Isilon: How to Reset and Add Repurposed Isilon Nodes to an Existing Cluster

Summary: Any repurposed nodes should be reset to factory settings before they are added to an existing cluster. Otherwise, previous configurations with overlapping backend IP addresses may cause cluster issues. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Instructions

Introduction

Before adding a repurposed node to an existing cluster, reset the node to factory default settings. If the settings on the repurposed node are not reset, previous configurations may cause cluster issues such as IP address conflicts or possible data loss.

This article provides procedures for resetting a node and for resetting a node and then adding the node to an existing cluster.

Procedure

  1. Disconnect the InfiniBand (IB) or Backend networking cables from the node.
  2. Open an SSH connection on the node to reset and log in using the "root" account.
  3. Run the following command to reformat the node:
# isi_reformat_node

The following output appears:

Reformatting node and destroying filesystem
Are you sure? (yes/no) [no]?
  1. Type Yes and then press ENTER.

The following output appears:

This could destroy data
Are you really sure? (yes/no) [no]?
  1. Type Yes and then press ENTER. The system creates a new file system for OneFS. After the reformatting process finishes, the node reboots.
  2. Reconnect the IB cables to the node.
  3. When the configuration wizard appears, Type 2 to join the node to an existing cluster.
  4. Select a cluster to join the node to from the list.
  5. The system joins the node to the existing cluster. If an error occurs, contact Dell Technical Support.

Affected Products

Isilon

Products

Isilon, PowerScale OneFS
Article Properties
Article Number: 000020298
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 25 Jun 2025
Version:  8
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.