harddisk error

[mk001]

Hi all,

I had HP DL380 G4 server with Windows NT server 4.0 + exchange 5.5 + RAID 5.
Now, one of four hotplug harddisk has error (Red LED light on). I had replaced the new one. After half hour, the red LED of this new harddisk light on. Then, I replaced other new harddisk. The red LED light on again. I don’t know what happen. Is there any hardware problem other than harddisk??

Anyone can give me some suggestion??

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Perhaps it's not the disk that's failing - perhaps it the socket on the backplane... (I don't know HP's so I can't get any more detailed that that speculation.

-Lee

Those who ask why, learn

http://www.lwcomputing.com

 

[itsp1965]

Did the hard disk activity light go on? If I am not mistaken the red light should still be on during a RAID re-build. It might take some time (more than the 30 mins allocated). If it still an issue after a day you should contact HP support

 

[mk001]

The red light of this harddisk is not on during RAID rebuild. After it finish RAID rebuild, the red light is on around it runs 15 mins.

So, I also guess that there has problem about backplane. However, i cannot shutdown this mail server and send it to HP to check this.

Now, i don't know what i can do.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Why would you send the mail server to HP? Don't they have on-site service and 7x24 warranties? I don't buy HP products, I prefer Dell and I never buy a server without this level of service - and critical systems, such as mail servers, are always kept under warranty or replaced once they fall out of warranty.

-Lee

Those who ask why, learn

http://www.lwcomputing.com

 

[Griffyn]

A temporary solution is to use VMWare's virtual server. It's freeware.

Install on a powerful Windows (or Linux) PC, then use VMWare's Converter (also freeware) to import the mail server as a virtual machine. Shutdown the real server, start up the virtual server and test to make sure everything's working ok.

To prevent data loss, do this while nobody is accessing the mail server.

You can then send the real server away to be repaired. Things will be slower depending on how powerful the temporary PC is.

Admittedly, there's a bit of a learning curve if you haven't used virtualization before. But once you get your feet in, you'll never look back.

 

[Viconsul]

Hi you might want to check out the hardware compatibility list to see if Windows NT4 is support on HP DL380 G4. I have a strong feeling NT4 was support only up to G3 models.
That might be your problem.

 

[mk001]

Yes, G4 support NT. However, i don't know whether it can rebuild normally if I replace the bad harddisk. I guess NT OS have some bug with G4 if harddisk error.