_t loaded;                     /* Whether data block was loaded from file  */
-} H5HL_cache_dblk_ud_t;
-
 
 /******************************/
 /* Package Private Prototypes */
diff --git a/src/H5HLprfx.c b/src/H5HLprfx.c
index 66c4dad..ed1c4db 100644
--- a/src/H5HLprfx.c
+++ b/src/H5HLprfx.c
@@ -118,10 +118,9 @@ H5HL__prfx_new(H5HL_t *heap))
 
 CATCH
     /* Ensure that the prefix memory is deallocated on errors */
-    if(!ret_value && prfx != NULL) {
+    if(!ret_value && prfx != NULL)
         /* H5FL_FREE always returns NULL so we can't check for errors */
         prfx = H5FL_FREE(H5HL_prfx_t, prfx);
-    }
 
 END_FUNC(PKG) /* end H5HL__prfx_new() */
 
@@ -164,3 +163,4 @@ CATCH
     prfx = H5FL_FREE(H5HL_prfx_t, prfx);
 
 END_FUNC(PKG) /* end H5HL__prfx_dest() */
+
diff --git a/src/H5O.c b/src/H5O.c
index 713be04..b6f399d 100644
--- a/src/H5O.c
+++ b/src/H5O.c
@@ -1820,11 +1820,12 @@ H5O_protect(const H5O_loc_t *loc, hid_t dxpl_id, unsigned prot_flags)
     /* Construct the user data for protect callback */
     udata.made_attempt = FALSE;
     udata.v1_pfx_nmesgs = 0;
+    udata.chunk0_size = 0;
+    udata.oh = NULL;
     udata.common.f = loc->file;
     udata.common.dxpl_id = dxpl_id;
     udata.common.file_intent = file_intent;
     udata.common.merged_null_msgs = 0;
-    udata.common.mesgs_modified = FALSE;
     HDmemset(&cont_msg_info, 0, sizeof(cont_msg_info));
     udata.common.cont_msg_info = &cont_msg_info;
     udata.common.addr = loc->addr;
@@ -1852,10 +1853,12 @@ H5O_protect(const H5O_loc_t *loc, hid_t dxpl_id, unsigned prot_flags)
         chk_udata.common.dxpl_id = dxpl_id;
         chk_udata.common.file_intent = file_intent;
         chk_udata.common.merged_null_msgs = udata.common.merged_null_msgs;
-        chk_udata.common.mesgs_modified = udata.common.mesgs_modified;
         chk_udata.common.cont_msg_info = &cont_msg_info;
 
         /* Read in continuation messages, until there are no more */
+        /* (Note that loading chunks could increase the # of continuation
+         *      messages if new ones are found - QAK, 19/11/2016)
+         */
         curr_msg = 0;
         while(curr_msg < cont_msg_info.nmsgs) {
             H5O_chunk_proxy_t *chk_proxy;       /* Proxy for chunk, to bring it into memory */
@@ -1888,16 +1891,12 @@ H5O_protect(const H5O_loc_t *loc, hid_t dxpl_id, unsigned prot_flags)
 
         /* Pass back out some of the chunk's user data */
         udata.common.merged_null_msgs = chk_udata.common.merged_null_msgs;
-        udata.common.mesgs_modified = chk_udata.common.mesgs_modified;
     } /* end if */
 
     /* Check for incorrect # of object header messages, if we've just loaded
      *  this object header from the file
      */
     if(udata.made_attempt) {
-        /* Check for incorrect # of messages in v1 object header */
-        if(oh->version == H5O_VERSION_1 &&
-                (oh->nmesgs + udata.common.merged_null_msgs) != udata.v1_pfx_nmesgs) {
 /* Don't enforce the error on an incorrect # of object header messages bug
  *      unless strict format checking is enabled.  This allows for older
  *      files, created with a version of the library that had a bug in tracking
@@ -1905,79 +1904,11 @@ H5O_protect(const H5O_loc_t *loc, hid_t dxpl_id, unsigned prot_flags)
  *      erroring out here. -QAK
  */
 #ifdef H5_STRICT_FORMAT_CHECKS
+        /* Check for incorrect # of messages in v1 object header */
+        if(oh->version == H5O_VERSION_1 &&
+                (oh->nmesgs + udata.common.merged_null_msgs) != udata.v1_pfx_nmesgs)
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTLOAD, NULL, "corrupt object header - incorrect # of messages")
-#else /* H5_STRICT_FORMAT_CHECKS */
-            /* Mark object header prefix dirty later if we don't have write access */
-            /* (object header will have been marked dirty during protect, if we
-             *  have write access -QAK)
-             */
-            if((prot_flags & H5AC__READ_ONLY_FLAG) != 0)
-                oh->prefix_modified = TRUE;
-#ifndef NDEBUG
-            else {
-                unsigned oh_status = 0;         /* Object header entry cache status */
-
-                /* Check the object header's status in the metadata cache */
-                if(H5AC_get_entry_status(loc->file, loc->addr, &oh_status) < 0)
-                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTGET, NULL, "unable to check metadata cache status for object header")
-
-                /* Make certain that object header is not dirty */
-                HDassert(!(oh_status & H5AC_ES__IS_DIRTY));
-            } /* end else */
-#endif /* NDEBUG */
 #endif /* H5_STRICT_FORMAT_CHECKS */
-        } /* end if */
-
-        /* Check for any messages that were modified while being read in */
-        if(udata.common.mesgs_modified && (0 == (prot_flags & H5AC__READ_ONLY_FLAG)))
-            oh->mesgs_modified = TRUE;
-
-        /* Reset the field that contained chunk 0's size during speculative load */
-        oh->chunk0_size = 0;
-    } /* end if */
-
-    /* Take care of loose ends for modifications made while bringing in the
-     *      object header & chunks.
-     */
-    if(0 == (prot_flags & H5AC__READ_ONLY_FLAG)) {
-        /* Check for the object header prefix being modified somehow */
-        /* (usually through updating the # of object header messages) */
-        if(oh->prefix_modified) {
-            /* Mark the header as dirty now */
-            if(H5AC_mark_entry_dirty(oh) < 0)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTMARKDIRTY, NULL, "unable to mark object header as dirty")
-
-            /* Reset flag */
-            oh->prefix_modified = FALSE;
-        } /* end if */
-
-        /* Check for deferred dirty messages */
-        if(oh->mesgs_modified) {
-            unsigned u;         /* Local index variable */
-
-            /* Loop through all messages, marking their chunks as dirty */
-            /* (slightly inefficient, since we don't know exactly which messages
-             *  were modified when the object header & chunks were brought in
-             *  from the file, but this only can happen once per load -QAK)
-             */
-            for(u = 0; u < oh->nmesgs; u++) {
-                /* Mark each chunk with a dirty message as dirty also */
-                if(oh->mesg[u].dirty) {
-                    H5O_chunk_proxy_t *chk_proxy;        /* Chunk that message is in */
-
-                    /* Protect chunk */
-                    if(NULL == (chk_proxy = H5O_chunk_protect(loc->file, dxpl_id, oh, oh->mesg[u].chunkno)))
-                        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTPROTECT, NULL, "unable to load object header chunk")
-
-                    /* Unprotect chunk, marking it dirty */
-                    if(H5O_chunk_unprotect(loc->file, dxpl_id, chk_proxy, TRUE) < 0)
-                        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTUNPROTECT, NULL, "unable to unprotect object header chunk")
-                } /* end if */
-            } /* end for */
-
-            /* Reset flag */
-            oh->mesgs_modified = FALSE;
-        } /* end if */
     } /* end if */
 
 #ifdef H5O_DEBUG
@@ -3654,7 +3585,6 @@ herr_t
 H5O__free(H5O_t *oh)
 {
     unsigned	u;                      /* Local index variable */
-    herr_t      ret_value = SUCCEED;    /* Return value */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_PACKAGE_NOERR
 
diff --git a/src/H5Ocache.c b/src/H5Ocache.c
index edabc52..88a4d85 100644
--- a/src/H5Ocache.c
+++ b/src/H5Ocache.c
@@ -68,7 +68,10 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache callbacks */
-static herr_t H5O__cache_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5O__cache_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5O__cache_get_final_load_size(const void *image_ptr, size_t image_len,
+    void *udata, size_t *actual_len);
+static htri_t H5O__cache_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5O__cache_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5O__cache_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -77,7 +80,8 @@ static herr_t H5O__cache_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image, size_t len,
 static herr_t H5O__cache_notify(H5AC_notify_action_t action, void *_thing);
 static herr_t H5O__cache_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5O__cache_chk_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5O__cache_chk_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5O__cache_chk_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5O__cache_chk_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5O__cache_chk_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -94,7 +98,6 @@ static herr_t H5O__chunk_serialize(const H5F_t *f, H5O_t *oh, unsigned chunkno);
 /* Misc. routines */
 static herr_t H5O__add_cont_msg(H5O_cont_msgs_t *cont_msg_info,
     const H5O_cont_t *cont);
-static herr_t H5O_decode_prefix(H5F_t *f, H5O_t *oh, const uint8_t *buf, void *_udata);
 
 
 /*********************/
@@ -107,7 +110,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_OHDR[1] = {{
     "object header",                    /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_OHDR,                      /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG,  /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5O__cache_get_load_size,           /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5O__cache_get_initial_load_size,   /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    H5O__cache_get_final_load_size,     /* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5O__cache_verify_chksum, 		/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5O__cache_deserialize,             /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5O__cache_image_len,               /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -123,7 +128,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_OHDR_CHK[1] = {{
     "object header continuation chunk", /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_OHDR,                      /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5O__cache_chk_get_load_size,       /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5O__cache_chk_get_initial_load_size, /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5O__cache_chk_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5O__cache_chk_deserialize,         /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5O__cache_chk_image_len,           /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -152,48 +159,88 @@ H5FL_SEQ_DEFINE(H5O_cont_t);
 /* Local Variables */
 /*******************/
 
+
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:	H5O_decode_prefix
+ * Function:    H5O__cache_get_initial_load_size()
  *
- * Purpose:	To decode the object header prefix.
- *		The coding is extracted fromt H5O__cache_deserialize() to this routine.
+ * Purpose:	Tell the metadata cache how much data to read from file in 
+ *		the first speculative read for the object header.
  *
- * Return:	Non-negative on success/Negative on failure
+ * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
+ *              Failure:        FAIL
  *
- * Programmer:	Vailin Choi
- *              Aug 2015
+ * Programmer:  John Mainzer
+ *              7/28/14
  *
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5O_decode_prefix(H5F_t *f, H5O_t *oh, const uint8_t *buf, void *_udata)
+H5O__cache_get_initial_load_size(void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    H5O_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5O_cache_ud_t *)_udata;       /* User data for callback */
-    const uint8_t *p = buf;   	/* Pointer into buffer to decode */
-    herr_t ret_value = SUCCEED; /* Return value */
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image_len);
 
-    FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT
+    /* Set the image length size */
+    *image_len = H5O_SPEC_READ_SIZE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
+} /* end H5O__cache_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5O__cache_get_final_load_size()
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Tell the metadata cache the final size of an object header.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
+ *              Failure:        FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Quincey Koziol
+ *              November 18, 2016
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t
+H5O__cache_get_final_load_size(const void *_image, size_t image_len,
+    void *_udata, size_t *actual_len)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;   	/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5O_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5O_cache_ud_t *)_udata;   /* User data for callback */
+    H5O_t *oh = NULL;                   /* Object header read in */
+    htri_t ret_value = SUCCEED;         /* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
 
     /* Check arguments */
-    HDassert(f);
-    HDassert(oh);
-    HDassert(buf);
+    HDassert(image);
     HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(actual_len);
+    HDassert(*actual_len == image_len);
+
+    /* Allocate space for the new object header data structure */
+    if(NULL == (oh = H5FL_CALLOC(H5O_t)))
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTALLOC, FAIL, "memory allocation failed")
+
+    /* File-specific, non-stored information */
+    oh->sizeof_size = H5F_SIZEOF_SIZE(udata->common.f);
+    oh->sizeof_addr = H5F_SIZEOF_ADDR(udata->common.f);
 
     /* Check for presence of magic number */
     /* (indicates version 2 or later) */
-    if(!HDmemcmp(p, H5O_HDR_MAGIC, (size_t)H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC)) {
+    if(!HDmemcmp(image, H5O_HDR_MAGIC, (size_t)H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC)) {
         /* Magic number */
-        p += H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC;
+        image += H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC;
 
         /* Version */
-        oh->version = *p++;
+        oh->version = *image++;
         if(H5O_VERSION_2 != oh->version)
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_VERSION, FAIL, "bad object header version number")
 
         /* Flags */
-        oh->flags = *p++;
+        oh->flags = *image++;
         if(oh->flags & ~H5O_HDR_ALL_FLAGS)
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "unknown object header status flag(s)")
 
@@ -204,13 +251,13 @@ H5O_decode_prefix(H5F_t *f, H5O_t *oh, const uint8_t *buf, void *_udata)
         if(oh->flags & H5O_HDR_STORE_TIMES) {
             uint32_t tmp;       /* Temporary value */
 
-            UINT32DECODE(p, tmp);
+            UINT32DECODE(image, tmp);
             oh->atime = (time_t)tmp;
-            UINT32DECODE(p, tmp);
+            UINT32DECODE(image, tmp);
             oh->mtime = (time_t)tmp;
-            UINT32DECODE(p, tmp);
+            UINT32DECODE(image, tmp);
             oh->ctime = (time_t)tmp;
-            UINT32DECODE(p, tmp);
+            UINT32DECODE(image, tmp);
             oh->btime = (time_t)tmp;
         } /* end if */
         else
@@ -218,8 +265,8 @@ H5O_decode_prefix(H5F_t *f, H5O_t *oh, const uint8_t *buf, void *_udata)
 
         /* Attribute fields */
         if(oh->flags & H5O_HDR_ATTR_STORE_PHASE_CHANGE) {
-            UINT16DECODE(p, oh->max_compact);
-            UINT16DECODE(p, oh->min_dense);
+            UINT16DECODE(image, oh->max_compact);
+            UINT16DECODE(image, oh->min_dense);
             if(oh->max_compact < oh->min_dense)
                 HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad object header attribute phase change values")
         } /* end if */
@@ -231,30 +278,30 @@ H5O_decode_prefix(H5F_t *f, H5O_t *oh, const uint8_t *buf, void *_udata)
         /* First chunk size */
         switch(oh->flags & H5O_HDR_CHUNK0_SIZE) {
             case 0:     /* 1 byte size */
-                oh->chunk0_size = *p++;
+                udata->chunk0_size = *image++;
                 break;
 
             case 1:     /* 2 byte size */
-                UINT16DECODE(p, oh->chunk0_size);
+                UINT16DECODE(image, udata->chunk0_size);
                 break;
 
             case 2:     /* 4 byte size */
-                UINT32DECODE(p, oh->chunk0_size);
+                UINT32DECODE(image, udata->chunk0_size);
                 break;
 
             case 3:     /* 8 byte size */
-                UINT64DECODE(p, oh->chunk0_size);
+                UINT64DECODE(image, udata->chunk0_size);
                 break;
 
             default:
                 HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad size for chunk 0")
         } /* end switch */
-        if(oh->chunk0_size > 0 && oh->chunk0_size < H5O_SIZEOF_MSGHDR_OH(oh))
+        if(udata->chunk0_size > 0 && udata->chunk0_size < H5O_SIZEOF_MSGHDR_OH(oh))
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad object header chunk size")
     } /* end if */
     else {
         /* Version */
-        oh->version = *p++;
+        oh->version = *image++;
         if(H5O_VERSION_1 != oh->version)
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_VERSION, FAIL, "bad object header version number")
 
@@ -262,13 +309,13 @@ H5O_decode_prefix(H5F_t *f, H5O_t *oh, const uint8_t *buf, void *_udata)
         oh->flags = H5O_CRT_OHDR_FLAGS_DEF;
 
         /* Reserved */
-        p++;
+        image++;
 
         /* Number of messages */
-        UINT16DECODE(p, udata->v1_pfx_nmesgs);
+        UINT16DECODE(image, udata->v1_pfx_nmesgs);
 
         /* Link count */
-        UINT32DECODE(p, oh->nlink);
+        UINT32DECODE(image, oh->nlink);
 
         /* Reset unused time fields */
         oh->atime = oh->mtime = oh->ctime = oh->btime = 0;
@@ -278,51 +325,77 @@ H5O_decode_prefix(H5F_t *f, H5O_t *oh, const uint8_t *buf, void *_udata)
         oh->min_dense = 0;
 
         /* First chunk size */
-        UINT32DECODE(p, oh->chunk0_size);
-        if((udata->v1_pfx_nmesgs > 0 && oh->chunk0_size < H5O_SIZEOF_MSGHDR_OH(oh)) ||
-                (udata->v1_pfx_nmesgs == 0 && oh->chunk0_size > 0))
+        UINT32DECODE(image, udata->chunk0_size);
+        if((udata->v1_pfx_nmesgs > 0 && udata->chunk0_size < H5O_SIZEOF_MSGHDR_OH(oh)) ||
+                (udata->v1_pfx_nmesgs == 0 && udata->chunk0_size > 0))
             HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "bad object header chunk size")
 
         /* Reserved, in version 1 (for 8-byte alignment padding) */
-        p += 4;
+        image += 4;
     } /* end else */
 
     /* Determine object header prefix length */
-    HDassert((size_t)(p - buf) == (size_t)(H5O_SIZEOF_HDR(oh) - H5O_SIZEOF_CHKSUM_OH(oh)));
+    HDassert((size_t)((const uint8_t *)image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == (size_t)(H5O_SIZEOF_HDR(oh) - H5O_SIZEOF_CHKSUM_OH(oh)));
+
+    /* Set the final size for the cache image */
+    *actual_len = udata->chunk0_size + (size_t)H5O_SIZEOF_HDR(oh);
+
+    /* Save the object header for later use in 'deserialize' callback */
+    udata->oh = oh;
+    oh = NULL;
 
 done:
+    /* Release the [possibly partially initialized] object header on errors */
+    if(ret_value < 0 && oh)
+        if(H5O__free(oh) < 0)
+            HDONE_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTRELEASE, FAIL, "unable to destroy object header data")
+
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
-} /* H5O_decode_prefix() */
+} /* end H5O__cache_get_final_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5O__cache_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    H5O__cache_verify_chksum
  *
- * Purpose:	Tell the metadata cache how much data to read from file in 
- *		the first speculative read for the object header.  Note that we do 
- *		not have to be concerned about reading past the end of file, as the 
- *		cache will clamp the read to avoid this if needed.
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
  *
- * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
- *              Failure:        FAIL
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
  *
- * Programmer:  John Mainzer
- *              7/28/14
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi
+ *              Aug 2015
  *
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
-static herr_t
-H5O__cache_get_load_size(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+static htri_t
+H5O__cache_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata)
 {
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;    	/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5O_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5O_cache_ud_t *)_udata;  	/* User data for callback */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
     /* Check arguments */
-    HDassert(image_len);
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(udata->oh);
 
-    *image_len = H5O_SPEC_READ_SIZE;
+    /* There is no checksum for version 1 */
+    if(udata->oh->version != H5O_VERSION_1) {
+        uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+        uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
 
-    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5O__cache_get_load_size() */
+	/* Get stored and computed checksums */
+	H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+	if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	    ret_value = FALSE;
+    } /* end if */
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5O__cache_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -349,10 +422,9 @@ static void *
 H5O__cache_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     hbool_t *dirty)
 {
-    H5O_t          *oh = NULL;          /* Object header read in */
+    H5O_t          *oh;                 /* Object header read in */
     H5O_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5O_cache_ud_t *)_udata;   /* User data for callback */
     const uint8_t  *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;    /* Pointer into buffer to decode */
-    size_t          buf_size;           /* Size of prefix+chunk #0 buffer */
     void *          ret_value = NULL;   /* Return value */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
@@ -361,38 +433,17 @@ H5O__cache_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     HDassert(image);
     HDassert(len > 0); 
     HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(udata->oh);
     HDassert(udata->common.f);
     HDassert(udata->common.cont_msg_info);
     HDassert(dirty);
 
-    /* Allocate space for the object header data structure */
-    if(NULL == (oh = H5FL_CALLOC(H5O_t)))
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_RESOURCE, H5E_NOSPACE, NULL, "memory allocation failed")
+    /* Retrieve partially deserialized object header from user data */
+    oh = udata->oh;
 
-    /* File-specific, non-stored information */
-    oh->sizeof_size = H5F_SIZEOF_SIZE(udata->common.f);
-    oh->sizeof_addr = H5F_SIZEOF_ADDR(udata->common.f);
-
-    /* Decode header prefix */
-    if(H5O_decode_prefix(udata->common.f, oh, image, udata) < 0)
-	HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "can't deserialize object header prefix")
-
-    /* Compute the size of the buffer used */
-    buf_size = oh->chunk0_size + (size_t)H5O_SIZEOF_HDR(oh);
-
-
-    /* Check to see if the buffer provided is large enough to contain both 
-     * the prefix and the first chunk.  If it isn't, make note of the desired
-     * size, but otherwise do nothing.  H5C_load_entry() will notice the 
-     * discrepency, load the correct size buffer, and retry the deserialize.
-     */
-    if(len >= buf_size) {
-        /* Parse the first chunk */
-        if(H5O__chunk_deserialize(oh, udata->common.addr, oh->chunk0_size, (const uint8_t *)_image, &(udata->common), dirty) < 0)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "can't deserialize first object header chunk")
-    } /* end if */
-    else
-        HDassert(!udata->made_attempt);
+    /* Parse the first chunk */
+    if(H5O__chunk_deserialize(oh, udata->common.addr, udata->chunk0_size, (const uint8_t *)_image, &(udata->common), dirty) < 0)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTINIT, NULL, "can't deserialize first object header chunk")
 
     /* Note that we've loaded the object header from the file */
     udata->made_attempt = TRUE;
@@ -439,10 +490,7 @@ H5O__cache_image_len(const void *_thing, size_t *image_len)
     HDassert(image_len);
 
     /* Report the object header's prefix+first chunk length */
-    if(oh->chunk0_size)
-       *image_len = (size_t)H5O_SIZEOF_HDR(oh) + oh->chunk0_size;
-    else
-       *image_len = oh->chunk[0].size;
+    *image_len = oh->chunk[0].size;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
 } /* end H5O__cache_image_len() */
@@ -698,12 +746,11 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5O__cache_chk_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    H5O__cache_chk_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Tell the metadata cache how large the on disk image of the 
  *		chunk proxy is, so it can load the image into a buffer for the 
- *		deserialize call.  In this case, we simply look up the size in 
- *		the user data, and return it in *image_len,
+ *		deserialize call.
  *
  * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
  *              Failure:        FAIL
@@ -714,9 +761,9 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5O__cache_chk_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5O__cache_chk_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5O_chk_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5O_chk_cache_ud_t *)_udata;       /* User data for callback */
+    const H5O_chk_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5O_chk_cache_ud_t *)_udata; /* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -725,10 +772,53 @@ H5O__cache_chk_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     HDassert(udata->oh);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = udata->size;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5O__cache_chk_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5O__cache_chk_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5B2__cache_chk_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Vailin Choi
+ *		Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static htri_t
+H5O__cache_chk_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       	/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5O_chk_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5O_chk_cache_ud_t *)_udata;   /* User data for callback */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* There is no checksum for version 1 */
+    if(udata->oh->version != H5O_VERSION_1) {
+        uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+        uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+
+	/* Get stored and computed checksums */
+	H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+	if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	    ret_value = FALSE;
+    } /* end if */
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5O__cache_chk_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1071,12 +1161,12 @@ H5O__chunk_deserialize(H5O_t *oh, haddr_t addr, size_t len, const uint8_t *image
 {
     const uint8_t *chunk_image; /* Pointer into buffer to decode */
     uint8_t *eom_ptr;           /* Pointer to end of messages for a chunk */
-    size_t curmesg;             /* Current message being decoded in object header */
     unsigned merged_null_msgs = 0;  /* Number of null messages merged together */
     unsigned chunkno;           /* Current chunk's index */
 #ifndef NDEBUG
     unsigned nullcnt;           /* Count of null messages (for sanity checking gaps in chunks) */
 #endif /* NDEBUG */
+    hbool_t mesgs_modified = FALSE;     /* Whether any messages were modified when the object header was deserialized */
     herr_t ret_value = SUCCEED; /* Return value */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC
@@ -1102,15 +1192,12 @@ H5O__chunk_deserialize(H5O_t *oh, haddr_t addr, size_t len, const uint8_t *image
     /* Init the chunk data info */
     chunkno = (unsigned)oh->nchunks++;
     oh->chunk[chunkno].gap = 0;
-    if(chunkno == 0) {
+    oh->chunk[chunkno].addr = addr;
+    if(chunkno == 0)
         /* First chunk's 'image' includes room for the object header prefix */
-        oh->chunk[0].addr = addr;
         oh->chunk[0].size = len + (size_t)H5O_SIZEOF_HDR(oh);
-    } /* end if */
-    else {
-        oh->chunk[chunkno].addr = addr;
+    else
         oh->chunk[chunkno].size = len;
-    } /* end else */
     if(NULL == (oh->chunk[chunkno].image = H5FL_BLK_MALLOC(chunk_image, oh->chunk[chunkno].size)))
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTALLOC, FAIL, "memory allocation failed")
 
@@ -1132,16 +1219,12 @@ H5O__chunk_deserialize(H5O_t *oh, haddr_t addr, size_t len, const uint8_t *image
         chunk_image += H5_SIZEOF_MAGIC;
     } /* end if */
 
-    /* Save # of messages already inspected */
-    curmesg = oh->nmesgs;
-
     /* Decode messages from this chunk */
     eom_ptr = oh->chunk[chunkno].image + (oh->chunk[chunkno].size - H5O_SIZEOF_CHKSUM_OH(oh));
 #ifndef NDEBUG
     nullcnt = 0;
 #endif /* NDEBUG */
     while(chunk_image < eom_ptr) {
-        size_t mesgno;          /* Current message to operate on */
         size_t mesg_size;       /* Size of message read in */
         unsigned id;            /* ID (type) of current message */
         uint8_t	flags;          /* Flags for current message */
@@ -1200,39 +1283,45 @@ H5O__chunk_deserialize(H5O_t *oh, haddr_t addr, size_t len, const uint8_t *image
                 H5O_NULL_ID == id && oh->nmesgs > 0 &&
                 H5O_NULL_ID == oh->mesg[oh->nmesgs - 1].type->id &&
                 oh->mesg[oh->nmesgs - 1].chunkno == chunkno) {
+            size_t mesgno;          /* Current message to operate on */
 
             /* Combine adjacent null messages */
             mesgno = oh->nmesgs - 1;
             oh->mesg[mesgno].raw_size += (size_t)H5O_SIZEOF_MSGHDR_OH(oh) + mesg_size;
             oh->mesg[mesgno].dirty = TRUE;
             merged_null_msgs++;
-            udata->merged_null_msgs++;
         } /* end if */
         else {
+            H5O_mesg_t *mesg;       /* Pointer to new message */
+            unsigned ioflags = 0;   /* Flags for decode routine */
+
             /* Check if we need to extend message table to hold the new message */
             if(oh->nmesgs >= oh->alloc_nmesgs)
                 if(H5O_alloc_msgs(oh, (size_t)1) < 0)
                     HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTALLOC, FAIL, "can't allocate more space for messages")
 
-            /* Get index for message */
-            mesgno = oh->nmesgs++;
+            /* Get pointer to message to set up */
+            mesg = &oh->mesg[oh->nmesgs];
+
+            /* Increment # of messages */
+            oh->nmesgs++;
 
             /* Initialize information about message */
-            oh->mesg[mesgno].dirty = FALSE;
-            oh->mesg[mesgno].flags = flags;
-            oh->mesg[mesgno].crt_idx = crt_idx;
-            oh->mesg[mesgno].native = NULL;
-            oh->mesg[mesgno].raw = (uint8_t *)chunk_image;        /* Casting away const OK - QAK */
-            oh->mesg[mesgno].raw_size = mesg_size;
-            oh->mesg[mesgno].chunkno = chunkno;
+            mesg->dirty = FALSE;
+            mesg->flags = flags;
+            mesg->crt_idx = crt_idx;
+            mesg->native = NULL;
+            mesg->raw = (uint8_t *)chunk_image;        /* Casting away const OK - QAK */
+            mesg->raw_size = mesg_size;
+            mesg->chunkno = chunkno;
 
             /* Point unknown messages at 'unknown' message class */
             /* (Usually from future versions of the library) */
 	    if(id >= H5O_UNKNOWN_ID ||
 #ifdef H5O_ENABLE_BOGUS
-	       id == H5O_BOGUS_VALID_ID ||
+                    id == H5O_BOGUS_VALID_ID ||
 #endif
-	       NULL == H5O_msg_class_g[id]) {
+                    NULL == H5O_msg_class_g[id]) {
 
 		H5O_unknown_t *unknown;     /* Pointer to "unknown" message info */
 
@@ -1244,10 +1333,10 @@ H5O__chunk_deserialize(H5O_t *oh, haddr_t addr, size_t len, const uint8_t *image
                 *unknown = id;
 
                 /* Save 'native' form of unknown message */
-                oh->mesg[mesgno].native = unknown;
+                mesg->native = unknown;
 
                 /* Set message to "unknown" class */
-                oh->mesg[mesgno].type = H5O_msg_class_g[H5O_UNKNOWN_ID];
+                mesg->type = H5O_msg_class_g[H5O_UNKNOWN_ID];
 
                 /* Check for "fail if unknown" message flags */
                 if(((udata->file_intent & H5F_ACC_RDWR) && 
@@ -1270,17 +1359,66 @@ H5O__chunk_deserialize(H5O_t *oh, haddr_t addr, size_t len, const uint8_t *image
                      * the metadata cache in some other "weird" way, like
                      * using H5Ocopy() - QAK
                      */
-                    oh->mesg[mesgno].flags |= H5O_MSG_FLAG_WAS_UNKNOWN;
+                    mesg->flags |= H5O_MSG_FLAG_WAS_UNKNOWN;
 
                     /* Mark the message and chunk as dirty */
-                    oh->mesg[mesgno].dirty = TRUE;
-                    udata->mesgs_modified = TRUE;
-                    *dirty = TRUE;
+                    mesg->dirty = TRUE;
+                    mesgs_modified = TRUE;
                 } /* end if */
             } /* end if */
             else
                 /* Set message class for "known" messages */
-                oh->mesg[mesgno].type = H5O_msg_class_g[id];
+                mesg->type = H5O_msg_class_g[id];
+
+            /* Do some inspection/interpretation of new messages from this chunk */
+            /* (detect continuation messages, ref. count messages, etc.) */
+
+            /* Check if message is a continuation message */
+            if(H5O_CONT_ID == id) {
+                H5O_cont_t *cont;
+
+                /* Decode continuation message */
+                cont = (H5O_cont_t *)(H5O_MSG_CONT->decode)(udata->f, udata->dxpl_id, NULL, 0, &ioflags, mesg->raw);
+                H5_CHECKED_ASSIGN(cont->chunkno, unsigned, udata->cont_msg_info->nmsgs + 1, size_t); /* the next continuation message/chunk */
+
+                /* Save 'native' form of continuation message */
+                mesg->native = cont;
+
+                /* Add to continuation messages left to interpret */
+                if(H5O__add_cont_msg(udata->cont_msg_info, cont) < 0)
+                    HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTSET, FAIL, "can't add continuation message")
+            } /* end if */
+            /* Check if message is a ref. count message */
+            else if(H5O_REFCOUNT_ID == id) {
+                H5O_refcount_t *refcount;
+
+                /* Decode ref. count message */
+                HDassert(oh->version > H5O_VERSION_1);
+                refcount = (H5O_refcount_t *)(H5O_MSG_REFCOUNT->decode)(udata->f, udata->dxpl_id, NULL, 0, &ioflags, mesg->raw);
+
+                /* Save 'native' form of ref. count message */
+                mesg->native = refcount;
+
+                /* Set object header values */
+                oh->has_refcount_msg = TRUE;
+                oh->nlink = *refcount;
+            } /* end if */
+            /* Check if message is a link message */
+            else if(H5O_LINK_ID == id) {
+                /* Increment the count of link messages */
+                oh->link_msgs_seen++;
+            } /* end if */
+            /* Check if message is an attribute message */
+            else if(H5O_ATTR_ID == id) {
+                /* Increment the count of attribute messages */
+                oh->attr_msgs_seen++;
+            } /* end if */
+
+            /* Mark the message & chunk as dirty if the message was changed by decoding */
+            if((ioflags & H5O_DECODEIO_DIRTY) && (udata->file_intent & H5F_ACC_RDWR)) {
+                mesg->dirty = TRUE;
+                mesgs_modified = TRUE;
+            } /* end if */
         } /* end else */
 
         /* Advance decode pointer past message */
@@ -1305,89 +1443,23 @@ H5O__chunk_deserialize(H5O_t *oh, haddr_t addr, size_t len, const uint8_t *image
     /* Check for correct checksum on chunks, in later versions of the format */
     if(oh->version > H5O_VERSION_1) {
         uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Checksum from file */
-        uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Checksum computed in memory */
+
+	/* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
 
         /* Metadata checksum */
         UINT32DECODE(chunk_image, stored_chksum);
-
-        /* Compute checksum on chunk */
-        computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(oh->chunk[chunkno].image, (oh->chunk[chunkno].size - H5O_SIZEOF_CHKSUM), 0);
-
-        /* Verify checksum */
-        if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "incorrect metadata checksum for object header chunk")
     } /* end if */
 
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert(chunk_image == oh->chunk[chunkno].image + oh->chunk[chunkno].size);
 
-    /* Do some inspection/interpretation of new messages from this chunk */
-    /* (detect continuation messages, ref. count messages, etc.) */
-    while(curmesg < oh->nmesgs) {
-        /* Check if next message to examine is a continuation message */
-        if(H5O_CONT_ID == oh->mesg[curmesg].type->id) {
-            H5O_cont_t *cont;
-            unsigned ioflags = 0;   /* Flags for decode routine */
-
-            /* Decode continuation message */
-            cont = (H5O_cont_t *)(H5O_MSG_CONT->decode)(udata->f, udata->dxpl_id, NULL, 0, &ioflags, oh->mesg[curmesg].raw);
-            H5_CHECKED_ASSIGN(cont->chunkno, unsigned, udata->cont_msg_info->nmsgs + 1, size_t); /* the next continuation message/chunk */
-
-            /* Save 'native' form of continuation message */
-            oh->mesg[curmesg].native = cont;
-
-            /* Add to continuation messages left to interpret */
-            if(H5O__add_cont_msg(udata->cont_msg_info, cont) < 0)
-                HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_OHDR, H5E_CANTSET, FAIL, "can't add continuation message")
-
-            /* Mark the message & chunk as dirty if the message was changed by decoding */
-            if((ioflags & H5O_DECODEIO_DIRTY) && (udata->file_intent & H5F_ACC_RDWR)) {
-                oh->mesg[curmesg].dirty = TRUE;
-                udata->mesgs_modified = TRUE;
-                *dirty = TRUE;
-            } /* end if */
-        } /* end if */
-        /* Check if next message to examine is a ref. count message */
-        else if(H5O_REFCOUNT_ID == oh->mesg[curmesg].type->id) {
-            H5O_refcount_t *refcount;
-            unsigned ioflags = 0;   /* Flags for decode routine */
-
-            /* Decode ref. count message */
-            HDassert(oh->version > H5O_VERSION_1);
-            refcount = (H5O_refcount_t *)(H5O_MSG_REFCOUNT->decode)(udata->f, udata->dxpl_id, NULL, 0, &ioflags, oh->mesg[curmesg].raw);
-
-            /* Save 'native' form of ref. count message */
-            oh->mesg[curmesg].native = refcount;
-
-            /* Set object header values */
-            oh->has_refcount_msg = TRUE;
-            oh->nlink = *refcount;
-
-            /* Mark the message & chunk as dirty if the message was changed by decoding */
-            if((ioflags & H5O_DECODEIO_DIRTY) && (udata->file_intent & H5F_ACC_RDWR)) {
-                oh->mesg[curmesg].dirty = TRUE;
-                udata->mesgs_modified = TRUE;
-                *dirty = TRUE;
-            } /* end if */
-        } /* end if */
-        /* Check if next message to examine is a link message */
-        else if(H5O_LINK_ID == oh->mesg[curmesg].type->id) {
-            /* Increment the count of link messages */
-            oh->link_msgs_seen++;
-        } /* end if */
-        /* Check if next message to examine is an attribute message */
-        else if(H5O_ATTR_ID == oh->mesg[curmesg].type->id) {
-            /* Increment the count of attribute messages */
-            oh->attr_msgs_seen++;
-        } /* end if */
-
-        /* Advance to next message */
-        curmesg++;
-    } /* end while */
+    /* Mark the chunk dirty if we've modified messages */
+    if(mesgs_modified)
+	*dirty = TRUE;
 
     /* Mark the chunk dirty if we've merged null messages */
-    if(merged_null_msgs) {
-        udata->mesgs_modified = TRUE;
+    if(merged_null_msgs > 0) {
+        udata->merged_null_msgs += merged_null_msgs;
 	*dirty = TRUE;
     } /* end if */
 
diff --git a/src/H5Opkg.h b/src/H5Opkg.h
index 659bf6e..b80f736 100644
--- a/src/H5Opkg.h
+++ b/src/H5Opkg.h
@@ -292,9 +292,6 @@ struct H5O_t {
 
     /* Chunk management information (not stored) */
     size_t      rc;                     /* Reference count of [continuation] chunks using this structure */
-    size_t      chunk0_size;            /* Size of serialized first chunk    */
-    hbool_t     mesgs_modified;         /* Whether any messages were modified when the object header was deserialized */
-    hbool_t     prefix_modified;        /* Whether prefix was modified when the object header was deserialized */
 
     /* Object information (stored) */
     hbool_t     has_refcount_msg;       /* Whether the object has a ref. count message */
@@ -362,7 +359,6 @@ typedef struct H5O_common_cache_ud_t {
     hid_t dxpl_id;                      /* DXPL for operation */
     unsigned file_intent;               /* Read/write intent for file */
     unsigned merged_null_msgs;          /* Number of null messages merged together */
-    hbool_t mesgs_modified;             /* Whether any messages were modified when the object header was deserialized */
     H5O_cont_msgs_t *cont_msg_info;     /* Pointer to continuation messages to work on */
     haddr_t addr;                       /* Address of the prefix or chunk */
 } H5O_common_cache_ud_t;
@@ -371,6 +367,8 @@ typedef struct H5O_common_cache_ud_t {
 typedef struct H5O_cache_ud_t {
     hbool_t made_attempt;               /* Whether the deserialize routine was already attempted */
     unsigned v1_pfx_nmesgs;             /* Number of messages from v1 prefix header */
+    size_t chunk0_size;                 /* Size of serialized first chunk    */
+    H5O_t *oh;                          /* Partially deserialized object header, for later use */
     H5O_common_cache_ud_t common;       /* Common object header cache callback info */
 } H5O_cache_ud_t;
 
diff --git a/src/H5Pfapl.c b/src/H5Pfapl.c
index 15662cc..81cd260 100644
--- a/src/H5Pfapl.c
+++ b/src/H5Pfapl.c
@@ -178,6 +178,11 @@
 #define H5F_ACS_CORE_WRITE_TRACKING_PAGE_SIZE_DEF       524288
 #define H5F_ACS_CORE_WRITE_TRACKING_PAGE_SIZE_ENC       H5P__encode_size_t
 #define H5F_ACS_CORE_WRITE_TRACKING_PAGE_SIZE_DEC       H5P__decode_size_t
+/* Definition for # of metadata read attempts */
+#define H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_SIZE	sizeof(unsigned)
+#define H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_DEF     	0
+#define H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_ENC     	H5P__encode_unsigned
+#define H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_DEC     	H5P__decode_unsigned
 /* Definition for object flush callback */
 #define H5F_ACS_OBJECT_FLUSH_CB_SIZE		sizeof(H5F_object_flush_t)
 #define H5F_ACS_OBJECT_FLUSH_CB_DEF             {NULL, NULL}
@@ -327,6 +332,7 @@ static const unsigned H5F_def_efc_size_g = H5F_ACS_EFC_SIZE_DEF;
 static const H5FD_file_image_info_t H5F_def_file_image_info_g = H5F_ACS_FILE_IMAGE_INFO_DEF;                 /* Default file image info and callbacks */
 static const hbool_t H5F_def_core_write_tracking_flag_g = H5F_ACS_CORE_WRITE_TRACKING_FLAG_DEF;              /* Default setting for core VFD write tracking */
 static const size_t H5F_def_core_write_tracking_page_size_g = H5F_ACS_CORE_WRITE_TRACKING_PAGE_SIZE_DEF;     /* Default core VFD write tracking page size */
+static const unsigned H5F_def_metadata_read_attempts_g = H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_DEF;  /* Default setting for the # of metadata read attempts */
 static const H5F_object_flush_t H5F_def_object_flush_cb_g = H5F_ACS_OBJECT_FLUSH_CB_DEF;      /* Default setting for object flush callback */
 static const hbool_t H5F_def_use_mdc_logging_g = H5F_ACS_USE_MDC_LOGGING_DEF;                 /* Default metadata cache logging flag */
 static const char *H5F_def_mdc_log_location_g = H5F_ACS_MDC_LOG_LOCATION_DEF;                 /* Default mdc log location */
@@ -492,6 +498,12 @@ H5P__facc_reg_prop(H5P_genclass_t *pclass)
             NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL) < 0)
         HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_PLIST, H5E_CANTINSERT, FAIL, "can't insert property into class")
 
+    /* Register the # of read attempts */
+    if(H5P_register_real(pclass, H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_NAME, H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_SIZE, &H5F_def_metadata_read_attempts_g, 
+            NULL, NULL, NULL, H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_ENC, H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_DEC, 
+            NULL, NULL, NULL, NULL) < 0)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_PLIST, H5E_CANTINSERT, FAIL, "can't insert property into class")
+
     /* Register object flush callback */
     /* (Note: this property should not have an encode/decode callback -QAK) */
     if(H5P_register_real(pclass, H5F_ACS_OBJECT_FLUSH_CB_NAME, H5F_ACS_OBJECT_FLUSH_CB_SIZE, &H5F_def_object_flush_cb_g, 
@@ -3570,6 +3582,90 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Sets the # of read attempts in the file access property list
+ *		when reading metadata with checksum.
+ *		The # of read attempts set via this routine will only apply
+ *		when opening a file with SWMR access. 
+ *		The # of read attempts set via this routine does not have 
+ *		any effect when opening a file with non-SWMR access; for this
+ *		case, the # of read attempts will be always be 1.
+ *	
+ * Return:	Non-negative on success/Negative on failure
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Sept 2013
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+herr_t
+H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts(hid_t plist_id, unsigned attempts)
+{
+    H5P_genplist_t *plist;      /* Property list pointer */
+    herr_t ret_value = SUCCEED;   /* return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_API(FAIL)
+    H5TRACE2("e", "iIu", plist_id, attempts);
+
+    /* Cannot set the # of attempts to 0 */
+    if(attempts == 0)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_ARGS, H5E_BADVALUE, FAIL, "number of metadatata read attempts must be greater than 0");
+
+    /* Get the plist structure */
+    if(NULL == (plist = H5P_object_verify(plist_id, H5P_FILE_ACCESS)))
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_ATOM, H5E_BADATOM, FAIL, "can't find object for ID")
+
+    /* Set values */
+    if(H5P_set(plist, H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_NAME, &attempts) < 0)
+        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_PLIST, H5E_CANTSET, FAIL, "can't set # of metadata read attempts")
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_API(ret_value)
+} /* H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Returns the # of metadata read attempts set in the file access property list. 
+ *
+ * Return:	Non-negative on success/Negative on failure
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Sept 2013
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+herr_t
+H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts(hid_t plist_id, unsigned *attempts/*out*/)
+{
+    herr_t      ret_value = SUCCEED;    /* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_API(FAIL)
+    H5TRACE2("e", "ix", plist_id, attempts);
+
+    /* Get values */
+    if(attempts) {
+        H5P_genplist_t *plist;              /* Property list pointer */
+
+        /* Get the plist structure */
+        if(NULL == (plist = H5P_object_verify(plist_id, H5P_FILE_ACCESS)))
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_ATOM, H5E_BADATOM, FAIL, "can't find object for ID")
+
+	/* Get the # of read attempts set */
+        if(H5P_get(plist, H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_NAME, attempts) < 0)
+            HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_PLIST, H5E_CANTGET, FAIL, "can't get the number of metadata read attempts")
+
+	/* If not set, return the default value */
+	if(*attempts == H5F_ACS_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS_DEF)	/* 0 */
+	    *attempts = H5F_METADATA_READ_ATTEMPTS;
+    } /* end if */
+
+done:
+    FUNC_LEAVE_API(ret_value)
+} /* end H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:	H5Pset_obj_flush_cb
  *
  * Purpose:	Sets the callback function to invoke and the user data when an
diff --git a/src/H5Ppublic.h b/src/H5Ppublic.h
index 1f0d734..c736d7b 100644
--- a/src/H5Ppublic.h
+++ b/src/H5Ppublic.h
@@ -351,6 +351,8 @@ H5_DLL herr_t H5Pget_file_image_callbacks(hid_t fapl_id,
        H5FD_file_image_callbacks_t *callbacks_ptr);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5Pset_core_write_tracking(hid_t fapl_id, hbool_t is_enabled, size_t page_size);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5Pget_core_write_tracking(hid_t fapl_id, hbool_t *is_enabled, size_t *page_size);
+H5_DLL herr_t H5Pset_metadata_read_attempts(hid_t plist_id, unsigned attempts);
+H5_DLL herr_t H5Pget_metadata_read_attempts(hid_t plist_id, unsigned *attempts);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5Pset_object_flush_cb(hid_t plist_id, H5F_flush_cb_t func, void *udata);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5Pget_object_flush_cb(hid_t plist_id, H5F_flush_cb_t *func, void **udata);
 H5_DLL herr_t H5Pset_mdc_log_options(hid_t plist_id, hbool_t is_enabled, const char *location, hbool_t start_on_access);
diff --git a/src/H5SMcache.c b/src/H5SMcache.c
index 26db5d3..455dd1a 100644
--- a/src/H5SMcache.c
+++ b/src/H5SMcache.c
@@ -58,7 +58,8 @@
 /********************/
 
 /* Metadata cache (H5AC) callbacks */
-static herr_t H5SM__cache_table_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5SM__cache_table_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5SM__cache_table_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5SM__cache_table_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5SM__cache_table_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -66,7 +67,8 @@ static herr_t H5SM__cache_table_serialize(const H5F_t *f, void *image,
     size_t len, void *thing); 
 static herr_t H5SM__cache_table_free_icr(void *thing);
 
-static herr_t H5SM__cache_list_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static herr_t H5SM__cache_list_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
+static htri_t H5SM__cache_list_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 static void *H5SM__cache_list_deserialize(const void *image, size_t len,
     void *udata, hbool_t *dirty); 
 static herr_t H5SM__cache_list_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len);
@@ -85,7 +87,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_SOHM_TABLE[1] = {{
     "shared message table",             /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_SOHM_TABLE,                /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5SM__cache_table_get_load_size,    /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5SM__cache_table_get_initial_load_size,    /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5SM__cache_table_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5SM__cache_table_deserialize,      /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5SM__cache_table_image_len,        /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -100,7 +104,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_SOHM_LIST[1] = {{
     "shared message list",              /* Metadata client name (for debugging) */
     H5FD_MEM_SOHM_TABLE,                /* File space memory type for client */
     H5AC__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,           /* Client class behavior flags */
-    H5SM__cache_list_get_load_size,     /* 'get_load_size' callback */
+    H5SM__cache_list_get_initial_load_size,     /* 'get_initial_load_size' callback */
+    NULL,				/* 'get_final_load_size' callback */
+    H5SM__cache_list_verify_chksum,	/* 'verify_chksum' callback */
     H5SM__cache_list_deserialize,       /* 'deserialize' callback */
     H5SM__cache_list_image_len,         /* 'image_len' callback */
     NULL,                               /* 'pre_serialize' callback */
@@ -123,11 +129,10 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_SOHM_LIST[1] = {{
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5SM__cache_table_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    H5SM__cache_table_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Return the size of the master table of Shared Object Header 
- *		Message indexes on disk.  As this cache client doesn't use 
- *		speculative reads, this value should be accurate.
+ *		Message indexes on disk.
  *
  * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
  *              Failure:        FAIL
@@ -138,9 +143,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_SOHM_LIST[1] = {{
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5SM__cache_table_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5SM__cache_table_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5SM_table_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5SM_table_cache_ud_t *)_udata;     /* User data for callback */
+    const H5SM_table_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5SM_table_cache_ud_t *)_udata;  /* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -149,10 +154,47 @@ H5SM__cache_table_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     HDassert(udata->f);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = H5SM_TABLE_SIZE(udata->f);
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5SM__cache_table_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5SM__cache_table_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5SM__cache_table_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer: 	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+htri_t
+H5SM__cache_table_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t len, void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       /* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, len, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+        ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5SM__cache_table_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -180,7 +222,6 @@ H5SM__cache_table_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     H5SM_table_cache_ud_t  *udata = (H5SM_table_cache_ud_t *)_udata;    /* Pointer to user data */
     const uint8_t          *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;    /* Pointer into input buffer */
     uint32_t                stored_chksum;      /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t                computed_chksum;    /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     size_t                  u;                  /* Counter variable for index headers */
     void                   *ret_value = NULL;   /* Return value */
 
@@ -256,19 +297,14 @@ H5SM__cache_table_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
         table->indexes[u].list_size = H5SM_LIST_SIZE(f, table->indexes[u].list_max);
     } /* end for */
 
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
+
     /* Read in checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
 
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) == table->table_size);
 
-    /* Compute checksum on entire header */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, (table->table_size - H5SM_SIZEOF_CHECKSUM), 0);
-
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_SOHM, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for shared message table")
-
     /* Set return value */
     ret_value = table;
 
@@ -442,7 +478,7 @@ done:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    H5SM__cache_list_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    H5SM__cache_list_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose:	Return the on disk size of list of SOHM messages.  In this case,
  *		we simply look up the size in the user data, and return that value
@@ -457,9 +493,9 @@ done:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-H5SM__cache_list_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
+H5SM__cache_list_get_initial_load_size(void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    const H5SM_list_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5SM_list_cache_ud_t *)_udata;        /* User data for callback */
+    const H5SM_list_cache_ud_t *udata = (const H5SM_list_cache_ud_t *)_udata;  	/* User data for callback */
 
     FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
 
@@ -469,10 +505,53 @@ H5SM__cache_list_get_load_size(const void *_udata, size_t *image_len)
     HDassert(udata->header->list_size > 0);
     HDassert(image_len);
 
+    /* Set the image length size */
     *image_len = udata->header->list_size;
 
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(SUCCEED)
-} /* end H5SM__cache_list_get_load_size() */
+} /* end H5SM__cache_list_get_initial_load_size() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	H5SM__cache_list_verify_chksum
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Verify the computed checksum of the data structure is the
+ *              same as the stored chksum.
+ *
+ * Return:      Success:        TRUE/FALSE
+ *              Failure:        Negative
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Vailin Choi; Aug 2015
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+htri_t
+H5SM__cache_list_verify_chksum(const void *_image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len, void *_udata)
+{
+    const uint8_t *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;       		/* Pointer into raw data buffer */
+    H5SM_list_cache_ud_t *udata = (H5SM_list_cache_ud_t *)_udata;    	/* User data for callback */
+    size_t chk_size;       	/* Exact size of the node with checksum at the end */
+    uint32_t stored_chksum;     /* Stored metadata checksum value */
+    uint32_t computed_chksum;   /* Computed metadata checksum value */
+    htri_t ret_value = TRUE;	/* Return value */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_STATIC_NOERR
+
+    /* Check arguments */
+    HDassert(image);
+    HDassert(udata);
+
+    /* Exact size with checksum at the end */
+    chk_size = H5SM_LIST_SIZE(udata->f, udata->header->num_messages);
+
+    /* Get stored and computed checksums */
+    H5F_get_checksums(image, chk_size, &stored_chksum, &computed_chksum);
+
+    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
+	ret_value = FALSE;
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5SM__cache_list_verify_chksum() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -499,7 +578,6 @@ H5SM__cache_list_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
     H5SM_bt2_ctx_t        ctx;             /* Message encoding context */
     const uint8_t        *image = (const uint8_t *)_image;      /* Pointer into input buffer */
     uint32_t              stored_chksum;   /* Stored metadata checksum value */
-    uint32_t              computed_chksum; /* Computed metadata checksum value */
     size_t                u;               /* Counter variable for messages in list */
     void                 *ret_value = NULL;   /* Return value */
 
@@ -537,19 +615,14 @@ H5SM__cache_list_deserialize(const void *_image, size_t len, void *_udata,
         image += H5SM_SOHM_ENTRY_SIZE(udata->f);
     } /* end for */
 
+    /* checksum verification already done in verify_chksum cb */
+
     /* Read in checksum */
     UINT32DECODE(image, stored_chksum);
 
     /* Sanity check */
     HDassert((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) <= udata->header->list_size);
 
-    /* Compute checksum on entire header */
-    computed_chksum = H5_checksum_metadata(_image, ((size_t)(image - (const uint8_t *)_image) - H5SM_SIZEOF_CHECKSUM), 0);
-
-    /* Verify checksum */
-    if(stored_chksum != computed_chksum)
-        HGOTO_ERROR(H5E_SOHM, H5E_BADVALUE, NULL, "incorrect metadata checksum for shared message list")
-
     /* Initialize the rest of the array */
     for(u = udata->header->num_messages; u < udata->header->list_max; u++)
         list->messages[u].location = H5SM_NO_LOC;
diff --git a/src/H5private.h b/src/H5private.h
index 4c40965..47f6d78 100644
--- a/src/H5private.h
+++ b/src/H5private.h
@@ -813,7 +813,8 @@ H5_DLL H5_ATTR_CONST int Nflock(int fd, int operation);
     /* NOTE: flock(2) is not present on all POSIX systems.
      * If it is not present, we try a flock() equivalent based on
      * fcntl(2), then fall back to a function that always fails if
-     * it is not present at all.
+     * it is not present at all (Windows uses a separate Wflock()
+     * function).
      */
     #if defined(H5_HAVE_FLOCK)
         #define HDflock(F,L)    flock(F,L)
@@ -1114,6 +1115,9 @@ typedef off_t               h5_stat_size_t;
 #ifndef HDmodf
     #define HDmodf(X,Y)    modf(X,Y)
 #endif /* HDmodf */
+#ifndef HDnanosleep
+    #define HDnanosleep(N, O)    nanosleep(N, O)
+#endif /* HDnanosleep */
 #ifndef HDopen
     #ifdef _O_BINARY
         #define HDopen(S,F,M)    open(S,F|_O_BINARY,M)
@@ -2597,6 +2601,8 @@ H5_DLL uint32_t H5_hash_string(const char *str);
 
 /* Time related routines */
 H5_DLL time_t H5_make_time(struct tm *tm);
+H5_DLL void H5_nanosleep(uint64_t nanosec);
+H5_DLL double H5_get_time(void);
 
 /* Functions for building paths, etc. */
 H5_DLL herr_t   H5_build_extpath(const char *name, char **extpath /*out*/);
diff --git a/src/H5system.c b/src/H5system.c
index ab08d2c..5205d08 100644
--- a/src/H5system.c
+++ b/src/H5system.c
@@ -911,6 +911,27 @@ Wflock(int fd, int operation) {
     return 0;
 } /* end Wflock() */
 
+
+ /*--------------------------------------------------------------------------
+  * Function:    Wnanosleep
+  *
+  * Purpose:     Sleep for a given # of nanoseconds (Windows version)
+  *
+  * Return:      SUCCEED/FAIL
+  *
+  * Programmer:  Dana Robinson
+  *              Fall 2016
+  *--------------------------------------------------------------------------
+  */
+void
+Wnanosleep(uint64_t nanosec)
+{
+    /* XXX: Currently just a placeholder */
+    FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT_NOERR
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI_VOID
+} /* end Wnanosleep() */
+
 #endif /* H5_HAVE_WIN32_API */
 
 
@@ -1108,3 +1129,63 @@ done:
     FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
 } /* end H5_combine_path() */
 
+
+/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5_nanosleep
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Sleep for a given # of nanoseconds
+ *
+ * Return:      SUCCEED/FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Quincey Koziol
+ *              October 01, 2016
+ *--------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+void
+H5_nanosleep(uint64_t nanosec)
+{
+    struct timespec sleeptime;  /* Struct to hold time to sleep */
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT_NOERR
+
+    /* Set up time to sleep */
+    sleeptime.tv_sec = 0;
+    sleeptime.tv_nsec = (long)nanosec;
+
+    HDnanosleep(&sleeptime, NULL);
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI_VOID
+} /* end H5_nanosleep() */
+
+
+/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:    H5_get_time
+ *
+ * Purpose:     Get the current time, as the time of seconds after the UNIX epoch
+ *
+ * Return:      SUCCEED/FAIL
+ *
+ * Programmer:  Quincey Koziol
+ *              October 05, 2016
+ *--------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+double
+H5_get_time(void)
+{
+#ifdef H5_HAVE_GETTIMEOFDAY
+    struct timeval curr_time;
+#endif /* H5_HAVE_GETTIMEOFDAY */
+    double ret_value = (double)0.0f;
+
+    FUNC_ENTER_NOAPI_NOINIT_NOERR
+
+#ifdef H5_HAVE_GETTIMEOFDAY
+    HDgettimeofday(&curr_time, NULL);
+
+    ret_value = (double)curr_time.tv_sec + ((double)curr_time.tv_usec / (double)1000000.0f);
+#endif /* H5_HAVE_GETTIMEOFDAY */
+
+    FUNC_LEAVE_NOAPI(ret_value)
+} /* end H5_get_time() */
+
+
diff --git a/src/H5win32defs.h b/src/H5win32defs.h
index a757832..662b97b 100644
--- a/src/H5win32defs.h
+++ b/src/H5win32defs.h
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ typedef __int64             h5_stat_size_t;
 #define HDlseek(F,O,W)      _lseeki64(F,O,W)
 #define HDlstat(S,B)        _lstati64(S,B)
 #define HDmkdir(S,M)        _mkdir(S)
+#define HDnanosleep(S)      Wnanosleep(S)
 #define HDoff_t             __int64
 /* _O_BINARY must be set in Windows to avoid CR-LF <-> LF EOL
  * transformations when performing I/O.
@@ -65,13 +66,23 @@ typedef __int64             h5_stat_size_t;
  */
 #define HDmemset(X,C,Z)     memset((void*)(X),C,Z)
 
-#endif /* H5_HAVE_VISUAL_STUDIO */
-
 struct timezone {
     int tz_minuteswest;
     int tz_dsttime;
 };
 
+/* time.h before VS2015 does not include timespec */
+#if (_MSC_VER < 1900)
+struct timespec
+{
+	time_t tv_sec;  // Seconds - >= 0
+	long   tv_nsec; // Nanoseconds - [0, 999999999]
+};
+#endif /* MSC_VER < 1900 */
+
+#endif /* H5_HAVE_VISUAL_STUDIO */
+
+
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 extern "C" {
 #endif /* __cplusplus */
diff --git a/test/cache.c b/test/cache.c
index c89a1c7..3c2cf5c 100644
--- a/test/cache.c
+++ b/test/cache.c
@@ -17149,6 +17149,135 @@ check_protect_ro_rw_err(void)
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	check_protect_retries()
+ *
+ * Purpose:	To exercise checksum verification retries for an entry with
+ *		a speculative load.
+ *
+ * Return:	
+ *
+ * Programmer:	
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static unsigned
+check_protect_retries(void)
+{
+    H5F_t * file_ptr = NULL;
+    H5C_t *cache_ptr = NULL;
+    test_entry_t *base_addr = NULL;
+    test_entry_t *entry_ptr = NULL;
+    H5C_cache_entry_t * cache_entry_ptr = NULL;
+    int32_t type;
+    int32_t idx;
+
+    TESTING("protect an entry to verify retries");
+
+    pass = TRUE;
+
+    /* Set up the cache */
+    if(pass) {
+
+        reset_entries();
+
+        file_ptr = setup_cache((size_t)(2 * 1024),
+                                (size_t)(1 * 1024));
+
+	/* Set up read attempts for verifying checksum */
+	file_ptr->shared->read_attempts = 10;
+        file_ptr->shared->retries_nbins = 1;
+    }
+
+    /* Test only for this type which has a speculative load */
+    type = VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE;
+    idx = 0;
+
+    if(pass) {
+
+	cache_ptr = file_ptr->shared->cache;
+	base_addr = entries[type];
+        entry_ptr = &(base_addr[idx]);
+
+	/* test case (1):
+	 * 	--actual_len is smaller the initial length from get_load_size()
+	 *	--verify_chksum() returns TRUE after max_verify_ct is reached
+	 *
+	 */
+	entry_ptr->actual_len = entry_ptr->size/2;
+        entry_ptr->max_verify_ct = 3;
+        entry_ptr->verify_ct = 0;
+
+	cache_entry_ptr = (H5C_cache_entry_t *)H5C_protect(file_ptr, H5AC_ind_read_dxpl_id,
+                &(types[type]), entry_ptr->addr, &entry_ptr->addr, H5C__READ_ONLY_FLAG);
+
+	if((cache_entry_ptr != (void *)entry_ptr) ||
+             (!(entry_ptr->header.is_protected)) ||
+             (!(entry_ptr->header.is_read_only)) ||
+             (entry_ptr->header.ro_ref_count <= 0) ||
+             (entry_ptr->header.type != &(types[type])) ||
+             (entry_ptr->size != entry_ptr->header.size) ||
+             (entry_ptr->addr != entry_ptr->header.addr) ||
+	     (entry_ptr->verify_ct != entry_ptr->max_verify_ct))  {
+
+            pass = FALSE;
+            failure_mssg = "error from H5C_protect().";
+
+        } else {
+
+            HDassert((entry_ptr->cache_ptr == NULL) ||
+                      (entry_ptr->cache_ptr == cache_ptr));
+
+            entry_ptr->cache_ptr = cache_ptr;
+            entry_ptr->file_ptr = file_ptr;
+            entry_ptr->is_protected = TRUE;
+            entry_ptr->is_read_only = TRUE;
+            entry_ptr->ro_ref_count++;
+        }
+
+        HDassert(((entry_ptr->header).type)->id == type);
+    }
+
+    if(pass)
+	unprotect_entry(file_ptr, VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE, idx, H5C__NO_FLAGS_SET);
+
+    if(pass) {
+        entry_ptr = &(base_addr[++idx]);
+
+	/* test case (2):
+	 * 	--actual_len is greater the initial length from get_load_size()
+	 *	--verify_chksum() returns FALSE even after all tries is reached
+ 	 * 	  (file_ptr->shared->read_attempts is smaller then max_verify_ct)
+	 */
+	entry_ptr->actual_len = entry_ptr->size*2;
+        entry_ptr->max_verify_ct = 11;
+        entry_ptr->verify_ct = 0;
+
+	cache_entry_ptr = (H5C_cache_entry_t *)H5C_protect(file_ptr, H5AC_ind_read_dxpl_id,
+                &(types[type]), entry_ptr->addr, &entry_ptr->addr, H5C__READ_ONLY_FLAG);
+
+	/* H5C_protect() should fail after all retries fail */
+	if(cache_entry_ptr != NULL)
+	    pass = FALSE;
+    }
+
+
+    takedown_cache(file_ptr, FALSE, FALSE);
+    reset_entries();
+
+    if(pass) { PASSED(); } else { H5_FAILED(); }
+
+    if(!pass) {
+
+        HDfprintf(stdout, "%s: failure_msg = \"%s\".\n",
+                  FUNC, failure_mssg);
+    }
+
+    return (unsigned)!pass;
+
+} /* check_protect_retries() */
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  * Function:	check_evictions_enabled_err()
  *
  * Purpose:	Verify that H5C_get_evictions_enabled() and
@@ -36190,6 +36319,7 @@ main(void)
     nerrs += check_resize_entry_errs();
     nerrs += check_unprotect_ro_dirty_err();
     nerrs += check_protect_ro_rw_err();
+    nerrs += check_protect_retries();
     nerrs += check_check_evictions_enabled_err();
     nerrs += check_auto_cache_resize(FALSE);
     nerrs += check_auto_cache_resize(TRUE);
diff --git a/test/cache_common.c b/test/cache_common.c
index 4bea2a8..c0bee24 100644
--- a/test/cache_common.c
+++ b/test/cache_common.c
@@ -76,17 +76,22 @@ static test_entry_t *notify_entries = NULL,    *orig_notify_entries = NULL;
 
 hbool_t orig_entry_arrays_init = FALSE;
 
-static herr_t pico_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t nano_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t micro_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t tiny_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t small_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t medium_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t large_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t huge_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t monster_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t variable_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
-static herr_t notify_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t pico_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t nano_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t micro_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t tiny_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t small_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t medium_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t large_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t huge_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t monster_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t variable_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t notify_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr);
+
+static herr_t variable_get_final_load_size(const void *image, size_t image_len,
+    void *udata, size_t *actual_len);
+
+static htri_t variable_verify_chksum(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr);
 
 static void *pico_deserialize(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr,
     hbool_t *dirty_ptr);
@@ -199,8 +204,10 @@ static void mark_flush_dep_dirty(test_entry_t * entry_ptr);
 static void mark_flush_dep_clean(test_entry_t * entry_ptr);
 
 /* Generic callback routines */
-static herr_t get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr,
+static herr_t get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr,
     int32_t entry_type);
+static herr_t get_final_load_size(const void *image, size_t image_len,
+    void *udata, size_t *actual_len, int32_t entry_type);
 static void *deserialize(const void *image_ptr, size_t len, void *udata_ptr,
     hbool_t *dirty_ptr, int32_t entry_type);
 static herr_t image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len_ptr, int32_t entry_type);
@@ -306,7 +313,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "pico_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    pico_get_load_size,
+    pico_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     pico_deserialize,
     pico_image_len,
     pico_pre_serialize,
@@ -320,7 +329,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "nano_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    nano_get_load_size,
+    nano_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     nano_deserialize,
     nano_image_len,
     nano_pre_serialize,
@@ -334,7 +345,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "micro_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    micro_get_load_size,
+    micro_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     micro_deserialize,
     micro_image_len,
     micro_pre_serialize,
@@ -348,7 +361,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "tiny_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    tiny_get_load_size,
+    tiny_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     tiny_deserialize,
     tiny_image_len,
     tiny_pre_serialize,
@@ -362,7 +377,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "small_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    small_get_load_size,
+    small_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     small_deserialize,
     small_image_len,
     small_pre_serialize,
@@ -376,7 +393,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "medium_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    medium_get_load_size,
+    medium_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     medium_deserialize,
     medium_image_len,
     medium_pre_serialize,
@@ -390,7 +409,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "large_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    large_get_load_size,
+    large_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     large_deserialize,
     large_image_len,
     large_pre_serialize,
@@ -404,7 +425,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "huge_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    huge_get_load_size,
+    huge_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     huge_deserialize,
     huge_image_len,
     huge_pre_serialize,
@@ -418,7 +441,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "monster_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    monster_get_load_size,
+    monster_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     monster_deserialize,
     monster_image_len,
     monster_pre_serialize,
@@ -432,7 +457,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "variable_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_SPECULATIVE_LOAD_FLAG,
-    variable_get_load_size,
+    variable_get_initial_load_size,
+    variable_get_final_load_size,
+    variable_verify_chksum,
     variable_deserialize,
     variable_image_len,
     variable_pre_serialize,
@@ -446,7 +473,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     "notify_entry",
     H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     H5C__CLASS_NO_FLAGS_SET,
-    notify_get_load_size,
+    notify_get_initial_load_size,
+    NULL,
+    NULL,
     notify_deserialize,
     notify_image_len,
     notify_pre_serialize,
@@ -570,10 +599,10 @@ check_write_permitted(const H5F_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED *f, hbool_t *write_permitted_pt
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:	get_load_size & friends
+ * Function:	get_initial_load_size & friends
  *
  * Purpose:	Query the image size for loading an entry.  The helper
- *              functions funnel into get_load_size proper.
+ *              functions funnel into get_initial_load_size proper.
  *
  * Return:	SUCCEED
  *
@@ -583,7 +612,7 @@ check_write_permitted(const H5F_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED *f, hbool_t *write_permitted_pt
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length, int32_t entry_type)
+get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length, int32_t entry_type)
 {
     test_entry_t *entry;
     test_entry_t *base_addr;
@@ -609,72 +638,185 @@ get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length, int32_t entry_type)
     *image_length = entry->size;
 
     return(SUCCEED);
-} /* get_load_size() */
+} /* get_initial_load_size() */
 
 static herr_t
-pico_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+pico_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, PICO_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, PICO_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-nano_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+nano_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, NANO_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, NANO_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-micro_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+micro_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, MICRO_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, MICRO_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-tiny_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+tiny_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, TINY_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, TINY_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-small_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+small_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, SMALL_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, SMALL_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-medium_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+medium_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, MEDIUM_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, MEDIUM_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-large_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+large_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, LARGE_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, LARGE_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-huge_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+huge_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, HUGE_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, HUGE_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-monster_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+monster_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, MONSTER_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, MONSTER_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-variable_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+variable_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 static herr_t
-notify_get_load_size(const void *udata, size_t *image_length)
+notify_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_length)
 {
-    return get_load_size(udata, image_length, NOTIFY_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    return get_initial_load_size(udata, image_length, NOTIFY_ENTRY_TYPE);
+}
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	get_final_load_size & friends
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Query the final image size for loading an entry.  The helper
+ *              functions funnel into get_final_load_size proper.
+ *
+ * Return:	SUCCEED
+ *
+ * Programmer:	Quincey Koziol
+ *              11/18/16
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+static herr_t
+get_final_load_size(const void *image, size_t image_len, void *udata,
+    size_t *actual_len, int32_t entry_type)
+{
+    test_entry_t *entry;
+    test_entry_t *base_addr;
+    haddr_t addr = *(const haddr_t *)udata;
+    int32_t type;
+    int32_t idx;
+
+    addr_to_type_and_index(addr, &type, &idx);
+
+    base_addr = entries[type];
+    entry = &(base_addr[idx]);
+
+    HDassert(entry->type >= 0);
+    HDassert(entry->type == type);
+    HDassert(entry->type == entry_type);
+    HDassert(entry->type < NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES);
+    HDassert(entry->index == idx);
+    HDassert(entry->index >= 0);
+    HDassert(entry->index <= max_indices[type]);
+    HDassert(entry == entry->self);
+    HDassert(entry->addr == addr);
+    HDassert(type == VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE);
+
+    /* Simulate SPECULATIVE read with a specified actual_len */
+    if(entry->actual_len) {
+        *actual_len = entry->actual_len;
+        entry->size = entry->actual_len;
+    } /* end if */
+    else
+        *actual_len = entry->size;
+
+    return(SUCCEED);
+} /* get_final_load_size() */
+
+static herr_t
+variable_get_final_load_size(const void *image, size_t image_len,
+    void *udata, size_t *actual_len)
+{
+    return get_final_load_size(image, image_len, udata, actual_len, VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE);
+}
+
+
+/*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ * Function:	verify_chksum & friends 
+ *		(only done for VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE which has a speculative read)
+ *
+ * Purpose:	Simulate checksum verification:
+ *		  --check is ok only after 'max_verify_ct' is reached
+ *		  --otherwise check is not ok
+ *
+ * Return:	TRUE: checksum is ok
+ *		FALSE: checksum is not ok
+ *
+ * Programmer:	
+ *
+ *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ */
+
+static htri_t
+verify_chksum(const void H5_ATTR_UNUSED *image, size_t H5_ATTR_UNUSED len, void *udata, int32_t entry_type)
+{
+    test_entry_t *entry;
+    test_entry_t *base_addr;
+    haddr_t addr = *(const haddr_t *)udata;
+    int32_t type;
+    int32_t idx;
+
+    addr_to_type_and_index(addr, &type, &idx);
+
+    base_addr = entries[type];
+    entry = &(base_addr[idx]);
+
+    HDassert(entry->type >= 0);
+    HDassert(entry->type == type);
+    HDassert(entry->type == entry_type);
+    HDassert(entry->type < NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES);
+    HDassert(type == VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE);
+    HDassert(entry->index == idx);
+    HDassert(entry->index >= 0);
+    HDassert(entry->index <= max_indices[type]);
+    HDassert(entry == entry->self);
+    HDassert(entry->addr == addr);
+
+    if(++entry->verify_ct >= entry->max_verify_ct)
+	return(TRUE);
+    else 
+	return(FALSE);
+
+} /* verify_chksum() */
+
+static htri_t
+variable_verify_chksum(const void *image, size_t len, void *udata)
+{
+    return verify_chksum(image, len, udata, VARIABLE_ENTRY_TYPE);
 }
 
 
@@ -2340,6 +2482,10 @@ reset_entries(void)
                 base_addr[j].notify_after_insert_count = 0;
                 base_addr[j].notify_before_evict_count = 0;
 
+                base_addr[j].actual_len = 0;
+                base_addr[j].max_verify_ct = 0;
+                base_addr[j].verify_ct = 0;
+
                 addr += (haddr_t)entry_size;
                 alt_addr += (haddr_t)entry_size;
             } /* end for */
@@ -3903,6 +4049,10 @@ protect_entry(H5F_t * file_ptr, int32_t type, int32_t idx)
             HDfprintf(stdout,
                       "entry_ptr->addr = %d, entry_ptr->header.addr = %d\n",
                       (int)(entry_ptr->addr), (int)(entry_ptr->header.addr));
+            HDfprintf(stdout, 
+                    "entry_ptr->verify_ct = %d, entry_ptr->max_verify_ct = %d\n",
+                    entry_ptr->verify_ct, entry_ptr->max_verify_ct);
+            H5Eprint2(H5E_DEFAULT, stdout);
 #endif
             pass = FALSE;
             failure_mssg = "error in H5C_protect().";
diff --git a/test/cache_common.h b/test/cache_common.h
index 811c35e..3abcab5 100644
--- a/test/cache_common.h
+++ b/test/cache_common.h
@@ -360,6 +360,9 @@ typedef struct test_entry_t
 
     unsigned              notify_after_insert_count;    /* Count of times that entry was inserted in cache */
     unsigned              notify_before_evict_count;    /* Count of times that entry was removed in cache */
+    unsigned		actual_len;	/* Simulate the entry's actual size for a speculative load */
+    unsigned		max_verify_ct;  /* Maximum # of times to verify an entry's checksum */
+    unsigned		verify_ct;	/* Count the # of checksum verification for an entry */
 } test_entry_t;
 
 /* The following are cut down test versions of the hash table manipulation
diff --git a/test/earray.c b/test/earray.c
index 17daefd..07acbb5 100644
--- a/test/earray.c
+++ b/test/earray.c
@@ -160,9 +160,7 @@ typedef struct earray_test_t {
 /* Local prototypes */
 
 /* Metadata cache (H5AC) callbacks */
-
-static herr_t earray_cache_test_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr,
-                                              size_t *image_len_ptr);
+static herr_t earray_cache_test_get_initial_load_size(void *udata, size_t *image_len);
 static void *earray_cache_test_deserialize(const void *image_ptr, size_t len,
     void *udata_ptr, hbool_t *dirty_ptr);
 static herr_t earray_cache_test_image_len(const void *thing, size_t *image_len_ptr);
@@ -190,7 +188,9 @@ const H5AC_class_t H5AC_EARRAY_TEST[1] = {{
     /* name          */ "earray test",
     /* mem_type      */ H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     /* flags         */ H5AC__CLASS_SKIP_READS | H5AC__CLASS_SKIP_WRITES,
-    /* get_load_size */ earray_cache_test_get_load_size,
+    /* get_initial_load_size */ earray_cache_test_get_initial_load_size,
+    /* get_final_load_size */ NULL,
+    /* verify_chksum */ NULL,
     /* deserialize   */ earray_cache_test_deserialize,
     /* image_len     */ earray_cache_test_image_len,
     /* pre_serialize */ NULL,
@@ -619,13 +619,12 @@ error:
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:    earray_cache_test_get_load_size()
+ * Function:    earray_cache_test_get_initial_load_size()
  *
  * Purpose: place holder function -- should never be called
  *
- *
  *      A generic discussion of metadata cache callbacks of this type
- *      may be found in H5Cprivate.h:
+ *      may be found in H5Cprivate.h.
  *
  * Return:      Success:        SUCCEED
  *              Failure:        FAIL
@@ -636,18 +635,18 @@ error:
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-earray_cache_test_get_load_size(const void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr)
+earray_cache_test_get_initial_load_size( void *udata, size_t *image_len)
 {
-    HDassert(udata_ptr);
-    HDassert(image_len_ptr);
+    HDassert(udata);
+    HDassert(image_len);
 
     /* Should never be called */
     HDassert(0 && "Can't be called!");
 
-    *image_len_ptr = 0;
+    *image_len = 0;
 
     return(SUCCEED);
-} /* end earray_cache_test_get_load_size() */
+} /* end earray_cache_test_get_initial_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/testpar/t_cache.c b/testpar/t_cache.c
index b855f5d..066dd77 100644
--- a/testpar/t_cache.c
+++ b/testpar/t_cache.c
@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@ static hbool_t serve_rw_count_reset_request(struct mssg_t * mssg_ptr);
 
 /* call back functions & related data structures */
 
-static herr_t datum_get_load_size(const void * udata_ptr,
+static herr_t datum_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr,
                                   size_t *image_len_ptr);
 
 static void * datum_deserialize(const void * image_ptr,
@@ -436,7 +436,9 @@ const H5C_class_t types[NUMBER_OF_ENTRY_TYPES] =
     /* name          */ "datum",
     /* mem_type      */ H5FD_MEM_DEFAULT,
     /* flags         */ H5AC__CLASS_SKIP_READS | H5AC__CLASS_SKIP_WRITES,
-    /* get_load_size */ datum_get_load_size,
+    /* get_initial_load_size */ datum_get_initial_load_size,
+    /* get_final_load_size */ NULL,
+    /* verify_chksum */ NULL,
     /* deserialize   */ datum_deserialize,
     /* image_len     */ datum_image_len,
     /* pre_serialize */ NULL,
@@ -2318,7 +2320,7 @@ serve_rw_count_reset_request(struct mssg_t * mssg_ptr)
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- * Function:	datum_get_load_size
+ * Function:	datum_get_initial_load_size
  *
  * Purpose:	Query the image size for an entry before deserializing it
  *
@@ -2330,8 +2332,7 @@ serve_rw_count_reset_request(struct mssg_t * mssg_ptr)
  *-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  */
 static herr_t
-datum_get_load_size(const void * udata_ptr,
-                  size_t *image_len_ptr)
+datum_get_initial_load_size(void *udata_ptr, size_t *image_len_ptr)
 {
     haddr_t addr = *(haddr_t *)udata_ptr;
     int idx;
@@ -2355,7 +2356,7 @@ datum_get_load_size(const void * udata_ptr,
     if ( callbacks_verbose ) {
 
         HDfprintf(stdout,
-	  "%d: get_load_size() idx = %d, addr = %ld, len = %d.\n",
+	  "%d: get_initial_load_size() idx = %d, addr = %ld, len = %d.\n",
               world_mpi_rank, idx, (long)addr, (int)entry_ptr->local_len);
 	fflush(stdout);
     }
@@ -2364,7 +2365,7 @@ datum_get_load_size(const void * udata_ptr,
     *image_len_ptr = entry_ptr->local_len;
 
     return(SUCCEED);
-} /* get_load_size() */
+} /* get_initial_load_size() */
 
 
 /*-------------------------------------------------------------------------