Perc 3/SC - Windows domain controller failure

Question

This is the second time I am having this problem and cannot locate any information on it.   I have two servers (1600 and 1800) both with a Paerc 3/SC raid controller (both have 5 scsi drive configured as RAID 5).   After applying the latest PERC BIOS update and the Windows drivers the Active Directory get competely corrupted with no chance of recovery. I have even tried a clean install - as soon as the server is made a Domain Controller and reboot the following message appears and the server is unusable.   lsass.exe-System Error: Security Accounts Manager initialization failed because of the following error: Directory Service cannot start. Error Status: 0xc00002e1. Please click OK to shutdown this system and reboot into Directory Services Restore Mode, check the event log for more detailed information.   I find it hard to believe no-one else has had this problem as it has happen twice to me now and both time after the PERC bios is updated.   Any help appreciated.

Joseph_Pickell · Answer

Have you tried flashing the firmware for the ESM and the System Bios?   YOU WILL WANT TO FLASH THEM IN THIS ORDER:   Link for pe2800 Bios: http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/PE2800-BIOSA04.exe Link for pe2800 ESM: http://ftp.us.dell.com/esm/custbpfw100_Ta1.exe Link for pe2800 BMC: http://ftp.us.dell.com/esm/PE2800-2850BmcA05.exe   Link for pe2600 Bios: http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/PE2600-BIOSA14.EXE Link for pe2600 ESM: http://ftp.us.dell.com/esm/PE2600-ESMA32.exe

MarcCad · Answer

The server is a 1600SC and I have tried the flushing with no luck, thanks.

Joseph_Pickell · Answer

You said that the servers were a 1600 and a 1800? I don't understand what you are need support on then? Message Edited by Joseph_Pickell on 02-02-2006 09:57 AM

MarcCad · Answer

After updating the Firmware on the PERC 3/SC and promoting the server to a Domain controller (Windows 2003) the Active Directory becomes corrupted.

MarcCad · Answer

Yes. The version was 197O and now it is 198U.

MarcCad · Answer

There is no problems as long as the server is not promoted to a Domain controller. Once it is promoted the Active directory is corrupted and one has to reload the OS.

Joseph_Pickell · Answer

Are you installing the driver first and then restarting the server? Without letting it boot into windows, flashing the firmware via floppy disk (you have to do a full format on the floppy before you can use it to make sure there are no bad blocks on the disk)?   What was the original version of the perc controller when you flashed it to the lastest?

Joseph_Pickell · Answer

Check this link out. It is the Dell 32-bit diagnostics.

http://ftp.us.dell.com/diags/EI5061A0.ZIP

Running this will tell you whether you are having a hardware issue or a software issue. Instruction on setting up the cd are below.

Custom Instructions for ED5061A0.exe:

NOTE: In order to create this diskette set, this file must be downloaded to and executed on a system running Microsoft Windows.

Download

1. Select the download method you want to use to retrieve the file - either HTTP or FTP.
2. If the Export Compliance Disclaimer window appears, read the agreement and then select either "I agree" or "I disagree".
3. When the File Download window appears, click Save.
4. From the Save As dialog, select a location and a file name then click "Save".
5. If a Download Complete window appears, click Close.

Diskette Creation

1. Double-click the new icon on the desktop. The Self-Extractor window appears showing how many blank floppy disks will be needed.
2. Insert a blank diskette then click "Continue ..".
3. When prompted, repeat step 2 until you reach the end of the diskette set. Label each diskette with a disk number starting from 1.
4. After all the files have been copied to the last diskette, click "Finish".

Running the Diagnostics

1. Insert the first diskette of the set into your floppy disk drive.
2. Boot to the diskette.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

FIT4IT · Answer

i encountered a similar problem ( http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=pes_other&message.id=16247). could this be related to the mentioned fix in the thread?

PowerEdge HDD/SCSI/RAID

Perc 3/SC - Windows domain controller failure

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