Expand Array on HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 - Option missing

[Frederick Ginsberg]

Using multiple versions of Smart Storage Administrator, I do not have the option to "Modify Disks" and add a disk to the array.

The new disk is seen in the GUI and is the exact type and size as the exising. SPP installation did not resolve. 

Thanks in advance

[Suman_1978]

Hi,

According to the documentation for Array Expansion:

Increase the capacity of an existing array by adding currently existing unassigned drives to it. Any drive that you want to add must meet the following criteria:

• It must be an unassigned drive.

• It must be of the same type as existing drives in the array (for example, SAS HDD, SAS SSD, SATA HDD, or SATA SSD).

• It must have a capacity no less than the capacity of the smallest drive in the array.

NOTE: It’s important to keep data backup before performing this activity.
Data integrity is customer responsibility. HPE recommends having data backup frequently and before performing any activity so that it can be restored during disaster recovery.

Thank You!
I work with HPE but opinions expressed here are mine.

[Frederick Ginsberg]

All criteria you list has been met. The option to expand the array is not shown in the Smart Storage Administrator.

Thank you

[Suman_1978]

Hi,

Can you please tell us what is the server model and what is the firmware version installed on the Smart Array P408i-a Controller?

Hard drive model/part number along with its firmware version would also help.

Thank You!
I work with HPE but opinions expressed here are mine.

[Frederick Ginsberg]

Hi @Suman_1978 

Proliant DL380 Gen 10

Smart Array P408i-a Controller was updated to latest firmware 6.52

SSA was updated to latest version 6.30

Hard drives are all HPE EH000600JWHPN  with firmware HPD8

Thanks

[Suman_1978]

Hi,

All seems to be fine with firmware and software.
I hope you are using Managing Data Drives as mentioned in this page# 31

If still need help, you may reach out to HPE Support and log a case.

Thank You!
I work with HPE but opinions expressed here are mine.

[Frederick Ginsberg]

@Suman_1978 Hello

"Managing Data Drives" is not a visible option. This is the problem. I have expanded dozens of arrays over the last 25 years. The option does not exist.

Because the hardware is a year out of warranty, HPE support wants $700 for the first support hour and $150/hour for additional time.

Not a particularly cost effictive choice.

Thanks 

[Elvyng]

Hi all,

I have the same issue as Frederick.  Same controller, but there's no option to expand the array.

Did you come out with any solution?

regards,

Elvyn

[Mr_Techie]

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@Elvyng wrote:

Hi all,

I have the same issue as Frederick.  Same controller, but there's no option to expand the array.

Did you come out with any solution?

regards,

Elvyn

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Hello Elvyn,

Check the Fw and Driver is upto date.

Not all RAID levels support online expansion. For example, RAID 0 does not support adding drives. Ensure that the current RAID level allows adding drives without reconfiguration.

Check that all the drives in the existing array are healthy and online. If a drive is in a degraded state, the expansion option might not appear.

If the new drive is designated as a spare (either global or dedicated), you won’t be able to add it to the array until it’s released from that role.

Different versions of SSA might present or hide options in the GUI. Frederick Ginsberg mentioned trying multiple versions of SSA[if you are doing the same]; try using the latest standalone version directly from HPE's support site rather than relying solely on the SPP package.

Verify if there are any limitations with the array size for your controller.

If the OS is accessing the array, certain operations (like expanding) may be locked. You could try stopping any services or OS interactions that could be accessing the array, and then attempt again.

If the GUI does not show the option, you can try using the command-line version of SSA to modify the array. Here's an example command to add a new physical drive to an array:    ssacli controller slot=0 logicaldrive 1 modify drives=allunassigned

Even though the new disk is the same type and size, it might have issues. Try swapping it with another disk or use a known-working disk to rule out any drive-specific problems.

Hope this gives some insights, let me know.