DL380 G4(2-node cluster) with MSA1000 firmware matrix for Windows 2008 R2 x64

[Milan Blazicek]

Hallo,

We have 2-node cluster (Proliant DL380 G4 nodes) with MSA1000. It is file and DHCP server and runing on Windows 2003 OS. I'd like to migrate whole cluster to Windows 2008 x64 R2 OS.
Current configuration is :
MSA1000 = product revision : 4.32 (A/P)
HBA 2312 Q-logic = BIOS : 1.34 & firmware 3.01.19.
Servers RDU : 7.1

So first I have to do, is evict one node, and install 2008 server on it. Before installation of OS I should upgrade firmware of server and choose right SmartStart.

Well, I am looking for firmware matrix for my configuration. Anybody can help me ?

Thanks in advance

Milan

[Greybeard]

Hi, better do the MSA firmware first. I think the only active / passive firmware to support win 2008 is 5.3

[Amol Garge]

Hi Milan,

The active passive firmware is unsupported by Windows 2008 , according to the compatibility guide.

A firmware upgrade is required on the MSA1000 controllers before migration.

A complete compatibility guide can be found in:

www.hp.com/storage/spock

You will have to register(free) which is a 5 min job, then go the following link:

http://h20272.www2.hp.com/Page/spock2Html.aspx?htmlFile=array-os.html

Hope this helps!

[Milan Blazicek]

Hi Amol Garge,

thanks for your answer, one more question: If I Will upgrade MSA to firmware 7.1 (A/A) first (as I read in supported firmware for 2008x64), will be able to access disks(cluster recorces) through securepath(installed on 2003 nodes) ?

Thanks

[Amol Garge]

Hi Milan,

Yes, you can upgrade the MSA1000 to A/A firmware and secure path will still recognize it on the 2003 server, if the version of Secure path is compatible.

You can go the Spock site again and verify the compatibility before the upgrade.

Since, moving from A/P firmware to A/A firmware will be a major change, you may wanna check the switch firmware and HBA firmware/ driver compatibility along with the Secure path.

Best option is to call HP support and explain them the complete environment and get the updated list from them.

Also, when doing the upgrades, it is always recommended that you upgrade the servers first then HBA's, switches and Arrays (in that order), else you may lose access to the LUNs.

[Uwe Zessin]

Secure Path for Windows does not work with an Active / Active MSA1000 / MSA1500cs - it must be replaced by the Full-Featured MPIO DSM for MSA1000 / 1500cs.

[Milan Blazicek]

Hallo,

Thanks for answers, so now I a little bit confused. So I it looks like I can't upgrade anything without losing control under disks. It is production system and I can't do any mistake. I can't rely on backup, cause it is MSL6000 and is realy shaky system and there is about 7 TB of data. If one tape will false I will lose 400GB of data.

[Amol Garge]

Milan,

Ok, here's what you do:

1. Plan a down time.
2. Uninstall the secure path.
3. Install MPIO Full featured DSM for MSA A/A
4. Update FC HBA drivers
5. Upgrade Switch firmware(if not already updated)

6. Upgrade MSA firmware to A/A

Shutdown procedure:

shut down in this order:

1. Server
2. Switch
3. MSA
4. Attached Disk Enclosures (if any)

The power up will be exactly reverse starting from Disk enclosures.

Connect the MSA1000 to new server, disable SSP for old server and map the new server.

Thanks!