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Nouvelle S.r.l.

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10 years ago

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Nouvelle S.r.l.

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April 7th, 2017 04:00

Replacing a PERC H710 without resetting the array

Greetings.

On a PE with a PERC H710 controller, for a test, I need to temporarily replace the controller. However I would like to keep the array configuration and the data currently on it, rather than going through and array reset and reload.

Is this possible?  (In other words where is the array configuration kept, the controller or the disks? I am afraid that swapping controllers will reset my array and cause data loss). 

  • tapelibraryfixer

    2 Intern

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    Posted April 7th, 2017 04:00

    the config is on the disks, when the system boots with the new card it will ask you if you want to use the config from the disks

  • theflash1932

    11 Legend

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    16255 Posts

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    Posted April 7th, 2017 09:00

    When you boot up with the new controller, it will likely tell you that a foreign configuration was found. Go into the CTRL-R utility, highlight the controller, hit F2, Foreign, Import.

  • 10950

    0

    Posted January 18th, 2021 13:00

    In your experience, if you replace a controller of the same model on an R620 when you run configuration import, it will not run correctly or the computer will hang up.
    What other actions can be taken?

  • DELL-Joey C

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    Posted January 18th, 2021 18:00

    Hi,

     

    I would check if the card is compatible with the server, could you provide me the DPN# of the replacement card. I would also check if the BIOS and LCC is up to date. What error are you getting when you say "it will not run correctly"? Have you made sure all the cables and the card is seated properly? - Try removing and install the card again. Do you have iDRAC access? Try checking the logs or the hardware health. 

    DELL-Joey C

    Social Media and Communities Professional

    Dell Technologies | Enterprise Support Services

    #IWork4Dell

    Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’ if I did. 

  • 10914

    0

    Posted January 19th, 2021 09:00

    The card currently installed is: N3V6G
    The card to be installed is: TY8F9
    Checking on the Dell EMC page is compatible.

    There is no error shown at the time of importing the configuration, the problem is that the process does not run and the image is frozen inside (Go into the CTRL-R utility, highlight the controller, hit F2, Foreign, Import.)

    All the cables are correctly connected.

    iDRAC firmware version: 1.57.57
    BIOS version: 2.2.3

    1.1.JPG1.2.JPG1.3.JPG1.JPG

  • DELL-Chris H

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    Posted January 19th, 2021 11:00

    I am showing the card as compatible with the R620, I would start by making sure the new controller is at least at the same firmware the previous one was, than afterwards access the controller again and then hit Ctrl-N until you get to the Foreign View page and let us know what you see there. Are you able to import the foreign from there, instead of the F2 menu?

     

    Let us know.

     

     

    DELL-Chris H

    Social Media and Communities Professional

    Dell Technologies | Enterprise Support Services

    #IWork4Dell

    Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’. ‘Thumbs up’ the posts you like!

  • 10900

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    Posted January 19th, 2021 12:00

    The message when starting the server of the installed (old) controller:
    FW Package: 21.3.0-0009

    The message when starting the server, when replacing with the new controller:
    FW Package: 21.1.0-0007

    This means that the "new" controller recognizes older firmware.
    How to update the controller firmware, without losing the data of the configured disks and arrays?

  • Dell-DylanJ

    6 Operator

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    2924 Posts

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    Posted January 19th, 2021 13:00

    Hello,

     

    A copy of the RAID metadata is stored on the drives. This is so that in the event of a controller replacement, the RAID array can be imported. You can update the firmware of the controller without worry to the integrity of the RAID volume. I would recommend updating the controller using the iDRAC's web interface, if you have it available.

  • Dell-DylanJ

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    Posted January 20th, 2021 12:00

    You've mostly got the process correct.

     

    1. Shut off the server and replace the controller

    2. Update the firmware through the iDRAC Web GUI

    3. Import the foreign configuration (should be automated, may be prompted to press the 'F' key)

    4. Boot to OS

     

    H710P Mini Firmware: https://dell.to/391SxLK

     

    It looks like you're iDRAC firmware is pretty old, too. I'd go ahead and update that while you're working on this. BIOS 2.9.0 is also marked as an urgent update, if you'd be interested.

     

    iDRAC 1.66.65: https://dell.to/3iwMIZG

     

    iDRAC 2.65.65.65: https://dell.to/2Ky8EqV

     

    BIOS 2.9.0: https://dell.to/2YbyT9X

  • 10852

    0

    Posted January 20th, 2021 12:00

    Hello,
    The correct procedure would be:

    1. Install the new controller
    2. Download PERC H710p MINI controller firmware
    3. Through iDRAC update the driver (is there any user guide to do it?)
    4. Import the foreing configuration (this would be the final step?)

    I have a question: will this procedure affect the data stored on the hard disks and arrays?

    If I make a mistake in the process please correct me.