Solutions Enabler: How to set up a symavoid file

Summary: How to set up a symavoid file.

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Instructions

The symavoid file affects the operation of the "symcfg discover" operation so that it does not look for devices that belong to the arrays specified in this file. This may be useful if there are multiple arrays connected to the host that you want SYMCLI to avoid. 

 

The Symmetrix avoidance file is formatted with 12-character array ID with one array per line of the file. For example, the serial number HK184502410 would be formatted as 000184502410.

 

CAUTION: When a symavoid file is no longer needed, make sure you delete the file or remove the entries and then run a "symcfg discover" command.

 

The following procedure can be used to configure a symavoid file to block Solutions Enabler from discovering a specific array:

UNIX/Linux Steps:

  1. cd /var/symapi/config/
  2. vi symavoid
  3. Enter the array serial number as you would see it from a "symcfg list" command output. For example:
    000184502410
    For multiple arrays, put each array on its own line
  4. Save and close.
  5. symcfg remove -sid 2410
  6. symcfg discover
  7. symcfg list (verify that the array is removed from the list)

 

Windows Steps:

  1. cd \program files\emc\symapi\config\
  2. notepad symavoid
  3. Enter the array serial number as you would see it from a "symcfg list" command output. For example:
    000184502410
    For multiple arrays, put each array on its own line
  4. Click File > Save As and then navigate to C:\Program Files\EMC\SYMAPI\config and name the file symavoid. Under "Save as type" choose "All Files" instead of the default "Text Documents"
  5. symcfg remove -sid 2410
  6. symcfg discover
  7. symcfg list (verify that the array is removed from the list)

 

 

NOTE: Notepad by default saves files with a .txt extension. Make sure to add the period at the end of the filename, otherwise it will save it with the default .txt extension.

 

If you did not save the file correctly, you can open a command prompt, navigate to the directory, and change the filename using the command:

ren symavoid.txt symavoid.

Affected Products

Solutions Enabler
Article Properties
Article Number: 000062416
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 22 Sep 2025
Version:  3
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