Windows 2008 Crashes

Thought I would add - I can add more detailed info on the server tomorrow when I get to work - this is just from memory as the server has just crashed!

Could you check /Library/Logs/CrashReporter/ and see if there are files with name fmserverd_*.crash?
Please post what you can from it.

Also, what version of filemaker are you running? You may want to try an update if there is one availible.

Try disabling secure connections for FileMaker Network Sharing. This looks like it has caused this type of issue before as well.

Hi

/Library/Logs/CrashReporter is on OS X not Windows 2008 (I think!)
We are running the latest version of Filemaker (!0.0.2.206 i think)
Also - no one was connected to this server when it died, i was just testing the backup procedures to check it was ok.

I have had the same problem on a 2008 box.  Where are you trying to backup to?  Is it the default location, or have you directed it to another folder?
Thanks,
Christine

Christinesephton: I'm assuming you are talking filemaker on a win 2008 box?

I have added additional locations for filemaker - the Live data runs from one RAID 5 Array and the backup data runs from the second RAID 5 array. Both arrays are held by the highpoint card

We do not have any data in the dafault FM directories.

Alex

I found this occurs if you have the wrong path in the server.  Even if it successfully validates.  Can you send the path you have in your server, to save this back up to?  Also have you tried to just back up to the default folder as a test only, and see if the server crashes?

filewin:/e:/filemaker/ - Database folders
filewin:/e:/filemaker/ - Backup folders

It might be worth letting you know that the backups do succeed and that it just randomly gives up. It just happened to be during a backup last night.

i am also getting in the event logs :
Reset to device, \Device\RaidPort0, was issued. occasionally.

I recommend you downloading the latest driver for your Raid Controller and I would almost bet you are running an older firmware on that same one.  That particular card had issues with locking up and randomly becoming unresponsive.  Please download the latest firmware and driver.  If you need help with it, let me know.
Christine

Hi

Where did you find the info about the card being unresponsive and locking up - ive been looking myself but not found anything out.

I have updated the firmware on the card and I am on the latest drivers. The only thing I have been unable to do is the BIOS on the rocket-raid as it requires you boot to DOS and I cant do this (no floppy in a rackmount!)

I would recommend you get a USB Floppy.
 
Christine

Already ordered one - trying everything at the moment!

At the moment I would try to back it up to the operating system drive until you are able to update.  If room allows.
 
Christine

USB Drive delivered - going to give it a go today

Let me know how it goes.  GOOD LUCK!

New bios and firmware for raid card installed.

initially it looked like it had worked. Really good transfer speeds and it kept dishing out the data really well.

Then, it did the same thing. The highpoint drivers errors and that takes the raid array out (windows looses the drive)

:o(

if you suspect a raid controller pb, you can stress it as a test by copying big files to it with a script or similar procedure.
other remark: how are organized the 20GB, one single file, or several? what is the raid partition format? NTFS or FAT32?
another comment about the file size: though this is supported by fm, these sizes look crazy to me, your db probably contains stuff which should be stored outside and only referenced in it. as fm10 server now checks files while backing up, your backup takes time, and clients have a slower access during backup. that's of course no pb if you only do it overnight.
If you get a USB drive for testing, make sure it is not fat32 formatted (to be osX compatible among other reasons) as you would reach the file size limit.
also a good way to test you raid unit with such huge files is to make a test with iometer, which will allow to see how it behaves with such file sizes.

Hi

I've been stress testing it by copying the databases around. Sometimes it is fine, others the driver (hptiop) just gives up, starts pumping out errors and then the drive is no longer accessible.

As for your question regarding the database sizes. - There are many (approx 25) varying in size from 20MB to 7GB. there are only 3-4 databases over 1GB in size.

Yep - I agree. I am in contact with the RAID card provider to see if they will swap it for another model / manufacturer.

Being that the server is an HP Rack - do you have any suggestions as to a decent alternative?

I need it to have the ability to use 8 drives in an external rack mount. At present the drive enclosure is using SATA disks with (I believe) a mini SAS connection x 2

Alex

RocketRAID 4322 got much better reviews.
It's dedicated Intel processor is faster than the prior generation; it is expandable with a battery backup daughter card; it supports both eSata and SAS drives through miniSAS 4-channel connectors; it's expansion chassis ready.
Christine

Would you recommend an HP own brand - or an Adaptec card? Starting to loose faith in Highpoint! (Their tech support being non-existent)

I have had better luck with Adaptec and I find Dell and HP just relabel and distribute Adaptec hardware anyways.
It makes it easier to get updates and drivers from Adaptec, rather than waiting for HP to update their installer.
Christine