IDE RAID drive replacement

The Message Storage Server standard configuration (MSS-S) uses a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) hard-disk drive setup to protect against customer data loss. Two Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) drives provide RAID level 1 redundancy, where the system writes data to both drives simultaneously. This feature is also known as "mirroring.” If a drive fails, the system can rebuild the data on the replacement IDE drive on command.

Note: If all the disk drives in a system are damaged (for example, due to a lightning strike), then you need to replace the entire unit. See Replacing the entire machine for this procedure.

Replacing an IDE RAID drive

To replace an IDE RAID drive in an MSS-S:

1. Verify that the replacement equipment is on site and appears to be in usable condition, with no obvious shipping damage.
2. Remove the drive cage.
3. Identify and remove the faulty drive.
4. Configure and install the new drive, then rebuild the RAID 1 array as described below.

Identify and remove the faulty drive

To identify the faulty IDE RAID drive and remove it:

1. Locate the drive to replace as follows:
• hda (hard drive A) is the drive mounted to the bottom of the drive cage. It is the only drive on the ribbon cable, and connects to the 80-pin PRI IDE connector on the mother board (the primary IDE connector between the two other IDE connectors).
• hdc (hard drive C) is the drive mounted above drive A. It shares a ribbon cable with the DVD drive, and connects to the 80-pin SEC IDE connector on the mother board (the secondary IDE connector farthest from the edge of the board).

See Identifying the MSS-S disk drives.

2. With the drive cage assembly on a clean, static-free surface, remove the 4 mounting screws that secure the disk drives and their drive-mounting bracket to the bottom of the drive cage. See Removing or replacing an IDE RAID drive assembly.

Caution! Support the drives and drive-mounting bracket when you remove the screws. Otherwise, they may drop when they come loose.

3. Remove the 4 screws (2 on each side) that secure the faulty drive to the drive-mounting bracket. See Removing or replacing the drive mounting screws.
4. Slide out the faulty drive. Set it aside.

Configure and install the new drive

To configure and install a new IDE RAID drive:

1. Configure the replacement drive as the bus master (both hda and hdc are masters of their respective IDE buses).
1. Locate the 9-pin master/slave connector on the rear of the drive. Figures on the drive identify the different jumper settings.
2. Place a jumper over the set of pins at either end of this connector to set up this drive as a master. See IDE drive jumper settings.
2. Insert the new IDE drive in the slot, with its connector facing to the rear.
3. Reattach the 4 screws to secure the replacement drive to the drive-mounting bracket. See Removing or replacing the drive mounting screws.
4. Slide the drive assembly into the drive cage, then reattach the 4 mounting screws to secure it to the bottom of the cage. See Removing or replacing an IDE RAID drive assembly.
5. Reinstall the drive cage and return the system to service.
6. Access the Disk Diagnostics screen to rebuild the RAID 1 array. For complete steps, see Retrieving hard disk drive information.

The entire rebuild procedure can take up to 1 hour.

 

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