Problem reconfiguring disk arrays

[Ayman Altounji]

We are currently experiencing problems reconfiguring the disk storage on a Proliant Server.

Kit involved:

Proliant ML370 running Windows 2000 Server
Smart Array 5302 Controller
4 internal drives configured as Array A and as 4 logical drives (including system disk) - connected to internal bus on 5302
Smart Array 4000 cabinet hosting 6 drives configured as Array B and as 1 logical drive - connected to external bus on 5302

The Smart Array 4000 (and drives) are to be replaced with a Proliant Storage System UE with new drives. This will be configured similarly as 1 logical drive.

The plan was to copy the data off the 1 logical drive on the 4000, shut down, disconnect the 4000 and connect the UE, reboot and reconfigure the UE in the same way, then copy the data back. However, disconnecting the 4000 causes the system to lose ALL array info. Booting into the OS causes a "no system disk found error"; booting into SmartStart finds the internal disks, but no array configuration. If the 4000 cabinet is re-connected, the system boots up ok.

It gives the impression that the Array 4000 cabinet and/or Array Controller is in some way holding configuration info.

Is there any way to avoid having to do a lengthy "back everything up, reconfigure everything, restore everything" procedure?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Ayman Altounji]

Andy,

The array configuration is stored on ALL of the hard drives themselves. This means that the internal hard drives' configuration show that Array B is on the 4000. Upon POST, the array controller goes out and looks for a valid configuration. It finds the ones on the internal hard drives, (which state that there is another Array located on external hard drives), so the controller is confused when it can't locate those external drives with a valid configuration on them.

My suggestion would be to connect the 4000 externally, boot NT, run Array Configuration Utility (ACU). Then delete the array associated with the external 4000. Once you delete it and save the configuration, then the config on the other hard drives will get updated. Power off and connect your U2. Then you should be able to boot into NT and reconfigure your new drives in the U2.

Have a nice day,

Mike

[Ayman Altounji]

Thanks for your assistance. We managed to get it working doing pretty much what you said.

The moral of the story is not to go by problems as reported by others, but to check it out yourself!