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Need to replace Compaq smart array 5300 controller, do i have to backup/rerstore raid config or simply plug new card in

Hi

I have a company server that has a Smart Array 5300 raid controller in it, The controller card is giving intermitent problems and stops the server booting. it does not appear as server starts  so server then trys to boot from NIC, if i reboot the server enogh times it comes back

I have a 2nd 5300 controller that i am going to replace it wilth but wanted to know if i have to backup and restore the controllers config in some way, or can i simply put the new card in and boot it up

Thanks

Nick
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The disk configuration is stored on the disks, not the controller so you can just swap it. You should make sure the replacement has the same or later version of firmware. Strictly speaking you should transfer the write cache at the same time you swap the card so it has the same cache contents as it had before but I generally just set write cache to 0% under the ACU, powercycle the server and interupt the boot by going into any of the Fx config and wait 10 minutes to be sure the cache is flushed.
Make sure you have a full backup of your system before you do all this. Just in case.
Good luck.
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ASKER

Thanks. That all worked fine.

Just out of curoisity, would this have worked if i had a different model of Raid card, or is it only this simple if the raid cars are identical

Thanks

Nick
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