SCSI RAID drive replacement

The Message Storage Server high-availability configuration (MSS-H) uses a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage system to protect against customer data loss. Three Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) drives provide RAID level 5 redundancy, which combines data striping and distributed parity checking. If a SCSI drive fails, the system automatically rebuilds the data after a new SCSI drive is installed.

Note: If all the disk drives in a server are damaged, such as by a lightning strike, you must replace the entire server. See Replacing the entire server for this procedure.

Replacing a SCSI RAID drive

The MSS-H allows disks to be removed and replaced in a SCSI RAID disk-drive assembly while the server continues to provide service. All SCSI drives are considered "hot swappable" and can be replaced while the server is in service.

To replace a SCSI RAID drive in an MSS high-availability configuration:

1. Verify that the replacement equipment is on site and appears to be in usable condition, with no obvious shipping damage.
2. Remove the faulty drive.
3. Install the new drive and verify operation.

Remove the faulty drive

To remove a faulty SCSI RAID drive:

1. Remove the bezel (plastic cover) on the front of the chassis. See figure Removing or replacing the front bezel.
1. Press down on the two tabs on the top of the bezel.
2. Tilt the bezel forward, and then lift it out.
2. Locate the drive to replace as follows:
• Drive 0 (d0b0t0d0): the top drive, closest to the DVD-RAM drive.
• Drive 1 (d0b0t1d0): the middle drive.
• Drive 2 (d0b0t2d0): the bottom drive.
3. Loosen the retaining screw on the handle (latch) for the faulty SCSI RAID drive.
4. Open the latch to unseat the disk drive, and then pull it by the handle from the drive cage. See figure Removing or replacing a SCSI RAID drive.
5. Place the drive tray on a clean, static-free surface. Remove the 4 mounting screws, 2 on each side, that secure the hard disk drive to the tray.
6. Lift out the faulty drive. Set it aside.

Install the new drive and verify operation

To install a new SCSI RAID drive and verify that full service is being restored:

1. Remove the new IDE drive from the anti-static bag. Do not touch the circuit board surface.
2. Place the replacement disk drive into the drive tray. Replace the 4 mounting screws, 2 on each side, to secure the hard disk drive to the tray.
3. Position the replacement drive in the correct orientation in the chassis.
4. Gently slide the drive into the server, and then close the latch to seat the drive firmly in place. See figure Removing or replacing a SCSI RAID drive.

The LED for the new drive (HDD-0, HDD-1, or HDD-2) lights, indicating that the system has recognized the new drive and has begun to reconstruct the data from the other two drives.

Note: It takes at least 1 minute before the rebuild starts and status information is available.

5. Tighten the retaining screw.

Note: For safety reasons, tighten the retaining screw with a screwdriver until the screw cannot be loosened by hand.

6. Replace the bezel (plastic cover) on the front of the chassis. See figure Removing or replacing the front bezel.
1. Insert the tabs on the bottom of the bezel into the chassis.
2. Push the bezel upright until the two upper tabs snap into place under the top cover.
7. Verify that the disk rebuild procedure is underway. See Retrieving hard disk drive information.

The entire rebuild procedure can take up to 10 hours.

 

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