Configure StorageWorks RAID Array 4100 drives using 64 bit Fibre Channel Controller

[Bryan Mecklenburg]

I am building a new file server using a Proliant DL380 G3 attached to a StorageWorks RAID Array 4100 storage enclosure. I am using Compaq's 66 Mhz 64 bit Fibre Channel PCI controller cards (spare part number #161290-001). Windows 2000 standard server is installed with all the usual patches.

Is this controller card capable of RAID? I used it another time a long time ago and I am sure that it was but SmartStart will not recognize this card. I am using SmartStart 7.4. Windows 2000 loaded drivers for the card and I can see the drives. I checked the HP Management CD and did not find any better drivers for this card. Even if I had found different drivers, I don't think that would have had any affect on SmartStart. If this controller card is capable of RAID, what version do I need? Thanks.

[Oleg Koroz · Accepted solution]

raid controller part of the enclosure


http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10906_na/10906_na.html


http://bizsupport.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c01150764/c01150764.pdf


http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=257843&prodTypeId=12169&prodSeriesId=254612&swLang=8&taskId=135&swEnvOID=181

[Bryan Mecklenburg]

When I try to configure the 4100 enclosure by booting to the SmartStart 7.4 CD, it does not see the enclosure. If I go into Windows and try to configure the 4100 enclosure from there, it sees the enclosure but will not allow me to configure it. When I select it, it tells me I have two possible problems - a hardware failure or an unsupported driver. I'm sure the enclosure is fine because I have two of them and am having equal results with each. It seems unlikely that both fiber controllers are bad. I have installed the software from the links in the previous response.

A few years ago, I connected this same model 4100 enclosure and fiber cards to a ML370 G1. It seems like at that time I was able to configure the enclosure when booting to the SmartStart CD. At that time, I was probably using SmartStart 6.4 or maybe 6.2. Is is possible that SmartStart 7.4 does not support this enclosure? Is it possible to download old versions of SmartStart? I searched the HP web site but did not come up with anything for downloading old versions of SmartStart. Outside of version 5.5, the oldest version I have is 7.0. Thanks.

[James ~ Happy Dude]

Hello Bryan,

1) Update the System BIOS from :
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/locate/20_4706.html#1

2) Update the Controller Firmware from the link mentioned above.

3) Smart Start CD .. 7.4 ?
As per :
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/locate/20_4706.html#102
you should be able to use the 7.9 version.

4) Also, which version of the ACU r u using ?
make sure its the latest one.(last link on previous posts)

Regards.

[Bryan Mecklenburg]

First, thank-you all for your responses.

Here's what I have done.

Previously, I used the Firmware Maintenance CD 7.6 so I downloaded version 7.9 and ran it. It updated iLO and the 6400 array controller that is sitting in the server unused but nothing that might help me.

I downloaded the file from the previous link for upgrading the 4100 controller. I ran it but the firmware was already on the latest version.

I skipped going to the link in the previous post for upgrading the system firmware because the DL380 G3 is already at P29-9/15/2004.

Rather than using SmartStart 7.4, I downloaded 7.9. When I boot to SmartStart 7.9, it only sees the integrated 5i controller and the 6400 controller that I am not currently using.

The Array Configuration Utility for Windows is currently on version 7.60.18.0. I was going to try to upgrade to 7.61.2.0 per the link above. The link works but the download button from that link is broken tonight. I will try again later.

Should I be able to configure the 4100 by booting to the SmartStart CD or do I have to use the ACU for Windows?

Any other ideas as to what is keeping me from configuring the drives in the 4100 enclosure? Thanks again.

[James ~ Happy Dude]

Hello Bryan,
The 4100 controller can be configured either ways;
& just to be sure, both the Controllers are visible in RBSU under boot Controller order. rite ?

Regards.

[Bryan Mecklenburg]

Yes, both Fiber controllers are listed in the Boot Controller Order of the RBSU. They are also both listed amongst the PCI Devices.

I found two additional fiber controllers (same model) and swapped out the originals just on the off chance that both original fiber controllers were damaged. I still can not see the 4100 enclosure when I boot with SmartStart 7.9. I also removed the 6400 PCI controller since I was not using it anyway.

Next, I am going to check to see if a firmware upgrade is available for the fiber controllers. I don't think that is amongst the links in the previous posts. I may even try swapping out the entire server. I think we have another DL 380 G3 in storage. I feel like I am overlooking something obvious, but I do not know what.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

[Bryan Mecklenburg]

Is it still possible to get e-mail support from HP? I have gone to this link twice.

http://vausnzpro.austin.hp.com/EmailWebForms/email_form.aspx?countrycode=US&langcode=en&sni=hpproliant316529〈=en&cc=us

Each time after I fill out the form and submit it, a screen appears indicating that due to a problem on their end, support personel will not receive my problem. Despite that, a few moments later, I get an e-mail from HP indicating my problem has been received and somebody will contact me within 24 hours. Nobody contacted me when I tried this a couple weeks ago. Maybe I will be luckier tonight.

I also went to this link,

http://h50203.www5.hp.com/hpisweb/customer/HPInstantsupport.aspx

to use Active Chat but my server was not on the list of supported products.

[James ~ Happy Dude]

Hello Bryan,
I just tested that. Yes, we seem to have some issues. I will log a ticket & see how I can get the concerned persons notified.

;) Regards.