Server unable to boot

Verify if the Server has a PERC for the RAID. Because of the dead or replaced battery the Server is back to system defaults and you should configure it back to "RAID" and maybe also "UEFI".   Dont be afraid that RAID config is lost or so... it isnt, because RAID config is stored within the PERC and on the DISKS. 

Its the BIOS which lost all settings because of the CMOS battery.

Regards,

Joerg

@Origin3k​ can you explain to me how to tell if it has a raid controller? From checking the box I saw no RAID battery so I assumed the box was not raided. I did notice the SATA settings were set to AHCI currently, and I was wondering if it should technically be set to RAID but I'm worried about the potential data lost with switching it as the small business has really important information there. I'm unsure if they have anything backed up and they have no clue either. I was brought into this issue recently and their past IT guy retired so I'm trying to catch myself up and help them out.

Let me know next steps. Thanks!

For embedded SATA there are two options within the BIOS

AHCI == somekind of Passthrough

RAID == It enables the S1x0 (software raid controller)

If your Poweredge is equiped with a real PERC H7xx or H3xx(no Cache/Battery) that there is a third way.

Just take a look into the the server inventory or use the service tag and visit dell.com/support  to find out how the server leave the factory.

So... Embedded SATA (AHCI/RAID), BIOS/UEFI and Bootorder needs to be reconfigure.

I assume that the previous configuration doesnt use AHCI because thats the system default and because it will currently no booting it must be a different configuration.

If youre unsure and have no backup you should call Dell support.

Regards,

Joerg

@Origin3k​ can you tell me how to get to server inventory from the BIOS settings? I've tried looking up the service tag but I can't find any information. I believe their old IT person built this server themselves and I don't know how to restore to its custom settings since I don't know what those were.

The business doesn't want to pay for Dell support hence why I am here and trying to figure out a way to do this just so we can get the server back up.

1. dell.com/support 
2. Enter your STAG in the middle search field
3. on right there is "systemconfiguration"

Regards,

Joerg

Checking the configuration that the box was sent from factory, it shows two specs regarding the RAID not sure if that helps?

You havent post the complete output but i see "S110". So reconfigure Embedded SATA form AHCI to RAID and see whats happend.

Not sure what you mean by complete output? Do you believe that data will be lost? It would be very unfortunate they lose this program and data.

I am refferring to the screenshot.

Oh yes I was just showing you RAID information. Did you want to see all the specs of this server?

Hello, liking a guideline that may help your understanding.

https://dl.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_ser_stor_net/esuprtl_adapters/poweredge-rc-s110_user's%20guide_en-us.pdf

Page 39

I’m guessing the configuration was deleted when getting a new battery.

Please note that you’ll lose data please back up first and foremost.

Resepctfully,

@DELL-Young E​ can you tell me what type of data would be lost? They use a program called Lytec and have SQL server that holds a database of clients they do billing for. Will all of this be lost? I have no way of backing up for the fact I can't even get into the system.

They believe the first hard drive in Port A most likely holds the operating system and the second hard drive in Port B holds the database and the program they use. Is that safe to assume? Could it be possible I take out the hard drive from Port B before switching the setting from ACHI to Raid? The only thing affected would be hard drive in Port A. Would that be a possibility? Or is that even risky?

The other thing to point out from the link you sent me. It says switching from RAID to the other settings could potentially lose data. Is that the same vice versa. If you switch from ACHI to RAID that would lose data but that is not indicated in the guidelines you sent?