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Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: My RAID controller has an issue not addressed above

Articles / 2009-06-23

Check the following:

• Update the firmware files to the latest version. The files required depend of the server
board, but may include BIOS, BMC, FRUSDR, HSC. Clear the CMOS upon completing
any updates. Update the RAID controller to the latest version of firmware. Update files
can be downloaded from http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/server.

• Download and apply the latest drivers used for your installation. These drivers may
include video, network adapter, SCSI, ATA RAID, chipset, and operating system drivers.

• Confirm that the processor(s) was installed correctly. If a single processor is installed, it
must be in CPU socket 1. When more than one processor is installed, they must be of
the same speed and voltage (and within one stepping). Do not attempt to overclock the
processors or other components on this system. Overclocking is generally not possible
and may damage components and void the warranty of your server board or other
components.

• Confirm that the memory is properly seated and that both the server board and RAID
controller memory is listed on the tested memory list.

• Calculate the power budget to ensure sufficient power is supplied. Power budget
information is usually included in the server board product guide or the technical product
specification. Information about the RAID controller power-draw is available in the RAID
controller hardware guide and is also available at
http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/server.

• Verify that all chassis, power supply, and processor fans are properly installed and
functioning. If installed in a third-party chassis, verify that sufficient cooling is available.

• When using multiple PCI adapter cards in a PCI riser with more than one slot, populate
the slots from the bottom up. On systems without a PCI riser, see if your results vary by
moving the RAID controller to a different slot.

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Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: Some of my hard drives show up during POST and some do not

Articles / 2009-06-23

Drives not showing up in post can be caused by a variety of problems. Please check the
following:

• Are you using the latest BIOS and firmware for the server board and the latest firmware
for the RAID card?

• System memory limitations limit the number and size of option ROMs that can be used
in the system. If you place too many adapters in the system, or the ROMs on the
adapters you have installed take up too much space in memory, the option ROM on
your RAID controller may not expand correctly and will not show the hard drives that are
connected to it. Try turning off the expansion ROMs for any on-board device that is not
being used. For example, if your server board includes a SCSI controller that is not
being used, disable this SCSI controller in BIOS setup. For a list of tested peripherals
with the Intel RAID controller, download the Tested Operating System and Adapter List
from http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/server.

• If you are using a Zero Channel Card that utilizes the on board IO controller, such as an
on-board SCSI or Serial ATA controller, the Option ROM scan for the on-board device
must be enabled. If it is not enabled, drives connected to that device will not show up
during POST.

• Confirm that the drive power cables are firmly connected. If you are using a chassis
with a backplane, make sure the power and SCSI cables are properly applied to the
backplane and the hard drives are firmly seated in the backplane.

• Check your SCSI ID numbers. SCSI devices must each have a unique ID on the SCSI
bus. This number is set with jumpers on the device. ID numbers should be set starting
at 0 and they must be set lower than 8 if booting from the drive. If you are using a
server chassis with a backplane, the device IDs are usually automatically set by the
backplane, but may be manually configurable.

• Check for proper termination on the SCSI bus. Intel RAID cards are by default autoterminating.

If your hard drives still do not show during post, please call your customer support
representative. Note the following information and have it ready to assist the support engineer:

• Model number and firmware revision of the RAID controller you are using.
• Manufacturer and model number of other add-in adapters installed in your system.
• Manufacturer and model number of hard drives installed in the system.
• Identify the type of termination used for the card.
• The SCSI IDs of the devices on your SCSI bus.
• The number and type of SCSI channels.
• Manufacturer and model of the memory used in the system and on the RAID controller
and whether it is on the tested memory list.

Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: Some of my hard drives show up during POST and some do not Read More »

Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: My system appears to power on, however there is no video

Articles / 2009-06-23

Check the following:

• Look for a blinking cursor in the top left corner of the screen. If the cursor is there, wait
5 minutes to determine if the system will continue the boot process.

• Your RAID controller may require the addition of a memory module. Verify that the
module is included on the tested memory list for the RAID controller. The tested
memory list is available at http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/server.
Remove and reseat the memory module if memory on the card is installed in a memory
socket.

• Remove all add-in cards, including the RAID controller. See if the server boots using
only the on-board components. If successful, add the cards back in one at a time,
rebooting between each addition. This will help you determine the card that is causing
the problem.

• Listen for any beep codes and refer to your product documentation. A 1-3 beep code
from the RAID card indicates normal operation.

• Make sure the monitor is turned on and the video cable is plugged in completely. If you
are using a switch box to share a monitor between multiple servers, make sure you have
the switch set to the correct server.

If you are unable to resolve this issue, contact your customer support representative. Gather
the following information before making your phone call:

• The make and model server board and RAID controller are you using.
• The version of BIOS and firmware of the server board.
• The version of the firmware on the RAID controller.
• The PBA (Product Board Assembly) number on the board.
• The chassis and power supply the server is using.
• Note what is displayed on the monitor or any sounds emanating from the server system.

Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: My system appears to power on, however there is no video Read More »

Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: Upon booting, my server starts beeping

Articles / 2009-06-23

Upon power on, beeps can come from the server board, from the RAID controller, or from other
devices installed in the system. The message conveyed by the beep codes will vary depending
on the make and model of the device. Try to determine which device is emitting the beep
codes and refer to the documentation for that device.

Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: Upon booting, my server starts beeping Read More »

Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: My server will not power on

Articles / 2009-06-23

Though it is unlikely that a server will not boot, the following are some of the possible reasons for failure to boot:

• Some ATX power supplies have a power switch on the back of the power supply next to
the fan. Is this switched on?

• Check for proper power cord connections. Some chassis allow the use of two power
cords and the system will not power on when a single cord is used and is plugged into
the wrong connector.

• The Intel RAID Controller requires additional power to run. Although the amount
required is minimal, it may cause the system to exceed the power available from the
system power supply. Failure to provide the correct power supply or sufficient output
from the power supply may result in a failure of the system to power on. Refer to the
server board’s Technical Product Specification to calculate the necessary power budget
for all installed devices that draw power. These devices may include the memory, disk
drives, and add in cards. Verify sufficient power exists to run the system.

• Examine the LEDs on card and compare them to the product documentation to
determine if the LEDs give an indication of the failure.

• Compare any RAID card beep codes to the codes outlined in the product documentation
to determine if the beep codes you hear give any indication of the failure.

If you are unable to resolve this issue, contact your customer support representative. Gather
the following information before making your phone call:

Intel RAID Controller Troubleshooting Guide: My server will not power on Read More »

Seagate Additions External Storage Solutions For Small Business

Articles / 2009-06-23 / 1 Comment

Seagate Introduces New Additions To Its BlackArmor Family Of External Storage Solutions For Small Business, New Products include Networked, Desktop, and Mobile Storage Options to Store, Backup, and Secure Business Critical Data.

Seagate announced three additional BlackArmor ® product offerings:
1. BlackArmor ® NAS 220 storage server
2. BlackArmor ® WS 110 external drive workstation
3. BlackArmor ® PS 110 portable drive

Joining the existing network attached storage line up – the BlackArmor ® NAS 440 and BlackArmor ® NAS 420 storage servers – these new solutions share the same suite of robust backup applications for business professionals and home office use.

“In challenging economic conditions, small businesses are demanding that high-quality, integrated, reliable IT solutions be delivered in economical packages,” said Ben Woo, vice president, Enterprise Storage Systems Research, IDC. “Providing the flexibility to choose from an array of solutions that support current needs and provide a strategic growth path with minimal additional investment will be very appealing to this market segment.”

Additions to the Seagate BlackArmor family:

* BlackArmor NAS 220 Storage Server : Delivering centralize network storage and secure remote access in a compact design, the BlackArmor NAS 220 storage server is a small-business-specific network attached storage solution designed to provide data protection for up to 20 PCs¹. With up to 4TB of shared storage capacity, the BlackArmor NAS 220 storage server can meet the needs of small offices and self-employed professionals as well as home networks.

* BlackArmor WS 110 Workstation External Drive : For small office, home-based professionals or remote staff, the BlackArmor WS 110 external drive is a powerful, complete and secure direct attached external storage and backup solution. The dual interface of eSATA and USB 2.0 provide quick access to data. With a piano black enclosure, the BlackArmor WS 110 external drive is designed to lie flat or stand vertically to blend seamlessly into a work environment.

* BlackArmor PS 110 Portable Drive : With the BlackArmor PS 110 portable drive employees who travel with business critical files can do so with the peace of mind that their backed-up data is protected. The business-grade backup application coupled with a reliable Seagate hard drive in an exceptionally slim, 12.5mm package, which makes the BlackArmor PS 110 portable drive a powerful storage solution for traveling professionals.

Availability and Pricing

All products can be purchased through channel partners and select retailers at the following manufacturers’ suggested retail prices (MSRP):

* Available in late July, Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220– $449.99 for 2TB and $699.99 for 4TB
* Available now, Seagate BlackArmor WS 110–$159.99 for 1TB and $309.99 for 2TB
* Available now, Seagate BlackArmor PS 110–$159.99 for 500GB

More detailed information about the Seagate BlackArmor family of solutions can be found at http://media.seagate.com/seagate-blackarmor-media-kit/

Seagate Additions External Storage Solutions For Small Business Read More »

Backup and Recovery for Small Business Networks

Articles / 2009-06-21

Ask small business IT staff what worries them most . They won’t talk about natural disasters, power outages, security breaches or running out of disk space. They will probably tell you that what keeps them up the most are nightmares about backing up and recovering servers and workstations and the data on them. This shouldn’t be the case, because the market is full of very good software and hardware backup products, each of which can be used in conjunction with a variety of backup strategies. So, if you’re one of those worriers, sit back, relax and get rid of those backup/recovery blues by selecting the right product and strategy for your backup needs.

Most backup products support backup of files to tape and disk, and they let you restore discrete files from your backups. That’s great if you have to restore one or a few lost files. But what if you have to recover an entire disk drive, like your system drive? Older solutions require you to fix your hardware and then reinstall the operating system, then install your backup software, then install your applications and then install each data file to the repaired hardware. Better backup products allow you to restore application configuration information (for example the Windows Registry) and then restore applications from your backup. But all of these solutions are nerve-wracking and time-consuming. The full process can take six to eight hours or even more, depending on how much data you have to restore. This is not a fun way to spend your day, especially in a small business environment where IT resources are often limited and you have a lot of “real” work to do.

Putting The Pedal To Bare Metal

products are a great solution for small businesses. The best allow you to backup and then restore servers and sometimes networked workstations at either the level of discrete files or the entire disk volume. When you restore a disk volume to a new empty disk drive, you’re doing what is called “bare metal recovery” or “disaster recovery.” Most products let you restore to a drive temporarily mounted in any computer. Most also let you boot your original repaired computer off a CD-ROM and restore your disk drive from CD-ROM, a second disk drive connected to the computer, a disk on the network or, in some cases, tape. Bare metal recoveries save lots of time – they can take less than one-sixth the time of a discrete file recovery.

It is true if you’re buying a solution for a large networked environment, using a complex backup product with special modules for bare metal backup and recovery. However, there are very reasonably priced bare metal products designed specifically for the small and medium-sized business market.

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Recovery Raid 5 (Step By Step)

Articles / 2009-06-19

Software: Getway Raid Recovery 2.0;
RAID Type: RAID 5 with 3 drives, 1 drive defect;
Factory Type: IBM
Malfunction Description: Sudden RAID damaged, all in the state of “DDD”, RAID corrupted by replacing the hard disk order off-line or push-pull, all the files lost.

Step 1: Analyze Mode Selection

Select the “Smart Mode”, and then click the “Next” button.

(Once you get a RAID recovery case, we usually suggest you firstly select “Smart Mode“, It is the most convenient and efficient Mode: Fast, Intelligent. Certainly, if you clearly know the RAID details, you can recover the data by directly using either the Manual Mode or User-defined Mode.)

Step 2: Load Image & Set Raid Parameters

The default set is Factory Type as “Standard” and the Raid Type as ” Raid 5″ (you can select the right Factor Type and the Raid Type according to your RAID Array), and then click the “Next” button to rebuild and recover the RAID Array.

Step 3: Analyze & Export Image

A) Analyze:
Click the “Analyze” button after your finish the parameter setup. Getway RAID Recovery software will display the parameters and the right disk order of your RAID Array, and also you can view the reconstructed partition information.

B) File View:

Select one partition and click “File View” button, a file browser will be popped up. You can view the folders and the files from the browser after successfully analyze. You will know the analysis was successful or not by this step.

C) Export Image:

After you verify the authenticity of the data, and also you sure you want to get the data back, you can purchase a License Key and activate the software. The detailed operations are as follow: after you get the License key, please click the “About” button and input the ID and License Key to activate the software.

Then you can export the partition as the image files or export the image to other hard disk.

Attention: Please don’t export the image to your system disk, otherwise it will cover the data which on your system disk.

Rebuild RAID:
Verify the authenticity of the image files, and then reload the image files to the new RAID Array. RAID Recovery is successful.

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How to repair Vista startup problems

Articles / 2009-06-19 / 1 Comment

The Windows Vista Recovery Environment can be useful in restoring system files affecting startup.

To use this feature:

1. Boot from the Vista Boot DVD

2. scroll through to choose a recovery tool

3. Statup repair can replace or repair corrupted system files. This is the first option shown

If startup repair is not able to resolve the issue and allow you to boot into Windows you will see the a dialogue window explaining that the repair was not successful along with problem details.

At this point you should contact your IT Admin or call tech support.

How to repair Vista startup problems Read More »

RAID 6 Areca ARC-1120

Articles / 2009-06-18 / 1 Comment

Fierce competition dominates the market for professionally-equipped Serial ATA RAID controllers. Shortly after manufacturers HighPoint and Promise became the first to launch their PCI-based products on the market, more well-known names like Adaptec and LSI Logic followed suit. A year ago, RAIDCore and NetCell also debuted their products, and made a good impression from the word go.

All of these manufacturers concentrated primarily on making their products better suited to the professional market, and are focusing particularly on offering devices on the PCI-X interface . Now, Taiwanese manufacturer Areca hopes to go them one better by supporting RAID 6.

RAID controllers are used most often in business settings, particularly for servers. The point of RAID is to increase the performance of the storage subsystem when using numerous hard drives simultaneously, and also protecting against data loss due to hard drive crashes. Even if regular backups are used, constant availability of storage systems is invaluable for business workflows, and this is what RAID provides.

A RAID Level 5 array is a common type, used in most normal business situations. In this arrangement, when data is written to the array, it is distributed to all drives but one. The controller generates a checksum (parity information) for the data set written, and writes the checksum to the final hard drive. This can be used to reconstruct the data if any one drive is lost. At the same time, performance is improved because data is being written to (or read from) many drives in parallel.

In RAID5, the drive chosen for the checksum changes for each data block written. Thus, it is an enhancement of RAID3, where a single dedicated drive is used for all checksums. RAID5 improves performance because in RAID3 the dedicated parity drive can create a bottleneck.

But there are also cases in which higher reliability is needed than can be met by RAID 5. Areca addresses this by offering the option of setting up a RAID 6 array. RAID 6 is like RAID 5 but uses two drives for parity data, which means two drives can fail without data loss. Naturally, this requires another hard drive to be put in the array. We took a close look at how well this RAID level functions, and how well it performs.

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