Reference Guide

Dell MD storage arrays—information update
NOTE: Information in this document applies to Dell MD34xx and MD38xx series systems.
This document provides more information that is not included in the Dell MD storage array documentation. You must read through the
information provided in this document before using your new storage array or upgrading your array software, rmware, or host operating
system. For more information, go to Dell.com/powervaultmanuals.
Topics:
• Discontinued support for VSS and VDS
• In SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12, the fdisk command creates two links
• Issue with the set diskPool syntax
• RDVD usage with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
• Data Assurance Feature
Discontinued support for VSS and VDS
Dell is discontinuing support of the VSS and VDS providers.
Deprecating VDS
Beginning with Windows Server 2012, the Virtual Disk Service (VDS) interface is superseded by the Windows Storage Management API
(SMAPI). As Microsoft is moving away from VDS, Dell is also moving away from the VDS provider. While there is no direct Dell replacement
product available, the VDS functionality is provided through SMAPI, which uses the current SMI-S provider.
Deprecating VSS
Dell is no longer releasing the Volume Shadow Service (VSS) Provider. Shadow copies created by using the Dell VSS provider are not
recognized by the Windows native VSS provider. However, shadow copies created by using the Dell VSS provider are immediately available
to the Windows OS as virtual disks. You can assign a drive letter and access or manage data by using Windows. Hereafter, Dell
recommends to use the Microsoft native provider.
If you want to recover the data created by using the Dell VSS provider, and the Dell VSS provider is still installed, Dell recommends that you
use the Dell provider to recover any shadow copies created by using the Dell provider, and then use the Microsoft native VSS provider to
create future shadow copies of the virtual disks or data. This allows you to recover the data by using the Microsoft provider in future.
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