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March 23rd, 2014 12:00
CX300 - Can't get any SP in "A" slot to boot
Hi everyone,
last week the SPA on our CX300 "died" - as in, it shows U (Unmanaged) in Navisphere along with "(Empty)" next to it. The rear of the SP itself has all normal lights (fiber, power, etc), but a single slowly blinking amber light (once every four seconds). From what I understand, that means the SP can't get past BIOS. It also doesn't respond to ping (that would make sense if the SP isn't even booting). SPB is totally functional and works 100% and I can manage it through Navisphere (that's how I see that SPA shows unmanaged "Empty")
So, I tried these steps, in this order...
- remove SPA from DPE and replace with one of our backup SP's - same problem
- try the second backup SP - same problem
Well, perhaps I need to configure the new SP's:
- connect laptop with null modem DB9 serial cable to SPB to confirm I can direct connect - this works, I can access SPB over serial
- plug original SPA into DPE, connect laptop with serial cable to original SPA - cannot connect
- plug each backup SP into DPE, connect laptop with serial cable to each backup SPA - cannot connect
So at that point I'm thinking that perhaps a total cold boot of the CX300 may clear the problem. So, earlier today...
- power off CX300, plug in backup SP, boot up CX300 - same problem, and cannot connect with service laptop
- power off CX300, plug in original SPA, boot up CX300 - same problem, and cannot connect with service laptop
As of now we're still using the CX300 - it holds all the order and image data for our entire production environment - but obviously I am quite concerned that I cannot get the original SPA, or either of our two backup SP's, to boot nor be accessible via null modem.
The only thing I can think of is to replace the entire DPE.
Does anyone have suggestions on what to do next? If I do have to replace the DPE, is there a document somewhere that details what to do? Our unit is entirely out of warranty and is actually due to be replaced in 3-4 months or so with a VNXe but we can't hope for the CX300 to survive on one functioning SPB and wishes, haha.
Thank you all in advance for any help or insight you can provide.
Doug
umichklewis
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1.2K Posts
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March 24th, 2014 07:00
That's a tough state to be in! Chances are, you've had a failure in the DPE that's preventing the SP from moving past the BIOS check and into a boot state. Unfortunately, it's equally likely that the SPs you're attempting to use are not at the same firmware, and they're unable to initialize in the slot. A DPE replacement might be in order.
The DPE replacement procedure and all of the useful troubleshooting steps for an SP failure like this is in the EMC Partner's section - you'll need a service provider with access to provide the documents for you. If you don't have a "buddy" who can help you, have you tried reaching out to your sales team, who's selling you the VNXe? Maybe there's a chance they can comp your purchase with a few hours of Partner support to fix your SP issue. If nothing else, you can try to bundle in a "buy back" of the CX300, and use those dollars for a support trip to fix your system.
Let us know if that helps!
Karl
judgedoug1
15 Posts
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March 24th, 2014 08:00
Thanks for your reply! Does the DPE itself store any configuration information, or do you think it would be as simple as powering the unit off, putting in the SP's, and powering it back on?
I also tried to connect via hyperterminal (9600-8-N-1/None) but couldn't see anything show up on the original SPA or replacement SPA during CX300 cold start. (unless I'm connecting wrong?) With an incompatible firmware shouldn't I see some sort of message?
umichklewis
3 Apprentice
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1.2K Posts
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March 25th, 2014 09:00
Assuming the DPE isn't faulty (bad pin, bad resistor, etc.), it should be as easy as a swap. If you're not seeing anything on the serial, there's still a chance it's firmware and the DPE can't recognize the SP. However, there's little you can do on your own - you'll need a Partner or EMC to really fix things properly, at this stage.
judgedoug1
15 Posts
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March 25th, 2014 10:00
Do you think if I got a replacement SP with the same Rev that it would have the same firmware? I do have a source for an SP with the same Rev as the original SPA.
umichklewis
3 Apprentice
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1.2K Posts
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March 26th, 2014 07:00
Unfortunately, I don't know. There's a good chance, but nothing is guaranteed. Good luck!