MD3000i Server 2012 connection issues

Devineisd,

The reason you may be having these issues is because Windows server 2012 has not been tested and is not on the supported list of Operating Systems.  Below is the support matrix for the 3000i.

ftp.dell.com/.../powervault-md3000i_Reference%20Guide_en-us.pdf

If you have any further questions please feel free to let me know.

Works for me. Dell Storage support related to me that while not officially supported, the MD3000i should work with Server 2012. Please make sure your host installation is using the newest version of MDSM (somewhere around 

MD32/36 Series Resource DVD, Version 4.1.0.88 (Application Version 10.84.G6.25), A01, Released 11/8/2012 (1866 MB)

http://ftp.us.dell.com/FOLDER01021520M/1/DELL_MDSS_Consolidated_RDVD_4_1_0_88.iso )

Thanks,

I'll give this a try. Funny I had a drive fail on the MD3000i and asked support about this issue just yesterday.

Hi ITPerson123,

From what I can tell after trawling the internet for 3 days and getting limited help from Dell support, you seem to be one of a few people who have managed to get an MD3000i working with WS2012!

I've tried everything that's been suggested in terms of MDSM software for MD3000i and MD3200i, using MSDSM and native MPIO features of 2012 but I've got nowhere!  I've even rebuilt the server several times to eliminate the possibility of legacy drivers hanging around.

I've had mixed results in the Disk Management MMC console, ranging from no volumes (despite the iSCSI Initiator software listing drives under Devices), several volumes being presented (MPIO issues) and finally without any Dell software I've got a single drive (so MPIO issues look OK) but I'm unable to initialize the disk.

I was wondering whether you experienced anything similar or if it was a straight forward setup.  Did you have to change anything beyond what you'd do to configure it with 2008 R2?  Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

Hi,

I started this thread a while back after experiencing the same frustrations. I did try using the software version @ITPerson123 posted on 3-22-2013; I was able to get the 2012 server to connect and properly display the volumes in diskpart.

This was Thursday 3-28, my apologies for not posting the results sooner.

I could have sworn I had tried that version before, as I had seen a post while Googling for information and was aware of that release.

So at this point Dell is not supporting the MD3000i and server 2012; and from what I've heard don't expect it. They're not selling the units anymore..

My feelings are that they should support it; our MD3000i is still under the initial warranty and I'm sure Dell will happily extend it I choose to write the check.

Thanks,

Has anyone had any luck getting the Dell Modular Disk Storage Manager to load on Server 2012?  I'm using the MD32/36 Series Resource DVD, Version 4.1.0.88.

I've had great luck getting my hosts to connect to the MD3000i with it, but I can't get the storage manager to load.  I don't get any error messages and the logs look clean, but under "c:\program files (x86)\Dell\MD Storage Software\MD Storage Manager\client"  I do not have the "Modular Disk Storage Manager Client.exe"

I've search the entire dell directory and it doesn't show up there either.  When I've reinstalled a few times and selected all components for installation.

Thanks

Hello,

It does work on my 2012 server, and the file is present. BUT, I "upgraded"  from 2008R2. Mainly to see if "ITPerson123's" solution would work.

If you have a R2 unit that has it I wouldn't be afraid to try and copy it...may just work...

Me, I'm waiting for 2012R2, hopefully by then they will have shaken some of the bugs out...

Good luck..

Very interesting... thanks for sharing that info.  I don't have an 08R2 system to install it to, but maybe I could build a VM or something.  I looked a bit further and I think most of the files from the client folder are missing.  It's so odd since the Utility installed and works so well.

Ok, just did a pristine WS 2102 install on a new DELL R620.

Note: the iSCSI feature is installed by default, the MPIO feature is not. Do not install the MPIO feature prior to MDSS.

1. Broadcom 5720 NICS

2. Using the BACS, set Jumbo Frames, and turned off chimney, offloads, RSS.

3. set iSCSI service on and automatic start

4. installed FULL MDSS install and selected MD3220i support during install. (run as administrator "md_launcher.exe") DELL_MDSS_Consolidated_RDVD_4_1_0_88

5. reboot

6. started iSCSI utility and added target portals, essentially as in this description

cscmblog.blogspot.com/.../windows-2012-how-to-configure-multi_13.html

7. NOTE: MDSS installs the MPIO feature. Do not install the MPIO feature prior to running the MDSS install. Dell installs the DSM drivers for MD3000 - MD36xxi

8. Takes a few minutes for auto host config in MDSS to find the new hosts. Might want to restart the "Modular Disk Storage Manager Agent" per the MDSS help to get the host to show up on the array. Then can run automatic host access configuration.

9. Create/assign LUN to host.

10. initial testing seems to indicate expected performance.

ITPerson,

Did you attempt to install the MD Storage Manager and if so, are you able to find the .exe and launch it?

On a side note, I have my 2012 hosts connected to my MD3000i and I did install MPIO prior to installing MDSS and I didn't have any issues (that I can see.)  Unless the MD Storage Manager not installing properly is somehow related.

Thanks 

No, just used what I was used to on Server 2008 R2

Check it out and let me know what you think.  I had good luck with it - it essentially automates the process in your step #6 (the link to CSCM IT solutions)

So I just uninstall the Dell Storage Manger Software from the server, removed the MPIO role then rebooted.  I then ran a full install without installing the MIPO role (as you suggested) and the Storage Manager now shows up.  That surprises me... but whatever it takes.

Thanks.

One more question.  Is there a particular reason you did not use the "Create iSCSI Sessions" feature in the "Modular Disk Utility" to configure the ISCI connections?  

Yes, did a full MDSS install. The MD Storage Manager ( and the Modular Disk Configuration Utility ) showed up on the Start Panel.