Incompatible Physical Disk Due to Older Configuration Database

What Caused the Problem?

A physical disk is incompatible for use in this storage array because it contains an older configuration database than what is supported by the storage array. The Recovery Guru Details area provides specific information you will need as you follow the recovery steps.

Caution: Electronic discharge can damage sensitive components. Always use proper antistatic protection when handling components. Touching components without using a proper ground may damage the equipment.

Important Notes

This problem usually results from importing a physical disk from a storage array that is running a lower (older) version of firmware into a storage array running a higher (newer) version of firmware.
The current version of firmware on this storage array can upgrade the configuration database on physical disks that came from a storage array running a minimum version of RAID controller module firmware of 05.30.xx.xx. This means that the affected physical disk most likely came from a storage array that is running 04.xx.xx.xx firmware or older.
This physical disk can still be used in this storage array ONLY under the following conditions:
- If you need to import the data into this array, you must upgrade the configuration database on the physical disk first. This must be done by reinserting the physical disk back into the source storage array and upgrading the firmware on the storage array to a minimum of 05.30.xx.xx.
- If you do NOT need the data on the physical disk, you can initialize it in order to place the correct configuration database on the physical disk. However, this will erase all virtual disk configuration information and data.
In order to keep the information that resides on this physical disk, you must reinsert it back into the original storage array.
You can replace the physical disk while the storage array is receiving I/O.

Recovery Steps

If... Then...

You want to use this physical disk in this storage array

AND

you want to import the disk group data as well

Note: You will need the ability to upgrade the firmware on the original storage array.

If you want to proceed, go to step 2.

You want to use this physical disk in this storage array

AND

You want to erase all disk group data that is on the physical disk

Note: This option will erase all the disk group configuration data on the physical disk.

Open a Command Prompt, and type the following command:

SMcli -n <storageArray_name>;

where storageArray_name is the name of the storage array listed in the Details area.

Note: If you receive an error from this command, change your working directory to the directory that contains the SMcli executable.

Execute the following command in order to initialize the physical disk:

start physicalDisk [enclosure_ID,slot_ID] initialize;

where enclosure_id is the enclosure ID for the enclosure where the physical disk resides and slot_ID is the slot position within the enclosure. This is the physical disk that is shown in the Details area.

Note: The commands above are case-sensitive, and must be entered exactly as shown.

When the initialization completes, the physical disk will be an Optimal, Unassigned physical disk.

c When the initialization operation completes, go to step 3.

You do NOT want to use this physical disk in this storage array

a	Remove the physical disk. If you need to keep or backup the data from the physical disk, you must reinsert the physical disk into the original storage array.
b	If you are replacing the physical disk with a new physical disk, wait 30 seconds, then insert a new physical disk. Its fault indicator light may be lit for a short time (one minute or less).
c	Go to step 3.

Upgrade the configuration database on the physical disks by completing the following steps:

a	Remove every physical disk that is reporting this problem.
b	Reinsert the physical disk(s) back into the original storage array.
c	When the physical disks are ready, upgrade the firmware on the entire storage array to a minimum of 05.30.xx.xx. Notes: Upgrading the firmware on the RAID controller modules will upgrade the configuration database on the physical disks. Refer to your user documentation to assist you with the firmware upgrade procedure. You may need to contact your sales representative to obtain the appropriate release of firmware. Depending on the version of the firmware on the original storage array, it may be too old enough to complete a direct upgrade to 05.30.xx.xx.
d	Once the firmware upgrade completes, make sure that all disk groups contained on the physical disks are optimal (there are no failed physical disks).
e	Remove the physical disks from the source (original) storage array and connect them to this (the destination) storage array.
f	Once this storage array recognizes the new physical disk(s), you will need to import the disk groups that reside on the physical disks. Refer to the online help to assist you with completing a Disk Group Import operation on each one of the disk groups residing on the physical disk(s).
g	Go to step 3.

3 Click Recheck to rerun the Recovery Guru. The failure should no longer appear in the Summary area. If the failure appears again, contact your technical support representative.

Note: Additional information on this issue may be available. Please visit the Dell support website at support.dell.com and select your product model. Choose "troubleshooting" as your tool option, then search by this procedure title.