AX100 Will Not Completely Boot

I'd recommend to run a backup of your data first (if you have any data) and then you can try a powercycle to see if it does any better.

When replacing drives, the proper method is first to update to the latest software version and only then try new/other drives.

No data or RAIDs have been configured on any drives they are just in there being it was in a test lab. It was upgraded back in Jan 08 with the latest firmware. Honestly EMC website blows something awful having to registered for everything little thing to get powerpath, navisphere, firmware. Then when you register it takea 48hrs. I wouldn't recommend an EMC just because of their terrible download/support site alone.

 

But onto  the problem I have powered cycled it a few times still nothing. I will try again tomorrow since I'm in Kuwait and its 11pm now. Any other suggestion on to fix the problem.

 

What is up with the first 4 drives anyways?

Assuming you have a Dell|EMC AX100, you can register and gain access to downloads instantly here.

The only thing you'd need is the EMC serial number. Normally this is on the first link in the web UI, but you can look for it on the back of the AX100 as well. It may start with FCPR or with APM.

I have installed the latest Navisphere and PowerPath on the Windows server. Also updated the Q Logic HBA drivers.

 

I just powered off/on the SAN and I am still getting an orange light and the same error message. Is there anyway to reset the device to default settings, like a Cisco switch upload the original ISO and or like a WMobile where you can reset the device very easy?

 

Thanks

 

Joel

What are the fault leds on the rear of the array doing? They have 5 possible states:

- off
- blinking 0.25 Hz
- blinking 1 Hz
- blinking 4 Hz
- solid amber

Anything other than off means the OS is stuck trying to boot for whatever reason.

You'll end up contacting Dell|EMC support for assistence as you'll probably need to use the serial port to see where it's getting.

Yes the LED's for the Processor A and B are blinking. Any I'm guessing for some reason the OS isnt booting. So my only option is to contact Dell/EMC at this point? What will I need to be able to console into the SAN. Obviously the cable but what program will I need to have. That way I know I can get into the SAN before calling Dell/EMC.

 

Thank

You'll need a serial cable between a Windows system (laptop, desktop, or server) and the storage processor that's stuck on blinking amber (if both are, you'll end up checking one at a time).

If it's Windows 2003, hyperterminal doesn't get installed by default by the OS, so the i386 (install files) directory of the 2003 CD may be needed.

Thanks I will try this on Monday and Terminal into the SAN and see what I can come up with. Will it ask for a password and or will it be the same as using Navisphere https to access? Or is there a default access via tms?

I tired to console in today, to both A & B but nothing happend. I installed hyper terminal, had it up and running, plugged in the console cable. I assumed it was the NIC port that was Yellow label close to the A process blinking light that I should plut into. I also had someone else try as well and make sure I was doing it right one of our Cisco guys since he consoles into switches often.

 

Am I doing something wrong or missing a step?

The step you are missing is calling Dell|EMC support.

They'll need to Webex into your system and then connect to the array and see what's going on.

I'll call them, but there is one issue, they wont be able to webex in because this SAN is on the SIPR network. No internet connection.

You can try this procedure located on the Dell | EMC AX100 website.

Go to http://www.emc.com/dell-ax100support -> Click on Replace -> Choose "Restore SP Boot Image" from dropdown -> Click Next -> Click Create Customized Documentation.

This procedure will only work if the FLARE disks are installed in the proper slots.

Thank you that is what I was looking for, I should be able to get that far and figure out whats going on. Calling and having someone else fix it doesnt really teach anything, rather struggle for awhile!

 

Thanks again! I will let you know my results!

Look like I will have to call Dell/EMC, before I do call I want to make sure I got the right cable. Is there a "special cable" to connect to the SANs console port. There was a grey cable that came with the SAN i folloed the documentation and tired it on both SP's, but I didnt get anything to display. I then tried it on the working SAN, nothing. So I walked over and borrowed one from out Net Admins used to console into the Cisco stuff. Using that cable at least HyperT shows text but its all jibberish. I also tired that cable in the working SAN and it spits back the same Jibberish.

Before I make the call is there a special cable I need and or any reason that jibberish is showing up. Ive tried it many different ways and since both the non working and working SAN are showing the same information I wasnt sure what else I can try.

 

I also had the net admins test that grey cable with a cisco router and it didnt show any information in HyperT.