Another DL380g2 RAID Expansion question

[DanElmbrook]

I read in the cpqonlin utility that you needed to make sure the battery-backed cache batteries are charged. I recently rebooted the server and noticed that it said the batterys were low and it failed to change the batteries and that the batteries need to be replaced.

It also states that you may expand the array if you have a controller that supports expansion without battery-backed cache.

How do I tell if I need to make sure the batterys are charged before I start the expansion?

Hope that makes sense. Thanks.

[Robert S. Carr]

Dan:

I had a similar problem with the HP RAID controller telling me that the batteries were not charged. We had the HP Tech in to do a battery swap but he mentioned that a firmware upgrade would fix the problem. After the RAID firmware was upgraded and we waited 24 hours, the problem with the batteries was gone.

Perhaps this will work for you as well.

Rob

[Chris Saindon]

Hello Dan,

You do not actually need a battery backed cache to do a migration/expansion/extension. The reason it may prevent you from doing it, is basically if the controller has an error, you cannot make changes to it. A bettery failure is considered an error, but doesn't normally stop a migration.

If it is a 6 series controller (6i,641,642, 6400) update the firmware to the current version.

Please post back if you have further questions

Chris

[DanElmbrook]

Its not a 6i I believe its a 5i 5300. Something like that.

[Chris Saindon]

Hello Dan,

If it is the 5 series, a battery failure normally is a battery failure. I suggest calling HP and getting that replaced after updating the firmware and giving it 24 hrs to charge.

It should allow you to change the array with the cache disabled. If it does not you could always pull the cache out since it's disabled anyways. It won't hurt anything to do it without the cache, it may take a bit longer though. Otherwise, i'd wait until the battery has been replaced.

Chris

[DanElmbrook]

Interesting thing is if I go into cpqonlin and look at the status of the controller is says the batteries are ok and that they are charged.

[Chris Saindon]

Hi Dan,

If you go into the Array Config Utility and choose the controller on the left and centre columns, then choose More Info on the right, does it say the same?

If it says the battery is ok and the cache is online, you probably simply have a reporting issue. I'd recommend updating your Support pack, or at least the agents.

I still recommend the firmware, and now, the current driver for the controller.

Just eliminate the software aspect, then if it still comes up, we know it can only be hardware.

Chris

[DanElmbrook]

But none of this should stop me from moving forward with the raid expansion tomorrow morning?

Dan

[Prashant (I am Back)]

Hi,

First thing there are some known issues with the controller my asumption is you are using the internal controller of the server that is 5I

so refer to this firmware fixes issues with the 5I
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/revision/5364.html

so Upgeade the firmware and go ahead.

----------------------------------------
5I Provides increased server uptime by providing advanced storage functionality:

Online RAID Level Migration (between any RAID level)
Online Capacity Expansion
Logical Drive Capacity Extension
Global Online Spare
Pre-Failure Warranty

Regards,
Prashant S.

[DanElmbrook]

When I look at the cpqonlin information it says its a Smart Array 5300 Controller Firmware 1.76

Is this the same as a 5i?

Dan