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Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes...
Notices FCC notice Class A devices do not have an FCC logo or FCC IDE on the label. Class B devices have an FCC logo or FCC IDE on the label. Once the class of the device is determined, refer to the following corresponding statement.
Notice: Peripheral devices Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class A or Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with noncertified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.
Never push objects of any kind into this product through chassis slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
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Replace the battery with the same type as the product's battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified service technician. Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire.
Post-installation instructions Opening the server Removing the left-side panel Unlocking the front bezel Removing the front bezel Installing and removing storage devices Installing and removing hard disk Upgrading the processor Removing the HSFD assembly Removing the CPU Installing the CPU...
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Resetting the system Problems following initial system installation First steps checklist Hardware diagnostic testing Verifying proper operation of key system lights Specific problems and corrective actions BIOS POST error beep codes Troubleshooting BIOS POST error beep codes Appendix A: System management utility...
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Quick configuration Detailed configuration Initializing logical drives Rebuilding failed disks Checking data consistency Troubleshooting Problems and suggested solutions Appendix C: SCSI RAID configuration Configuring the SCSI/SCSI RAID HBA Using the SCSI HBA setup utility Using the MegaRAID configuration utility Index...
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The Acer Altos G320 server is an entry level single- processor general purpose system. The system offers a new standard for flexible productivity ideal for small business or workgroup applications.
Note: Dual-channel memory requires installation of DIMM modules with identical type, banking, stacking technology and manufacturer in the Altos G320 system. 1 , 2 and 3 Support for dual core configuration, Hyper-Threading Technology and EM64T may vary depending on processor-type specifications.
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Onboard SATA: Intel ICH7R I/O controller supports four SATA ports that offer data transfer rates of up to 3.0 Gbps • Supports software RAID 0, 1, and 10 for onboard SATA ports Networking • LAN 1: Intel 82541Pl Gigabit Ethernet controller •...
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Microsoft Windows Server 2003, X64 edition • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 ® ® • Novell NetWare • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0, EM64T • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0 ™ • SCO Openserver 5.0.7 ® • SCO Unixware 7.1.4 ®...
1 System tour External and internal structure Front panel Component DVD-ROM or Combo drive Volume control Headphone/Earphone port DVD-ROM or Combo drive activity indicator Stop/Eject button FDD (Floppy disk drive) FDD activity indicator FDD eject button Security keylock...
Power indicator Power button USB 2.0 ports 5.25-inch drive bays For more information about the status of the LED indicators, see 1 and 2 Front panel LED indicators table. Front panel LED indicators Below table lists the LED states on the front panel.
Serial port VGA/monitor port Gigabit LAN 1 and 2 ports (10/100/1000 Mbps) USB ports Expansion slots Rear system fan For more information about the status of the LED indicators on the LAN 1 and 2 ports, see LAN LED indicators table.
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LAN LED indicators The LAN port features two LEDs, at the right and left, that indicate the status of each port. Below table lists the LED states on the LAN ports. Color Condition State Left Green LAN link is not established (LAN 1) / LAN link is established.
1 System tour Internal components Component Power supply unit CPU and HSFD (heat sink-fan duct) assembly Mainboard PCI slot HDD bays 5.25-inch device bays...
Mainboard layout The mainboard becomes accessible once you open the system. It should look like the figure shown below. Description System fan connector +4V power supply connector CPU fan connector DIMM 1B to 2B sockets DIMM 1A to 2A sockets...
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1 System tour Description CPU socket +12V power supply connector IDE connector FDD connector SATA port 2 and 3 connectors SCSI status LED connector Maintenance mode jumper Front panel LED connector SATA port 0 and 1 connectors External USB connector...
Maintenance mode overrides incorrect BIOS settings 1 If the jumper block is removed, the system will attempt to recover the BIOS by loading the BIOS code into the flash device from a disk. This is typically used when the BIOS becomes...
1 System tour Clear CMOS jumper The 2-pin jumper blocks in the J9G3 jumper are used to perform clearing of NVRAM and system BIOS recovery options. The table below lists each jumper option. Pin no. Pin function Description Normal boot (default) Allows normal system operation.
Check the following items from the package: • Acer Altos G320 system • Acer Altos G320 accessory box • System keys If any of the above items are damaged or missing, contact your dealer immediately. Save the boxes and packing materials for future use.
2 System setup Connecting peripherals Refer to the illustration below for specific connection instructions on the peripherals you want to connect to the system. Note: Consult the operating system manual for information on how to configure the network setup.
After making sure that you have properly set up the system and connected all the required cables, you can now power on the system. To power on the system, press the power button on the front panel. The system starts up and displays a welcome message on the monitor.
2 System setup Power-on problems If the system does not boot after you have applied power, check the following factors that might have caused the boot failure. • The external power cable may be loosely connected. Check the power cable connection from the power source to the power cable socket on the rear panel.
Turning off the system There are two ways by which you can turn off the server. These include: To turn off the server, on the Windows taskbar click on the Start button, point to Shut Down..., select Shut down from the drop-down window, then click on OK.
Do not remove a component from its protective packaging until you are ready to install it. Wear a wrist grounding strap and attach it to a metal part of the server before handling components. If a wrist strap is not available, maintain contact with the server throughout any procedure requiring ESD protection.
Post-installation instructions Perform the steps below after installing a server component: See to it that all components are installed according to the described step-by-step instructions. Reinstall any expansion board(s) or peripheral(s) that you have previously removed.
(1) Loosen the two thumbscrews located on the rear edge of the left-side panel (1). (2) Move the left-side panel release slider all the way to the down to unlock the panel (2). (3) Slide the left-side panel toward the rear before detaching it...
3 System upgrade Unlocking the front bezel A security lock secures the bezel door to protect the system unit from unauthorized access. Insert the key into the lock and turn it counterclockwise until it points to the unlock icon Removing the front bezel Remove the left-side panel.
Installing and removing storage devices The system supports 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch internal storage devices. The system comes pre-installed with a floppy drive and a DVD or a Combo drive. The empty 5.25-inch half-height bays allow you to install additional drives such as another DVD drive or a tape drive.
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Push the lever in the direction of the unlock icon (1). Install a new 5.25-inch drive into the bay (2), then push the lever in the direction of the lock icon (3). Connect the IDE data (4) and power (5) cables to the new drive.
Installing and removing hard disk This section include instructions for installing and removing a hard disk. The three empty HDD bays allow you to install additional HDDs such as another SATA or SCSI HDD. To remove a hard disk Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation procedures described on page 25.
Insert the drive into an empty HDD bay (2). Make sure that the drive is properly inserted before closing the lever, then push the lever in the direction of the lock icon (3). Connect the data (4) and power (5) cables to the new drive.
NEVER touch the heat sink with any metal or with your hands. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from its mainboard connector. Refer to “Mainboard layout” on page 11 for the location of the CPU fan connector. Loosen the four screws that hold the HSFD assembly to the mainboard (1).
Note: Wipe off the thermal grease from both the HSFD assembly and CPU using an alcohol pad. Removing the CPU Pull the CPU socket retainer lever to a fully open, upright position (1). Lift the load plate (2). Pull out the CPU from the socket (3).
Remove the CPU from its protective packaging. Align the CPU with the socket, making sure that pin 1 (indicated by the notched corner) of the CPU connects to hole 1 of the socket (on the bottom right corner), then insert the CPU into the socket (1).
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(2) Using a screwdriver, tighten the heatsink’s four screws to secure it to the mainboard (2). (3) Connect the CPU fan cable to its mainboard connector. Refer to “Mainboard layout” on page 11 for the location of the CPU fan connector. Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 26.
• DIMMs on channel A (DIMM 1A and 2A) are paired with DIMMs on channel B (DIMM 1B and 2B) to enable 2-way interleaving. When only two DIMMs are being used, the population order must be DIMM 1A and DIMM 1B to ensure dual-channel operating mode.
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3 System upgrade • Altos G320 mainboard does not support installation of three DIMMs only. The table below lists the supported memory installation based on the memory interleave configuration: Bank 1 Bank 2 Memory Interleave DIMM 1A DIMM 2A DIMM 1B...
Removing a DIMM Before you can install a new DIMM in a socket, remove first any previously installed DIMM from that socket. Important: Before removing any DIMM from the mainboard, make sure to create a backup file of all important data.
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Press the holding clips inward to lock the DIMM in place (2). Note: The DIMM socket is slotted to ensure proper installation. If you insert a DIMM but it does not fit easily into the socket, you may have inserted it incorrectly. Reverse the orientation of the DIMM and insert it again.
This section explains how to install an expansion card. The onboard expansion slots supports PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) and PCI Express cards. PCI Express slot is a new type of interface and differs in length than the conventional PCI/PCI-X slots. You should always install the correct type of plug-in expansion cards in the x4 and x8 PCI Express slot.
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Secure the card with the bracket lock (6). 10 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 26. Note: When you turn on the system, the BIOS setup automatically detects and assigns resources to the new device (applicable only to plug-and-play expansion cards).
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This chapter gives information about the system BIOS and discusses how to configure the system by changing the settings of the BIOS parameters.
CMOS RAM. This memory area is not part of the system RAM which allows configuration data to be retained when power is turned off. Before you run BIOS setup, make sure that you have saved all open files. The system reboots immediately after you close the setup.
Note the following reminders when moving around the setup screen: • Use the Left and Right arrow keys to move to the next page or to return to the previous screen. • Use the Up and Down arrow keys to select an item.
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Press Esc to close the BIOS setup. In the descriptive table following each of the screen illustrations, settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Note: The BIOS screens shown in the following pages may vary depending on the system configuration.
The last two parameters on the screen lets you define the sytem’s date and time settings. The real-time clock keeps the system date and time. After setting the date and time, you do not need to enter them every time you turn on the system. As long as the internal battery remains good and connected, the clock continues to keep the date and time accurately even when the power is off.
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Clock speeds are expressed in megahertz (MHz), with 1 MHz being equal to 1 million cycles per second. The faster the clock, the more instructions the CPU can execute per second. System Bus Speed Indicates the system bus speed.
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4 BIOS setup Parameter Description Option System Time Sets the time following the hour- minute-second format. Valid values for hour, minute, and second are: Hour: 00 to 23 Minute: 00 to 59 Second: 00 to 59...
Warning! Be cautious in setting parameter values in the Advanced menu as any incorrect value may cause the system to malfunction. Press Enter to enter the submenu screen of the parameters shown in the screen below.
4 BIOS setup Boot Configuration The Boot Configuration submenu lets you specify the preferred settings for system bootup. Parameter Description Option Num-Lock Activates the Numeric Lock function upon booting. CPU Fan Control Enables or disables the CPU fan control Enable function.
When this parameter is enabled, you will Prompt be prompted to press F2 to run BIOS during boot up. Peripheral Configuration The Peripheral Configuration submenu lets you define the parameter settings for the system’s serial and LAN port. Parameter Description Option...
Gigabit Ethernet controller. Disable PCI On-board Enables or disables the onboard LAN Enable device. Disable Drive Configuration The Drive Configuration submenu lets you define the parameter settings related to the hard disk/s. Parameter Description Option Use Automatic Enable Mode Disable...
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When set to Enhanced, it will enable all Enhanced SATA and PATA controllers. Legacy When set to Legacy, it will enable up to 2 IDE channels for OS that requires leg- acy IDE operation. Configure S-ATA Set SATA to IDE or RAID.
4 BIOS setup Floppy Configuration The Floppy Configuration submenu displays the type of floppy drive installed in the server. Parameter Description Option Diskette Enables or disables the floppy Automatic Controller controller. Enable Disable Diskette Write Enables or disables the floppy disk...
The Event Log Configuration submenu lets you specify the appropriate settings for system’s event handling function. The system event log enables you to record and monitor events that occur in the system (e.g., system temperature changes, fan stops, etc.) Parameter...
Mark Event as Press Enter to mark all events in Read the Event log as read. Video Configuration The Video Configuration submenu lets you define the parameter settings related to the video adapter. Parameter Description Option Primary Video...
Hardware Monitoring The Hardware Monitoring submenu displays the current speed status of the system fans, temperature level of a specified component and voltage levels and status of the monitored voltage.
4 BIOS setup Chipset Configuration The Chipset Configuration submenu lets you set the memory interleave and node interleave settings, specify settings that are related to the onboard controllers Parameter Description Option Memory Offers memory correction and memory Configuration timing adjustments. It also provides...
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Parameter Description Option PCI Latency Set the latency timer for the PCI bus. Timer...
4 BIOS setup USB Configuration The USB Configuration submenu lets you specify settings for USB devices. Parameter Description Option USB 2.0 Enables the USB 2.0 controller. Enable When set to Disable, other USB options Disable will be grayed out.
Security The Security menu allows you to safeguard and protect the system from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords. Parameter Description Option Supervisor Prevents unauthorized access to the Not Installed Password BIOS setup utility. Installed User Password Secures the system against Not Installed unauthorized use.
Type a password then press Enter. The password may consist of up to six alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9). Retype the password to verify the first entry, then press Enter again. After setting the password, the system automatically sets the chosen password parameter to Installed.
Power The Power menu allows you to configure the system’s power management feature. Parameter Description Option After Power Defines the power state to resume to Stay off Failure after a system shutdown that is due to Last state an interruption in AC power.
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When set to Power on, the system will Stay off from S5 resume from an S5 state when a PME Power on (Power Management Event) is asserted. When set to Stay off, the system will not resume from an S5 state when a PME is asserted.
Boot The Boot menu allows you to set the drive priority during system bootup. It also displays information about the installed storage devices. Parameter Description Option Boot Menu Normal Type Advance Boot Device Specify the boot search sequence Varies Priority during the POST process.
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4 BIOS setup Parameter Description Option Boot to Enables or disables the system to boot Enable Optical from an optical device. Disable Devices Boot to Enables or disables the system to boot Enable Removable from a removable device installed in the...
Exit The Exit menu displays the various options to quit from the BIOS setup utility. Highlight any of the exit options then press Enter. Parameter Description Exit Saving Saves changes made and close the BIOS setup utility. Changes The F10 key can also be used for this operation.
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4 BIOS setup Parameter Description Save Custom Saves the custom settings for all BIOS setup parameters. Defaults Discard Discards changes made in the BIOS setup. Changes The F7 key can also be used for this operation.
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This chapter provides possible solutions for specific problems. If you cannot correct the problem, contact your local Acer representative or authorized dealer for assistance.
This chapter helps you identify and solve problems that might occur while you are using the system. For any issue, first ensure you are using the latest firmware and files. In addition to the server firmware and files, also update any drivers used for components you have installed in your system, such as video drivers, network drivers and SCSI drivers.
If applicable, ensure that there are no conflicts - for example, two add-in boards sharing the same interrupt. • Are all peripheral devices installed correctly? • If the system has a hard disk drive, is it properly formatted or configured? • Are all device drivers properly installed? •...
If the operating system normally loads from the hard disk drive, make sure there is no diskette in drive A and no disc in the DVD/CD drive. If the power indicator does light, attempt to boot from a floppy diskette or from a disc.
• Remove all add-in cards and see if the system boots. If successful, add the cards back in one at a time with a reboot between each addition. • Make sure the memory modules comply with the system requirements.
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• If you are using the onboard diskette controller, use BIOS setup on page 45 to make sure that onboard “Floppy A” is set to 1.44 MB, 3.5-inch. HDD activity indicator does not light. Do the following: • Make sure the drive is not disabled in the BIOS setup utility.
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Do the following: • Insert the tip of a paperclip into the small hole on the DVD/CD drive. Slowly pull the tray out from the drive until the tray is fully extended then remove the disc. DVD/CD drive cannot read a DVD/CD.
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RAID card is installed correctly. Bootable CD drive is not detected. Make sure the Boot settings in the BIOS setup utility is configured to allow the CD drive to be the first bootable device. New memory modules installed are not detected.
• Make sure the network cable is securely attached. • Make sure you specify the correct frame type in the NET.CFG file. The controller stopped working when an add-in adapter was installed. • Make sure the cable is connected to the port from the onboard network controller.
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If you install a PCI card with the AC power cord plugged in, a signal may be sent to command the system to boot. Before installing a PCI card, you should always: •...
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Num Lock light is functioning. • Is the video monitor plugged in and turned on? If you are using a switch box, is it switched to the correct system? • Are the brightness and contrast controls on the video monitor properly adjusted? •...
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Is the video monitor working correctly when plugged into a different system? System cooling fan do not rotate properly. If the system cooling fan is not operating properly, it is an indication of possible system component failure. Check the following: •...
BIOS uses these beep codes to inform you of error conditions. The beep code occurs only when a critical error occurs or when the BIOS fails to boot to the operating system. Not all error conditions are supported by the BIOS beep codes.
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4-7, 9-11 • Indicates a fatal error. Consult your dealer or local Acer representative for assistance. • If beep codes are generated even when all PCI cards are absent, consult your system manufacturer’s technical support. • Check for a malfunctioning add-in card. If beep codes are not generated when all add-in cards are absent, one of the add-in cards is causing the malfunction.
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This appendix shows you how to install the ASM software package and gives information about the software program and utilities bundled with your server.
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Your Altos G320 server supports the following system management utilities: • ASM (Acer Server Manager) This utility allows you to spot errors or potential trouble spots in the network servers through a single management station. For details go to page 90. •...
The complete ASM package consists of two major components — the ASM Agent and the ASM Console. The ASM Agent are the servers to be managed on the network. The ASM Console is a Windows-based monitoring station that communicates with the ASM Agents and can be installed on any agent’s workstation on the network.
Follow all onscreen instructions to complete the installation. For detailed instructions on installing ASM Agent, refer to the ASM User’s manual. To launch the program, on the Windows taskbar click on the Start button, point to Programs, select Acer Server Management Suite then click ASM Agent.
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Appendix A: System management utility To launch the program, on the Windows taskbar click on the Start button, point to Programs, select Acer Server Management Suite then click ASM Console.
SATA RAID configuration utility The SATA RAID configuration utility allows you to configure and manage RAID arrays. The configuration utility resides in the BIOS and is independent of the OS. With the configuration utility, you can: •...
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This appendix provides a description of the features of the embedded server technology for ICH7R controller and explains how to use the utility for configuring and managing RAID systems.
RAID technology and enables you to configure disk arrays and logical drives. The embedded server RAID technology supports four SATA ports. These ports support data transfer rates up to 3.0 Gbps per port. Refer to the “Mainboard layout” on page 11 for the location of the SATA ports.
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Customized messages specific for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) • Soft bad block management Manageability/Disk console The features you can use to manage the logical and physical disks in the system include • Configuration information display (in RAID configuration utility and Hyper configuration utility) •...
Configure the physical disk drives in arrays. An array can consist of one to four physical disk drives, depending on the RAID level. A RAID 0 array can consist of one to four physical drives, while a RAID 1 array consists of two. A RAID 10 array consists of four drives.
Appendix B: SATA RAID configuration Assigning RAID levels Only one RAID level can be assigned to each array. The table below displays the drives required per RAID level. Minimum number of Maximum number of RAID Level physical drives physical drives...
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No. of Fault Level Pros Cons and use Drives Tolerant A combination Provides • More disk Four of RAID 1 and both high space RAID 0. Use data required. for medium- transfer • Reduces sized rates and usable disk databases or...
Appendix B: SATA RAID configuration RAID configuration utility The RAID CU configures disk arrays and logical drives. The CU resides in the BIOS and is independent of the OS. With the CU you can: • Configure physical arrays and logical drives •...
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ATA/IDE Mode is not set to Enhanced mode. (5) Save settings and exit the BIOS setup utility. The system reboots automatically. During bootup, press Ctrl + E to run the RAID configuration utility. Hold down the Ctrl key while you press E. The Management menu appears.
The stripe size parameter specifies the size of the segment written to each disk in a RAID configuration. You can set the stripe size to 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 KBs. The default is 64 KB. A larger stripe size produces higher read performance. If your computer regularly performs random read requests, choose a smaller stripe size.
To configure arrays and logical drives you can select from the following options: • Quick configuration • Detailed configuration For detailed configuration of arrays and logical drive, you can choose from the following configuration methods: • Easy Configuration • New Configuration •...
Follow the instructions below configure arrays and logical drives: Start the RAID configuration utility Make sure the Configure SATA as parameter in the BIOS setup is set to RAID mode. See “Start the RAID configuration utility” on page 106 for detailed instructions.
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Configuration or View/Add Configuration, then press Enter. An array selection of the devices connected to the current controller appears. Use the arrow keys to select the specific drives to include in the array, then press the spacebar to associate the selected drive with the current array.
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Press Enter after you finish creating the current array. Press F10 to configure logical drives. Set the RAID level for the logical drive by highlighting RAID, then press Enter. A list of the available RAID levels for the current logical drive appears.
To initialize logical drives using individual initialization method: In the Management menu, select Objects, then Logical Drive. Select a logical drive, if there is more than one configured, then press Enter. Select Initialize, then press Enter.
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Appendix B: SATA RAID configuration After the initialization is completed, press Esc to return to the previous menu. When you press Esc while initialization is in progress, the options — Stop, Continue, and Abort appears. See previous section for detailed explanation.
Rebuilding failed disks A manual rebuild is used to rebuild failed drives. The CU allows manual rebuild for an individual drive or a group of drives. The rebuilding of a group of drives is done through batch mode. To rebuild a group of failed drives: In the Management menu, select Rebuild.
CU to automatically correct any differences found in the data. This feature can be used only on a RAID 1 logical drive, to verify the data consistency between the mirrored physical drives. When a data...
Troubleshooting Problems and suggested solutions The following table describes possible problems you might encounter while using the CU, along with suggested solutions. Problem Suggested solution Drives are not detected • Make sure that the cable ends are connected properly. • Make sure that the power cables to the The system hangs when drives are connected properly.
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A new drive with no Run the RAID configuration utility to configure configuration is installed the new drive. Mark the drive as one of the into the bay which is following: already part of a • Failed - If the AutoRebuild option is disabled mirrored (RAID 1) array.
Configuring the SCSI/SCSI RAID HBA This section shows how to create a RAID 1 (mirror) volume. This feature requires the installation or presence of a LSI Logic 53C1030 SCSI controller. Using the SCSI HBA setup utility During bootup, press Ctrl+C to enter the LSI Logic Configuration screen.
Press the Delete key to ignore. Press Esc, then select Save changes then exit this menu. To close the utility and reboot the server, follow the steps below: (1) Press Esc, then select Exit the Configuration Utility. The Global properties saved. Hit any key to reboot message appears.
Select YES to Save Configuration, and press any key to return to the Configuration menu. Assigning a hot spare disk In the Configuration menu, select Add/View Configuration. Use the arrow keys to select a specific drive, then press F4 to set the drive as a hot spare disk.
Press Esc to return to the Management menu. Select Initialize. All logical drives will appear under Logical Drives. Using the spacebar, select the drive that you want to initialize. The selected drive becomes yellow. Press F10, then select YES to start initialization.