UNSOLVED
RAID 0 - Missing Array - Perc 320
Following a normal shutdown of my PW 650 last night it now reports no array present when booting. The config utility (RAID BIOS?) indicates that the only option is to re-initialise and re-create the array (this requiring a full re-install and loss of data). Anyone got any ideas of the possible cause of this? Is this normal with the Perc 320 card? Is there a better solution than full re-install (stupidly I was too lazy to back up my data prior to this). Thanks in advance.
The file your lookig for is CD123610.exe which creates a set of four floppy disks (if I remember correctly) which you boot to and run the diagnostic (specifically on the raid array section). Have a large pot of coffee and some dougnuts at hand as it takes ffffff forever.
If unsure at all give Dell a call and ask them if the above is the latest diagnostic and includes the abillity to check out the Perc 320 array (otherwise you may get a bit frustrated).
As I said in my last - success.
I tried many things to recover the array (I hadnt backed up my data for a while) all to no avail. In the end after several frustrating calls to Dell it became apparent that one of the SCSI drives in the RAID 0 array I was running was dead. Dell offered a replacement drive which arived within two days and I was left to re-install the machine. Having learnt my lesson I re-installed with a RAID 1 setup and havent really noticed that much drop off in speed.
Note: Dell advised me to run the diagnostic disk provided with the computer which turned out to be well out of date. It pays to drop the latest diagnostic off the net (this one actually includes a tool for checking the Perc 320 - the one that came with the computer did not). Dell did offer to send a technician out to replace the drive however this would have taken too long so I opted to do it myself.
If I can help at all let me know.
Success...
- Thanks a lot for your answer. Before quiting on the array, I will try the diagnostic... and then I will go for the last backup. Although not very recent, it has the essential data I need...
Array 0 doesn't look like a smart idea unless you get very well organised on your backups. And if the speed difference is not that significant (maybe mainly for video applications and stuff like that?), array 1 looks like the best option, as your 'backup' is allways up to date... Thanks!
lupinto
2 Posts
187
0
Posted September 3rd, 2004 16:00
I am trying to find solutions in different locations but so far no luck. If you have found or find a solution in the meantime, I would like to ask you to let me know. Thanks!