Checking RAID/Disks in an ESXi5 Host (local storage)

Make sure you are using the Vendors version of ESXi, which has the OEM features to comminicate with hardware. e.g. CIM providers.

check Hardware Status when conected to vCenter Server or Health Status when connected directly to ESXi.

also depends on what vendor servers you are using if Dell youncan use Dell OpenManage

see my EE Article here, what you can do with Dell Servers.

If you have HP or IBM, Health Status or Hardware Status is all that's available to you, if you want to complete Advanced RAID functions, you will need to use:-

1. Smart Start CDROM Array Configuration Utilities.
2. RAID Controller BIOS Menu (F8 at BOOT)

Yes, it's poor, if you have a HP or IBM server.

We don't use the vcentre server, only the client.

only using HP. :(

What do you mean:
1. Smart Start CDROM Array Configuration Utilities.
2. RAID Controller BIOS Menu (F8 at BOOT)

BOOT the host esxi server with the smartstart cdrom

at server boot up press f8 at smart array controller start

yes you need to take down server!

ah yes ilo...

still doesnt help us should a hardware event occur... :(

You will need to run ACU from cdrom.

ok, so the ACU is an option i need to turn on in bios or raid?

no its a program you run from the Smart Start CDROM

boot server from cdrom

ACU = Array Configuration Utility