Both batteries in MD3200i are dead...

Hello IslandSysAdmin,

I'm sorry to see the batteries are dead.  Have you confirmed you're up to date on the controller firmware?

firmware version 08.20.24.60  : https://dell.to/33ACIbn

If the batteries are dead the controller cache is not in use.  For virtual disks, the RAID controller firmware changes the data cache setting based on the state of the battery. If the battery is missing or does not have sufficient charge, the controller flushes the cache and sets the write cache attribute to Write Through for all virtual disks. When the battery is replaced, Write Back is re-enabled.  The RAID controller automatically switches to write-through if cache mirroring is disabled or if the battery is missing or has a fault condition.

Replacing battery Page 224 : https://dell.to/3uIUSDH

As you state you plan to power off to replace them you should not lose anything.

1. Power down any hosts, then power down head unit, then power down any expansion enclosures.
2. Replace batteries.
3. You would then power up expansion enclosures, then head unit, wait 3 minutes then then power up hosts.

Charles-R Thanks for replying.

When you indicate the power down steps, the host also refers to a VMWare host?

I am conflicted as the last time this happened, the host went crazy and I ended up with all kinds of problems.

Thanks again!

BTW. I am the same person that posted the question, just happened to have signed in under a different username.

Hello,

You are correct that is any host using that storage. You want to have all I/O stopped.

I can understand the apprehension given the experience. I'd recommend to run a MDSM  Support Bundle before you start so you'll have it.

PowerVault MD32XX / 36XX - Support Articles and Tutorials

https://dell.to/3obvMuI