RAID without Intelligent Provisioning

[lgtvak]

Hello. I have problem with my server BL460c G9 with H244br RAID controller

I trying to expand exist RAID array by change 1 drive to larger on working OS and get "degraded state of array" with new drive status "Failed". Then i want to get in Intelligent Provisioning (F10 on boot) and do something with RAID array,  but recived black screen and many new knoledges about Proliant G8/G9  "NAND format" problem.

I do HPE recomendations for this problem, and it did not help recover Intelligent Provisioning.

But I still need to upgaid RAID. And even if I kill the existing array, I won't be able to create a new one.

How i can create array without Intelligent Provisioning

[TVVJ]

Hello,

You may refer to section "Viewing and configuring Smart Array Controller information" and see if it is of help.

Regards,

[lgtvak]

It doesn't work. I try get into option "Exit and launch HP Smart Storage Administrator (HPSSA)" in one of the first attempts. But this option is "gray" in System Configuration.

I think this menu item work from Intelligent Provisioning or placed in the same broken NAND chip.

Inside OS installed HP SSA only can show mistakes an diagnose array or controller... or delete array =)))

I already find solution to get in HP SSA:

1. find HP SPP iso
2. make bootable flash drive with HP USB Key Utility (Rufus or Ventoy not suitable, HP SPP on boot get error on self check)
3. select "Manual update" , confirm agreement
4. select "HP SSA"
5. Profit!

But in my case profit doesnt came. HP SSA from HP SPP have more opportunities to work with array than HP SSA running on OS. But it cannot force rebuild the array if 1 of the disk is "broken". Maybe it's limitations H244br RAID controller. 

I had to create an image of the existed volumes, delete the array, create a new array and restore the backup of original volumes.

[Vinky_99]

@lgtvak

Good day!

Here's how you can create a new RAID array without relying on Intelligent Provisioning:

>> Restart your server and enter the System BIOS. Usually, you can access it by pressing a key like F2 or F9 during the boot process. The specific key may vary depending on your server model.

>> Inside the System BIOS, navigate to the section related to the RAID controller, which in your case is the H244br RAID controller.

>> You should be able to configure your RAID arrays from here. You can delete the existing degraded array and create a new one with your desired configuration.

>> Follow the on-screen prompts to configure the RAID array, select the appropriate RAID level, and add the new, larger drive. Once you have configured the new RAID array, save your changes and exit the System BIOS.

>> After creating the new RAID array, you will need to reinstall the operating system on it if it was previously installed on the old RAID array.

>> If you had data on the old array, you will need to restore it from your backup onto the new array.

>> Please be cautious when working with RAID configurations, as data breakage can occur if not done correctly. It's essential to have backups of your data before making any changes to your RAID setup.

While the H244br RAID controller may have some limitations, this method should allow you to create a new RAID array and continue using your server. If you encounter any issues during this process, it's a good idea to consult your server's user manual or contact HPE support for assistance with your specific hardware.