perc 6/i missing disk in array

Is there a way to check OMSA and ESM/Drac from DSET report without rebooting the server and going into BIOS?

Yes you will. When you do so it will see that the array is missing a member and will start the rebuild

Thanks @Dell-Chris H for your quick answers.

It now shows rebuilding. I rebooted the server and it shows 1 Virtual Disk (Degraded). Will it change to Optimal when the rebuilding is done?
How can i set the build rate? What is the optimum rate?
Do i need to update the BIOS or anything else for future?
How can i see the Rebuild progress from the OS?
And do i have to do this BIOS configuration each time I change a hot swappable disk?

Yes both would be listed in the Dset report. 

It will change to Optimal once the rebuild is completed.

You can configure the rebuild rate within OpenManage Server Admin (OMSA), under Information-Configuration-Controller Tasks. 30% is default for it, as well as suggested.

If you have the downtime now you should go ahead and update the server to limit your downtime in the future. You can use Server Update Utility (SUU) to update the server. Found here - http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=D9V9X&fileId=3197590144&osCode=WNET&productCode=poweredge-2900&languageCode=EN&categoryId=SM

To see the rebuild process from the OS you would need to install OMSA for this as well. You can get the download here - http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=V1JDD&fileId=3365593125&osCode=WNET&productCode=poweredge-2900&languageCode=EN&categoryId=SM

Not normally, the controller normally will automatically rebuild when the failed is removed and a clean replacement inserted. 

Let me know how it goes.

OMSA version will be listed under Help in the OMSA screen. The screen shot prior shows BMC at 1.77, that is the ESM/Drac as well. 

The server update utility shows it updates Bios and Linux drivers. Will it update windows drivers too?

Also, is this something that is installed on the server or needs disc to run it?

No it isn't going to update any of the windows files other than the hardware driver files. That is an ISO that you can either virtually mount on the OS or burn to disk and run while in the OS. 

Hi Chris,

I downloaded and ran the Dell System Update tool today, but it prompts that i should update the tool and its more than 120 days old. Can you point me to the newer version of this tool for PE 2900 (Win 2008 R2 64 bit) ?

Thanks,
Binoj

Here is the latest release. Sorry about the mix up. 
SUU - http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=7WJ8M&fileId=3362565951&osCode=WS8R2&productCode=poweredge-t420&languageCode=EN&categoryId=SM

Let me know how it goes.