Users Guide

WARNING: Following these steps will result in the loss of all data on the array. Ensure that
you are prepared to restore from backup or other means prior to following these steps. Use
caution so that following these steps does not impact any other arrays.
1. Discard Preserved Cache, if it exists.
2. Clear foreign configurations, if any.
3. Delete the array.
4. Shift the position of the drives by one.
Move Disk 0 to slot 1, Disk 1 to slot 2, and Disk 2 to slot 0.
5. Recreate the array as desired.
6. Perform a Full Initialization of the array (not a Fast Initialization).
7. Perform a Check Consistency on the array.
If the Check Consistency completes without errors, you can safely assume that the array is now healthy
and the puncture is removed. Data can now be restored to the healthy array.
Preventing problems before they happen and solving punctures after they
occur
Dell's RAID controllers contain a number of features to prevent many types of problems and to handle a variety of errors that
do occur. The primary job of a RAID controller is to preserve the integrity of the data contained on its array(s). Even in the
more extreme cases of damage (such as punctures), the array's data is often available and the server can remain in production.
Part of any maintenance plan should be the proactive maintenance of the RAID arrays. Dell's RAID controllers are highly reliable
and very good at managing its arrays without user intervention. Disregarding proper maintenance can cause even the most
sophisticated technologies to experience problems over time. There are a number of things that can help maintain the health of
arrays, and prevent the majority of data errors, double faults and punctures.
It is highly recommended to perform routine and regular maintenance. Proactive maintenance can correct existing errors, and
prevent some errors from occurring. It is not possible to prevent all errors from occurring, but most serious errors can be
mitigated significantly with proactive maintenance. For storage and RAID subsystems these steps are:
● Update drivers and firmware on controllers, hard drives, backplanes and other devices.
● Perform routine Check Consistency operations (Dell recommends every 30 days).
● Inspect cabling for signs of wear and damage and ensure good connections.
● Review logs for indications of problems.
This doesn’t have to be a high level technical review, but could simply be a cursory view of the logs looking for extremely
obvious indications of potential problems. Contact Dell Technical Support with any questions or concerns.
Troubleshooting thermal issue
Thermal issues can occur due to malfunctioning ambient temperature sensors, malfunctioning fans, dusty heat sinks, and
malfunctioning thermal sensors and so on.
To resolve the thermal issues:
1. Check the LCD and Embedded System Management (ESM) logs for any additional error messages to identify the faulty
component.
2. Ensure that airflow to the machine is not blocked. Placing it in an enclosed area or blocking the air vent, can cause it to
overheat. If installed in a rack, ensure that the rack cooling system is working normally.
3. Check for the ambient temperature is within acceptable levels.
4. Check the internal system fans for obstructions and ensure that all fans are spinning properly. Swap any failing fans with a
known-good fan for testing.
5. Ensure that all the required shrouds and blanks are installed.
6. Check if all the fans are functioning properly, the heat sink is installed correctly, and thermal grease is applied.
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Troubleshooting hardware issues