MD3000 - Unable to Discover Array

Question

It seems my actions have caused my progress to decline and looking for some assistance to make forward progress. Initially, I connected the MDSM to the array, but after trying to reset the MD3000(i) to factory default the MDSM software cannot connect to the array.

Thank you in advance for the help and guidance!

Background

This is my first time working with the MD3000 storage unit
I installed Resource CD, v.2.2.0.18, A11 Modular Disk Configuration Utility and Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM)
The host is a Win2012 server connected to the MD3000 via a Cisco 5 port switch
"Out-band" - using iSCSI (Ethernet)
Able to ping the array from the host

I was able to discover both array controllers 0\1

Issue: I did not know the password
The initial goal was to reset the unit back to "factory default" to start fresh

Activities (actions I have taken and result)

1. Using a console cable I performed a SysWipeZero 0 and 1 on controller 0 &1 from each of the controllers

After hitting return I saw a console message indicating that the action was being performed in the background and to perform a SysWipeZero on the other controller and also to reboot the array\controller

I am not sure if the action completed successfully
Is there a way to tell if the action was successful?

2. Using the netCfgShow command I could see the networking setting did not revert back to the factory default IP addresses

At this time I assumed the SysWipeZero action was not working

3. Tried the steps to configure the network but could not access to the "service interface menu" as the password supportDell looks to have been changed

Tried pulling and letting both controller batteries sit for 15 minutes

4. I reset the password using the clearSYMbolPassword command

The return value = 0 = 0x0 was displayed (I think this was successful)

5. When I tried to connect to the array with the MDSM v.2.2.0.18, A11 there a message about compatibility between the MDSM and version of the MD3000

In the console output, I see this line in the "Disk Array Controler Info section" Version: 06.17.77.60
Is it correct to assume that this the current firmware version?

6. I assumed the SysWipeZero deleted the firmware updates (and rolled back from 07.xx to 06.xx), so my next action was to update the firmware to the 07.xxx version

Uninstalled the MDSM v.2.2.0.18, A11 version and installed the Resource-CD/DVD: MD3000 [Build 6.2.0.2]
Was still not able to connect\discover the array with this version of the Modular Disk Configuration Utility (using either the auto discover or the manual method)
I also tried connecting the host directly to the array
Message reads: Unable to add specified array

DELL-Sam L · Answer

Hello DATSpamBox, With your controller firmware running version 06.xx.xx.xx the version of MDSM is to new. Here is a link to an older version of resource dvd that may allow your MD3000 to be seen. ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/RCD/DELL_MDSS_Consolidated_RDVD_3_0_0_18_A00_R314542.iso

Also, since you have gne1 firmware on your MD3000 you will need to use the bridge update to go from gen 1 to gen 2 firmware. Here are the links for that as well as steps to do the upgrade.

Gen 1 Firwmare http://ftp.us.dell.com/SAS-RAID/R193925.zip

Gen 2 firmware https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=R315163

Firmware upgrade steps

1. Verify you have a tested backup.

2. It is highly recommended to gather support bundle from the "Support" tab of the MD Storage Manager before performing any firmware upgrade operations. Also recommend getting another support bundle after the upgrade is complete.

3. Extract the firmware to folders.

4. Burn the ISO for the resource cd.

5. You must stop all I/O going to the array

6. Uninstall the MDSM (modular disk storage manager) from your management station or host (reboot)

7. Install MDSM from resource DVD (reboot)

8. Update firmware to the latest Gen1 06.70.17.60 A04 using MDSM (very important to not skip this)

9. Restart MDSM and verify connectivity.

10. At this point, power down the array for a 2-3 minutes, then power back up, load MDSM to verify connectivity again, then close out.

11. Once at 06.70.17.60 A04 , use the “upgrade raid controller firmware” on the “devices” screen to upgrade to the latest Gen2 07.35.39.64 A11

12. The upgrade from GEN 1 to GEN2 will take around 45 minutes, do NOT interrupt this process.

13. Once complete, verify connection and data by loading MDSM.

14. Update the hard drive firmware if applicable.

15. Reboot stack and verify all is optimal. Please allow for at least 60-85 minutes for the updates. Time may vary depending on how long each reboot takes.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

DATSpamBox · Answer

Resolution for installing the above older version of the MDSM

Issue

This problem applies to Windows 8.x, Windows 2012, Windows 2012 R2, and Windows 10. When launching the installation file, you receive an "Installer User interface Mode Not Supported" error message.

Symptom

Installer UI Mode Error
Installer User interface Mode Not Supported
The installer cannot run in this UI mode. To specify the interface mode, use the -i command option, followed by the UI mode identifier. The valid UI modes identifiers are GUI, Console, and Silent.

Cause

When using the installer on affected Windows operating systems, it must be run in Windows 7 compatibility mode.

Resolving the problem

To resolve the problem:

Right-click the md_launcher.exe installer file and select Properties.
Select the Compatibility tab.
Select Run this program in compatibility mode for: and then, in the menu, select Windows 7.
Click Apply and OK to save the change.
To run the installer, right-click it and select Run as administrator

DATSpamBox · Answer

Sam- Thank you for the help!

After Installing MDSM from resource DVD and rebooting the below message was displayed during the "Discovering storage arrays"

Window - Modular Disk Configuration Utility

"Storage array model is not supported. Ensure that the target storage array is an iSCSI-based Modular Disk Storage Array"

Screen Capture of "Storage Array model is not supported" error

DELL-Sam L · Answer

Hello DATSpamBox,

It sounds like you need an older version of MDSM /MDCU to complete the install. I am not able to find any older version other than the link that I provided. With your controller running that old of firmware if you don’t have the matching MDSM then you can’t manage your MD3000.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

PowerVault

MD3000 - Unable to Discover Array

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