Physical disk in Foreign state

Assuming only one disc is foreign and that the other discs are all functioning and your data is up and available, then you need to CLEAR the foreign configuration, then assign it as a hot spare to rebuild it into the array.

You do this in open manage server administrator, under storage, perc, and foreign configuration/clear from the drop-down menu of available tasks for the controller.

Hi @theflash1932 

Is it mandatory to do this from open manage server administrator.

It is ESXi host 5.5 and OMSA doesn't work. 

Can I do it from iDRAC?

Hi, I also prefer if OMSA is available at first. But please check these alternatives:

via Device Settings video https://dell.to/40ickyz

Clearing foreign configuration via iDRAC 7/8 https://dell.to/3TCfoTL

1. In the iDRAC web interface, go to Overview > Storage > Controllers > Setup . The Setup Controllers page is displayed.
2. In the Foreign Configuration section, from the Controller drop-down menu, select the controller for which you want to clear the foreign configuration.
3. From the Apply Operation Mode drop-down menu, select when you want to clear the data.
4. Click Clear. Based on the selected operation mode, the virtual disks residing on the physical disk is erased.

Hello My friend,

all the above statements are well described and solve your issue, if you have spare new drive then go for a replacement, else you need to clear the config and again add the disk to the HS drive.

Hi guys, 

Thank you for your replies. 

I would be grateful if you could answer few questions:

1) why all of a sudden a physical disk's state would turn to FOREIGN? the disk in questions hasn't been pulled out of some server and repurposed on the affected server. The physical disk has been in the server since the initial installation.

2) As I understand performing Clear Foreign Configuration removes a physical disk from a virtual disk. Can I re-use that physical disk or the disk is damaged?

3) When I pull out the physical disk after performing Clear Foreign Configuration and install a new physical disk do I need anything else to make it part of the virtual disk?

4) As I understand I can't just pull out the foreign disk and install the new one. is that correct?

Thanks in advance. 

1. why all of a sudden a physical disk's state would turn to FOREIGN? the disk in questions hasn't been pulled out of some server and repurposed on the affected server. The physical disk has been in the server since the initial installation. -> we need to take a look at your disks or SAS chain

2. As I understand performing Clear Foreign Configuration removes a physical disk from a virtual disk. Can I re-use that physical disk or the disk is damaged? -> you can reuse the disk that you performed Clear Foreign.

3. When I pull out the physical disk after performing Clear Foreign Configuration and install a new physical disk do I need anything else to make it part of the virtual disk?- >not necessarily as I know of

4. As I understand I can't just pull out the foreign disk and install the new one. is that correct? ->Foreign disk can be re used after Clear Foreign (as long as the disk is not faulty)

Hi @DELL-Young E thanks for your reply. 

Just a couple of questions regarding  Clear Foreign Configuration.

1. After I initiate Clear Foreign Configuration and pull out the disk is there anything I should do with that disk ( like format it or something else) or i can install it back immediately?

2. The physical disk in question is part of the RAID-10 virtual disk. I suppose that RAID-10 virtual disk should tolerate Clear Foreign Configuration process as disk will be taken out of the server. 

 1. yes you can
2. won't affect VD since you are only touching the Physical Disk 0:1:0