Hello,

Thank you for reaching out with this issue. What you are experiencing is a known behavior that can occur when a Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) is introduced into a Storage Center that was not previously configured for Secure Data or encryption. The refurbished replacement drive you inserted is very likely a SED, and when the Storage Center detected it, the system automatically flagged the Secure Data state, which is why you are now seeing the "Storage Center locked by Secure Data" message and being prompted to configure a Key Management Server (KMS).

The reason the issue persists even after removing the drive is that once the Storage Center has recognized and triggered the Secure Data awareness, the flag remains set at the system level. Simply pulling the drive does not revert the configuration state back to what it was before.

Unfortunately, clearing this condition is not something that can be done easily through the Storage Center GUI on your own. This typically requires assistance from phone support, as they have the tools and backend access needed to safely clear the Secure Data lock without impacting your existing data or operations. In some cases, it may also involve ensuring that the replacement drive you use going forward is not a SED, or if it is, that Secure Data and KMS are properly configured to support it.

Since your storage is still up and running, this is a good time to engage phone support before the situation changes or before you need to perform additional drive replacements. I would recommend opening a service request with Dell Technical Support and referencing the "Storage Center locked by Secure Data" condition along with the details you have shared here. They will be able to walk you through the resolution steps specific to your environment and software version.

Please let me know if you need help with anything else.

@DELL-Josh Cr​ 

Hi,

Wow, thanks a lot for the explanation. I really appreciate it.

The problem is that the SC series array is already end-of-support/sale/life , so I don't think Dell will be willing to help me.

Do you know of any other options or companies that still provide support for these systems?

Sorry, I am unaware of any companies that do.