PowerEdge T640 RAID 1 - Hard Drive Failed

Hi,

 

Yes, the Dell PERC H750 controller supports hot-swapping. This means you can replace the failed drive while the server is powered on and running, without needing to shut it down.

 

Auto-rebuild is typically enabled by default on Dell PERC controllers, but you can verify this in the BIOS or PERC configuration utility:

1. Access the PERC Configuration Utility:

   • Reboot the server and press Ctrl+R during startup to enter the PERC BIOS configuration utility.
   • Navigate to the Virtual Disk Management section.
   • Select your RAID 1 array and check the properties or settings for auto-rebuild or auto-replace options.

 

Step-by-Step Process for Replacing the Failed Drive

Here’s how to safely replace the failed drive:

Before the Swap

1. Verify the Failure:

   • Confirm the drive in Bay 1 is failed (amber blinking light).
   • Check the RAID status in the PERC BIOS (Ctrl+R during boot) to ensure the array is in a degraded state.

2. Prepare the Replacement Drive:

   • Use a drive of the same or larger capacity and type (e.g., SAS or SATA) as the existing drive.
   • Ensure the new drive is compatible with the PERC H750.

3. Backup Critical Data (if possible):

   • Although RAID 1 provides redundancy, it’s good practice to back up critical data before making changes.

During the Swap

1. Remove the Failed Drive:

   • Press the release button on the drive carrier in Bay 1.
   • Gently pull the drive out of the bay.

2. Insert the Replacement Drive:

   • Insert the new drive into Bay 1 until it clicks into place.
   • The amber light may blink initially, then turn solid amber during the rebuild.

After the Swap

1. Monitor the Rebuild:

   • The PERC controller should automatically detect the new drive and start rebuilding the RAID 1 array.
   • The rebuild progress can be checked in the PERC BIOS (Ctrl+R) or via OMSA if installed.

2. Verify Completion:

   • Once the rebuild is complete, the amber light should turn off, and the drive status should show as Online in the PERC BIOS.

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 What to Check or Monitor

• Before:

  • RAID status (degraded or failed).
  • Auto-rebuild settings (if accessible).
  • Compatibility of the replacement drive.

• During:

  • Ensure the server remains powered on during the swap.
  • Wait for the drive activity light to stabilize (solid amber during rebuild).

• After:

  • Confirm the rebuild starts automatically.
  • Monitor the rebuild progress (this may take several hours depending on drive size).
  • Verify the RAID 1 array returns to a healthy state.

OMSA Installation: While not strictly necessary for this process, installing Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) in the future will make monitoring and managing RAID arrays easier.