DDS4 Dell Powervault 120 T Failure

[pathebert]

We are using Dell PowerEdge 6400 with an external PowerVault 120T DDS4 autoloader attached, the OS is NT4. We had a series of 3 power failures hit and the server is no longer recognizing the backup device. The cartridge with tapes is stuck in the machine and the display indicates a hardware error. I have called Dell Tech support and their latest fix is to update the BIOS of the machine and the embedded systems management software for the device. However, they can not tell me if this will definitely fix the problem.
A secondary issue is that we are now getting an message that the AFOA battery needs reconditioning. I was told the utility need is the OpenManage so I tried installing that but it will not connect to the local server to run the utility. I just get promped for a remote log in but that fails as well. I'm stuck, and feel a bit lost as to what to do since I can't get a consistent answer out of Dell. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[stussy]

Hi pathebert

Dell's standard response to most calls is to get you to the latest bios and esm level, you will have trouble going further until you do this. Once you have, you can rule it out and start forcing Dell to act a little. I would be surprised if it fixes the issue though.

Are you installing OpenManage on the Server? I always install OM on the actual machine, then use terminal services to control it, and you can also use IT Assistant to give you the low-down on all Dell machines on your network.

 

[pathebert]

Thanks Stussy!

I had a hardware consultant come have a look at it and part of our problem is that the cartridge is jammed in the autoloader. He didn't think that the BIOS or EMS had anything to do with it at this point. So I guess I'm calling dell again.

As far as the OpenManage, I have installed it on that machine I installed just the part for the ArrayManager which has the battery recondition utility. I'm not doing something right because it never "attaches" to the local machine and is always prompting me to make a remote connection. What am I missing? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[stussy]

Hi

What version of OpenManage are you installing? I'm running 3.3.0.a and having no problems. Also (just to check) - on my server, array manager and OpenManage are two distinct but linked programs, i.e. you could install array manager (highly likely to be pre-installed) but not install open manage. If you install the whole thing you may find what you are after, for example if you click on arrays in OpenManage, it launches Array Manager anyway.

I think you have to subscribe to get newer releases of the software, have a look here at these details:

http://www.dell.com/us/en/esg/services/service_OM_subscr_svc.htm

Cheers

Stussy

 

[pathebert]

Thanks Stussy!
I tried installing OpenManage 3.3.3. I do have the option go just use the Array Manager, I select console, I'm prompted to connect to a computer and the server name does appear, I check add to favorites box then hit okay. I'm then prompted for a remote login which I cancel because I'm trying to manager the local machine and the application closes. How urgent is the re-condition battery message? And are there other options as opposed to Array Manager? I am apprehensive about using the FAST utility. Thanks!