asked on

How do I activate the embedded SCSI raid controller ?

Recently we purchased a used Dell PowerEdge 2650 server for a struggling non-profit organization. The server currently has only 2 hard drives installed (slot 0 and slot 1). It has 2 Xeon CPU's, 2 GB Ram, and boots up ok.

I downloaded the Dell Open Manage Assistant ISO and ran it to check out the hardware. All hardware seems to be ok. However, we'd like to run this system using the "embedded " RAID. When the unit boots up, there's NO reference to any RAID hardware at all. I'm led to believe after reading all the info i've been able to read on the Dell website that this unit should have an Adaptec PERC RAID system installed.

There is a RAID key installed and there is a RAID DIMM installed in the system. I tried going into the BIOS and setting the configuration to "RAID array". However, when I do this, the unit boots up and
displays a message : " no embedded raid firmware found". This is my first experience setting up
a DELL server. I'd like to use the hardware RAID if possible instead of software RAID in Windows 2003. I also tried creating boot floppies using the "BR168380.exe" utility from DELL's website. The
floppies work, but, when I run the utility, no adapter can be found.

Is there any way to activate the hardware RAID firmware for this unit?

brent_caskey

Yes.

If you make a change from SCSI Mode (non-RAID) to RAID mode, you will most likely lose the data on the drives. So, if you have an OS/DATA on there, make a backup

To enable RAID, do the following:
On boot, go into the system BIOS (F2)
While in the BIOS go to Integrated Devices [ENTER]
Set the Embedded RAID Controller to RAID Enabled (Right arrow)

When you boot, you will be able to see the Adaptec RAID controller BIOS by hitting Ctrl-A

Let me know how it goes.

brent_caskey

When you install the OS, I recommend that you use the following CD to boot off of - It will load all of the drivers that you will need:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R146318&SystemID=PWE_FOS_XEO_2650&servicetag=&os=WNET&osl=en&deviceid=10655&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=7&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=36&fileid=204270

jamietoner

All that is needed in the raid key and raid memory. Try re-seating the raid key, if it still errors here's the ba dnew it's either a bad key or bad controller. It's a 50/50 chance I always just sent out both parts when troubleshooting this error. The key is the cheapest to try first, they're $10 on ebay.

Dusty Thurman

The riser may need to be reseated also. I would follow Brent's advise first. jamietoner and I are referring to IF Raid is not an option in the Integrated Devices section of the BIOS.

jamietoner

It will still be an option even if the raid hardware is removed, but it will error out(like the error its having now) if the hardware isn't detected during post.

Jerry Redmon

ASKER

Thanks for the replies !

Reply for Brent:
Previously, I'd already installed the OS using the .ISO that you recommended and I had loaded the utility partition as well. No RAID controller shows up when running any tests.

Also, when I make change from SCSI mode in "Integrated Devices" , to "RAID" and reboot I still get message "Embedded Firmware Not Present". And, there is no option to select <CTRL-A> on boot up when set to RAID mode.

Reply for JamieToner and Sifuedition:
Even though RAID shows up as an option, I reseated the DIMM, Key, and riser as you suggested, but, still get "Embedded Firmware Not Present" after switching the
BIOS to RAID.

Based on what I understand from the Dell service information, all that is required to activate the "Integrated RAID" is the "key", the "DIMM", and the battery. Am I understanding Dell's info correctly, or, is there another component which needs to be installed ? I checked the battery voltage and it is in spec. The "DIMM" is 128MB PC 100, and the "key" looks ok.

I'm going to check ebay for the key. Are there any other suggestions ?

brent_caskey

You are correct. All you will need to activate is the Raid Key, Raid DIMM and the controller (which is actually on the riser on the PE2650).

Raid Keys rarely go bad - but are usually the cheapest component. The DIMM is usually the issue with that error message.

In the worst case scenario, you have to replace the motherboard, riser, and backplane although the times Ive needed to do this are very few and far between.

Jerry Redmon

ASKER

I removed the "Key" and "DIMM" one at a time to see if there was any change in system response. When you remove either device, or both, the option for "RAID Controller" goes away in the "Integrated Devices" menu in the BIOS. Reinstalling the devices bring the option back.

So, that would lead me to believe that the motherboard is recognizing each component. Also, I replaced the DIMM with an identical one from a standalone SCSI RAID PCI card which I had in the shop, however, I still get a negative response.

Is the firmware chip for the PERC Raid controller on the main motherboard or is it
on the Riser circuit board ? I'm wondering if (since this is a used system) the
Riser isn't compatible with the motherboard. And if so, is there any way to determine that?

Dusty Thurman

It sounds like the raid controller is failing on your system. This system does not have many riser versions and so I don't believe that there are compatibility issues here. It sounds like the problem must be with the components on the riser since the raid dimm has been replaced with no change. The firmware is stored on the controller but then loads to the raid dimm and that is where it runs from during normal operation. That is why the raid dimm is the first suspect. Since swapping that did not make a difference, the firmware as it is stored on the controller must be bad. If you have already tried to flash the firmware, the controller is probably failing.

Dusty Thurman

It's also worth a look at the pins for the riser. Where the riser plugs into the motherboard there is a pin array. Those pins are susceptible to bending if the riser is seated improperly. If you remove the riser using the blue lever, you can inspect those pins. Make sure none are bent or broken. Make sure when you reseat the riser, you gently align the riser and do not apply much downward pressure. Use the blue lever to get a good seat of the riser.

Jerry Redmon

ASKER

I used the "BR168380.exe" file to create boot floppies to attempt to flash the firmware. It didn't detect an adapter. Is this the correct .exe file to flash the firmware?

brent_caskey

If you are not seeing Ctrl-A at boot/POST , you will not be able to use the flash firmware utility. You will need to troubleshoot the RAID not showing up first

Jerry Redmon

ASKER

I'm seeing Ctrl-A, but, only when the setting in BIOS is set for SCSI. So, if the Integrated RAID is working, I should see Ctrl-A also ?

Dusty Thurman

Yes, the ctrl+a is for the raid controller bios as well. That is the correct file for the most recent firmware update. Since this is not detecting the controller, I believe we are back to my previous post about checking the pins on the riser and you may be looking at a failed controller in the system. If the controller is failed, there is no way to isolate between the riser and the motherboard connections for the riser. It really could be either one and without known working components to test, you can't be sure.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Dusty Thurman

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Jerry Redmon

ASKER

After retesting and trying other things, its apparent that the internal RAID controller is not functional. Using a PCI RAID card is the only alternative now.