Perc 6i Foreign Config Present

Question

Hello, I am fairly new to Perc raid controllers and troubleshooting them.

I have inherited a server that has been functioning fine for the last few weeks.

Today we have run into this error: Foreign Config Present

Oddly enough, there seemed to be a memory issue on e server today as well. It was showing improper memory config on a Poweredge 2900. I removed the smaller DIMMS and kept just the 4 4gb modules.

This is a working server and I dont know of any current backups on this as I just inherited the client (who has gone out of business, but still needs to process tax info once a month)

One of the Drives is flashing orange. The rest are solid green. RAID 5, 4 Drives.

What should I do to get this unit back up?

thanks. see attached photo

Daniel My · Accepted Answer

I hope this is the correct log file?

That is the alert log. Here are instructions for pulling the controller log using OMSA:

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/systems-management/w/wiki/6465.how-to-export-the-raid-log-with-openmanage-server-administrator-omsa

Once you have the log file you can attempt the import. I would suggest keeping the controller and hardware/system event log for you records. You may encounter issues later on and having those logs to reference could help out in the future.

Thanks

Daniel My · Answer

Hello

The RAID controller keeps a record of the array configuration in it's NVRAM. The configuration is also stored on each of the hard drives in the array. When the configuration on a drive does not match the configuration on the controller the drive is put into a foreign state. This usually occurs when encounter a communication issue that throws them out of sync with the controller. You mentioned that a memory fault occurred, when the memory faulted it may have disrupted communication with the drives.

If you go to the foreign view tab it will show information about the foreign configuration. If you choose the import option then the controller will attempt to bring the array back online by updating it's stored configuration to match what is currently stored on the drives. It is similar to forcing a drive online, but the import process is supposed to only bring drives online that are not too far out of sync with the other drives.

If you want to retain the data then do not choose the clear option. Clear will delete the array configuration off of the drives. It will not delete the data, but the array settings will be deleted and the drives will go to a ready state unless they are not functional.

Also, I would suggest that you get a controller log before you proceed further. The controller stores the last 10k lines in it's log. Every time you restart or do anything with the controller it adds more lines, so it is good to get a log before you start making changes. You can boot to our live image to pull a log:

https://www.dell.com/support/contents/us/en/19/article/Product-Support/Self-support-Knowledgebase/enterprise-resource-center/Enterprise-Tools/support-live-image

Thanks

owlie · Answer

thank you for the prompt reply. I have downloaded and booted into the CentOS live Image DVD.

I have downloaded the User Guide and skimmed it. I havent seen a section describing pulling a log file from a Perc 6i controller.

What is the process for doing this? thanks

theflash1932 · Answer

In OMSA ... Storage, PERC, Information/Configuration (link at top of page), Export Log from dropdown menu of Available Tasks for the controller.

owlie · Answer

thanks. I have the log file. It appears a memory config is the culprit. I hope this is the correct log file?

owlie · Answer

im up! thanks for the help

PowerEdge HDD/SCSI/RAID

Perc 6i Foreign Config Present

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