Upgrade SnapOS on 705N

Question

I have the most recent version of the operating system that's been released by Dell for our 705N, version 3.4.790. Still, even though the machine hardly ever gets accessed, it's been panicking at seemingly random times.

Moreover, while accessing files via Mac OS X 10.2 has been just fine, there's a limit on the NAS for files with fewer than 32 characters (which was an issue with Mac OS, but not Mac OS X).

So, I'd like to update the operating system on the 705 N to a newer version that's been released by Snap! version 3.4.803 -- this is for the Snap 4100 -- the model Dell resold as the 705 N.

When uploading the .sup file that contains the OS upgrade, I get an error stating "this is not the right kind of file" regardless if I use the web or the assistant to upgrade the OS.

Has anyone figured out a way to upgrade the OS beyond what Dell is providing?

Message Edited by flumignan on 04-22-2003 12:33 PM

bigcitymike · Answer

Forworded from a friend and it works like a charm!!

Dell 705N will not accept a Snap software file load Dell images. I have purchased a number of surplus Dell units and converted them to Snap models via the debug menu.

Note: Risk of all data being lost, back up, don't blame me, etc.

To convert a 705N into a Snap 4100:

1) go to http://servername/config/debug (you'll need your username and password)
2) enter "bios unlock" and click "Ok"
3) enter "bios oem none" and click "Ok"
4) enter "bios lock" and click "Ok"

You may need to re-select your language at this point. You may also need to download the Snap version of Snap Assist for firmware uploads.

At this point you can install Snap OS 3.4.805 or later. Do this before installing the larger drives.

If you are running RAID 5 on your servers, you can get a big boost in performance for some applications by replaing the RAM in the server with a larger one. Snap 4100s come with either a 64MB (older) or 128MB (newer) DIMM.
The maximum capacity is 256MB. I recommend the Kingston KVR100X72C2L/256 part. Note that the Snap does *not* have / use memory parity, so a good DIMM is essential to avoid data corruption. Also, you need the "L" (low profile) part or you won't get the cover back on the Snap server. The default memory allocation for RAID cache is 1/4 of physical memory - 32MB on a 128MB DIMM, 64MB on a 256MB DIMM. If you aren't using Java on the server, you can say "config raid cache 160MB" after upgrading the SIMM (the old 32MB plus adding all of the additional 128MB to the cache).

rpmurray · Answer

bigcitymike, I could just give you a great big sloppy kiss, and your friend too. This is a very nice Christmas present. I've been looking for just this kind of information for a while.

For those of you following this thread, I followed bigcitymike's instructions to change a spare 705N I have so it will load the Snap software. Worked just like a dream, absolutely no problems. Except for the Dell label on the front, you'd never know it wasn't a Snap 4100.

Anyone know where to get a quieter cooler for the CPU? The one in mine occasionally gets pretty loud.

Message Edited by rpmurray on 12-18-2003 01:46 PM

msnovl · Answer

Has anyone already bought the latest SnapOS v4? Please email me, as I would sure like to "borrow" it.

Think it is ridiculous that we are now having to pay for upgrade assurance on "hardware" to maintain compatibility.

TIA

bigcitymike · Answer

rpmurray glad to share the information. I too am looking for the newer SnapOS4. I'm hoping it supports LBA48 (larger drives,160GB/250GB/whatever) I have 4 200GB drives in my 705/snap4100 and i'd like to get the full potential out of theses babies. If any one has information on the new SnapOs4 and or has tried it please email me. I'd even consider paying for it, if it supports my needs.

Bigcitymike

snap4100 · Answer

I have the SnapOS 4 (v4.0.830) upgrade files and my NAS is running this version.

Drives larger than 128 GB are still not supported by this release. As far as I know this has nothing to do with the OS, it's a limitation of the built in promise controller or it's bios.

If someone is interested in the OS upgrade: I'm interested in two (!) different (!) Snap Server-to-Server Sync licenses ;-)

onemoreidiot · Answer

Thanks for the info.... of course Dell is giving the run-around about this... they expect you to buy a new NAS - which is ridiculous...   Anyone have any luck finding the SNAPOS v4?  I'll split the cost with you.   Thanks.   david

mkrosse · Answer

Does this method automatically cause data loss;  or can i risk it without backing up? I am stuck because of XP hotfix 885250 breaking windows file sharing with 3.x versions of Dell SnapOS.

Mitosh · Answer

I tried Snap OS 4 .830 and previously I could not write to the NAS now my 2003 box can write but I cannot seem to maintain reliability, I still have files saying their locked and cannot be deleted and the device just acts funny.  Anyone have access to the latest firmware that they can send me, no way i am spending $699, I got them down to $350 and i can use it on all our Dell 705N's but I still don't know if it will fix the problem and about fed up with it, it works on all the computers we have except the computers we need it for.   vampired @ gmail.com Message Edited by Mitosh on 04-05-2005 12:03 PM

onemoreidiot · Answer

Actually - you can get all the downloads for free from http://www.snapappliance.com/

You'll need the serial number from the back of your Dell 705N.

register the server with SNAP and voila! you can download the files to upgrade to latest version of SNAP.

At least that's what the site indicates. I've downloaded the files, but haven't applied them yet - because I've got to copy each folder over to a removable drive. Of course the backup tape won't work until you install the SNAP OS because it won't authenticate to the 2003 domain.

Any words of wisdom before I install the patches and upgrade?

david

Mitosh · Answer

Actually you can only get 3.4 and not 4.x unless your product is still under warranty. Otherwise you have to put it under warranty. When I spoke to them they said you are to use another copy if you have it but they cannot give out the SnapOS without maintenance and upgrade. If someone has an email that has the latest 4.x that would be nice.

Chaitanya21 · Answer

I just purchased a 705N that currently has the 3.4x version of the snap OS, but lo and behold, I also have a Windows 2003 server active directory domain controller that I am using, and the powervault does not work properly in my network. I'm not able to access the 705N at all when using my domain. I found the instructions on how to mod the bios of the 705N and can do that, I just for the life of me can't find a download to upgrade the snap os. Does anyone have the SnapOS file that I can get from them to upgrade to Snap OS V4. Please email me at chaitanya @ bitmap-productions.com if so. Thanks.

jwaldron232 · Answer

I've got the same problem.  Just purchased one on Overstock.com, and can't use it on my domain.  I'd love to know if there is still a way to get v4 so I can use this.    Thanks for your help.   jwaldron232 at gmail dot com

pthack · Answer

I just got one as well (OS version 3.4.805), and are having loads of problems trying to get it working right in the domain environment. Adaptec won't even sell me the Snapos 4.x upgrade.

If anyone has the updates to get from 3.4.805 up to current, please send them to me as well...

Pete at woytovech dot com

timecop · Answer

I got a 705N new in box with OS 2.4.441 hardware v2.2.1
And no matter what I try I cannot get it to upgrade to dell version 3.0
or 3.1 or anything else available off their site.
the assist 3.4 utility says:
---------------------------
Assist
---------------------------
This file is not a valid upgrade for your server.
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------

If someone can tell me how to fix this and/or send me whatever is needed to ugprade this to a working (newer?) OS, mail timecop at gmail.com thanx

Fitz_ · Answer

I have a snap 4100 that no longer works in my Server 2003 Active Directory - I contacted Adaptec support and was told they actually expect me to PAY for a maintenance contract I will never use to fix their OS problem. I refuse to pay for updates like this and if everyone refuses then we may see a change in attitude from vendors.

There is however a workaround for this problem if you have a Linux (or other UNIX) box running SAMBA3 with Winbind.

Join the *NIX machine to your Active Directory (see WinBind docs)

Turn on NFS sharing in the Snap Server.

Edit the root$ share and add an NFS entry for UID 0 from the IP of your *NIX machine.

Make a directory on the *NIX machine for a NFS mount -
e.g. mkdir /mnt/snap

As root, mount the root$ share of the snap using NFS from the *NIX machine

e.g. # mount -t nfs ip.of.snap.server:/root$ /mnt/snap

Edit your /etc/samba/smb.conf to share the mounted folder to Active Directory users.

This should get you up and running.

PowerVault

Upgrade SnapOS on 705N

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