PERC 3/Di Controller - battery recondition before array rebuild?

Hi,

I would say recondition the battery first, if you have the 12 hours or so it will take to complete. I would highly recommend updating the System and Perc to the latest revision driver / firmwares. This list is assuming Win2000 running on a PowerEdge 4400:

Dell Server System BIOS, PowerEdge 4400, A10
FileName:  PE4400-BIOSA10.exe [525 KB]
Release Date:  4/24/2003
http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?ReleaseID=R56444

Dell ESM Firmware, PowerEdge 2550, 4400, A56
Filename: a56cust.exe (405 KB)
http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?ReleaseID=R34150
Note: Extract the files to a DOS bootable floppy disk. Boot the server to this floppy disk, and run smflsh.exe

PERC2, 2/Si, 3/Si, 3/Di, Driver, 2000, v. 2.7.1.4944, A12
Filename: w2ka12dr.exe [211 KB]
http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?ReleaseID=R47959

Adaptec PERC3/Di, Firmware, PowerEdge 4400, v. 2.7.1.3571, A10
Filename: BO357110.exe [924 KB]
http://support.dell.com/filelib/format.aspx?ReleaseID=R47401

Dell OpenManage Array Manager, NW, 2000, NT 4.0, v.3.4.0, A00
FileName:  am340A00.exe [36 MB]
Release Date:  4/3/2003
http://support.dell.com/FileLib/Format.aspx?ReleaseID=R56742

Array Manager, SNMP Patch, NW, Windows, v.3.2.x, 3.3.x and 3.4.x, A00
FileName:  snmpfx.exe [95 KB]
Release Date:  4/11/2003
http://support.dell.com/FileLib/Format.aspx?ReleaseID=R58475

Array Manager Documentation:
http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/software/smarrman/marb34/en/index.htm

Message Edited by DELL-Mark A on 11-20-2003 06:32 AM

Hi Mark,

You are correct in assuming W2K server/PE 4400.  I forgot to supply the service tag with my post: 679F51S.  I had already explored the support documents and managed to glean that I should apply the following:

BR61011.EXE

PE4400-BIOS-WIN-A10.EXE

RAID-DRVR-R47959.EXE

RAID-FRMW-R47401.EXE

Are these not relevant?  In any case, I will get those on your list and get started.  Should I apply before I do the rebuild?

Thanks again for your help.

Hi,

The System Upgrades come in 2 delivery methods. One is for installation via floppy disk, the other is installed via the Update Package for Windows. Due to the prerequisites needed for the Update Package for Windows delivery method (Operating System and Dell OpenManage Server Administrator must be installed), I always provide the links for the floppy installation method.

http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/software/smdup/en/ughtml/index.htm

Notes:

FileName:  BR61011.exe is the Dell Elite Hard Drive Diagnostics, while this is a good troubleshooting tool in the event you suspect a hard drive problem, it will not be needed for the rebuild.

FileName:  PE4400-BIOS-WIN-A10.EXE is the Update Package for Windows, System BIOS download

FileNames:  RAID-DRVR-R47959.EXE and RAID-FRMW-R47401.EXE are the correct Update Package for Windows downloads for your raid controller.

I would apply all the updates before the rebuild.

Thanks again Mark.

I ran the battery recondition overnight.  It took 9 hours 23 minutes. The event log just said that the recondition had completed, but when I had a look in Array Manager, there was a big red exclamation point on the battery icon and a "battery needs reconditioning" message over the Recondition button.  I am re-running the recondition now, but am wondering what I do if this does not work either.  Can you please advise?

Cheers,

Bill Glidden

Hi Mark,

Second attempt at battery recondition did the trick.

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers,

Bill