Smart Array p420i cannot create any arrays

[lurto]

Hello,

I have a HPE Proliant DL380p, but the embedded smart array can't create any logical disks/arrays.

When I use the HPE SSA, the button just doesn't exist and directly via the drives it displays this messages:
"array cannot be created the operation is not available"

I tried via the "Option rom configuration for arrays". Same thing, when saving the configuration it just makes an error.
Command: 51
SCSI Status: 0000
Command Status: 0004
In the Option Rom Configuration utility, I tried RAID5 and 0 with and without Maxium Boot partition.

I don't have a license key, but that's only for the caching right?

I will add some screenshots for everything.

Does somebody where my problem lies?

Kind regards,
lurto

[Sham82]

Hello, 

Please make sure that server is running on Latest Firmware :
> BIOS
> Controller Firmware.
Latest Smart Storage Administrator.

Once Firmware are latest , please perform a complete Power cycle.

Then try to create RAID.

Regards
HPE

[lurto · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your response.

I updated everything but it didn't help in this situation.

I found my error afterwards. This was the solution:

I saw that during boot this message was displayed:

"Hardware RAID support is disabled via NVRAM configuration settings"

So I checked what it meant. It means that my controller was in HBA mode and found out you can change that setting via the "ssacli" software. But as I coudn't boot on anything I had to do everything via a live CD.

So I downloaded the DEB package from here (other packages for other Distros also available):

https://downloads.linux.hpe.com/sdr/repo/mcp/debian/pool/non-free/

Booted on a Debian based distro and installed the package.

I ran this command to find all my controllers:

ssacli ctrl all show

And then this to disable HBA:

ssacli ctrl slot=0 modify hbamode=off

Just to be sure I also ran this but with no effect:

ssacli  ctrl slot=1 modify raidmode=on

Everything works now I have my RAID and can boot on an OS that is installed on it.

[Sunitha_Mod]

Hello @lurto, 

Excellent! 

We are glad to know you found the solution and we appreciate you for keeping us updated.