詠鉌のIT

Dell 12th Generation Server will launch on 6th March 2012 - Stay tuned!

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:41:00 +0800

One month later, Dell will present to you the brand new 12th Gen servers with a lots of new features to fulfill the current market demand. Dell always believe that they can simplified your IT, and ensure your server will always do more than what you can expected!

12th Gen servers have a lot of new features as below:

- New RAID Card : PERC 810, 710 & 510

- iDRAC 7.0

- OpenManage Server Administrator 7.0

- Casper 1.0 (Dell 12th Gen Digital Licensing Infrastructure)

- Micron PCIe SSD ready

- etc.

For more information, stay tuned or consult Dell Sales department. :-)

VMWare vSphere 4.0 / 4.1 Network Issue

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:09:00 +0800

A customer from Taiwan report a network issue as below:

- ESXi Host A & B

- High Availability (HA) configured

- Last Friday, Host A suddenly down, and all VMs being vMotion to Host B with through HA triggered.

- Before this incident, network intermittently down and he need to restart the ESXi Host to resolve the issue

- Server configured with 2x Dual Intel PCI-e NIC, with total 8 NICs from the server

- Network Teaming configured for some of the NICs

Customer throw me a challenging request as below:

"...I believe there isn't any hardware issue from the PowerEdge R710, please help me escalate to VMWare for solution..."

As usual, is my responsibility to let customer know Dell currently still able to support/resolve break-fix issue only. For 3rd party software relevant issue, we are able to support with best-effort only. Lucky enough that I'm able to convince customer to wait for the outcome of my short research.

I spend 2 to almost 3 hours looking for solution/workaround from VMWare.com, and finally I get the piece of useful information as below:

Network connectivity failure and system crash while performing control operations on physical NICs
In some cases, when multiple X-Frame II s2io NICs are sharing the same pci-x bus, performing control operations, such as changing the MTU, on the physical NIC causes a loss of network connectivity and a system crash.

Workaround: Avoid having multiple X-Frame II s2io NICs in slots that share the same pci-x bus. In situations where such a configuration is necessary, avoid performing control operations on the physical NICs while virtual machines are doing network I/O.

From the above statements, clearly to say that issue occurred due to Network Teaming being configured (contained control operations), and cause the ESXi Host A "crash", then trigger HA.

Reference:

http://www.vmware.com/support/vsphere4/doc/vsp_esxi41_vc41_rel_notes.html#knownissues

* TIPS: Always check the known-issues from VMWare release notes, which can help to get the answer/solution or workaround faster.

Dell System Management Tools & Documentation version 6.5 is out!

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Tue, 2 Aug 2011 06:32:00 +0800

Please follow the steps below to prepare the SMTD v6.5:

1. Download both ISO from below:

Image 1: OM_6.5.0_SMTD_A01.iso.001 Image 2: OM_6.5.0_SMTD_A01.iso.002

2. Before you burn it out, you need to join both ISO become single ISO file.

Windows:

copy /b OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.001+OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.002 OM_640_SMTD_A00.iso

Linux:

cat OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.001 OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.002 > OM_640_SMTD_A00.iso

3. After that, you may open the ISO file with your burning software such as Roxio or Nero, and burn it.

After that, boot with this DVD to enter the Pre-Install configuration interface.

**Additional Info:

PowerEdge 1800
PowerEdge 1850
PowerEdge 1855
PowerEdge 1950
PowerEdge 1955
PowerEdge 2900
PowerEdge 2950
PowerEdge 2970
PowerEdge 6800
PowerEdge 6850
PowerEdge 6950
PowerEdge 800
PowerEdge M600
PowerEdge M605
PowerEdge M610
PowerEdge M610x
PowerEdge M710
PowerEdge M710HD
PowerEdge M805
PowerEdge M905
PowerEdge M910
PowerEdge 1900
PowerEdge 830
PowerEdge 840
PowerEdge 850
PowerEdge 860
PowerEdge 2800
PowerEdge 2850
PowerEdge R200
PowerEdge R210
PowerEdge R300
PowerEdge R310
PowerEdge R410
PowerEdge R415
PowerEdge R510
PowerEdge R515
PowerEdge R610
PowerEdge R710
PowerEdge R715
PowerEdge R805
PowerEdge R810
PowerEdge R815
PowerEdge R900
PowerEdge R905
PowerEdge R910
PowerEdge T100
PowerEdge T105
PowerEdge T110
PowerEdge T300
PowerEdge T310
PowerEdge T410
PowerEdge T605
PowerEdge T610
PowerEdge T710
PowerVault DL2000
PowerVault DL2100
PowerVault DP100/NF100
PowerVault DP500/NF500
PowerVault DP600/NF600
PowerVault MD1000
PowerVault MD1120
PowerVault MD3000
PowerVault MD3000i
PowerVault NX1950
PowerVault NX3000

End of Sales/Support for Windows XP, Windows Vista & Windows 7

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:30:00 +0800

For me, Vista is one of the failure from Longhorn series. Although the interface is quite impressive, but it require or I should said it utilize at least 30-40% resources from your PC or Laptop. In other words, it will slow down or cause hang/freeze when you run 3 or more 'resources-drained' application, such as Adobe Photoshop, PPS Player, Movie Editing software and etc. That is why I quickly change to Windows 7 when I heard most of the people said it is the 'improved-version' of Vista. I'm using it for more than a year, still I will giving 7 out 10 for it.

Microsoft had declare the end of sales and end of support as below.

End of Sales Date:

Desktop operating systems	Date of general availability	Retail software end of sales *	End of sales for PCs withWindows preinstalled
Windows XP	December 31, 2001	June 30, 2008	October 22, 2010
Windows Vista	January 30, 2007	October 22, 2010	October 22, 2011
Windows 7	October 22, 2009	To be determined	To be determined

End of Support Date:

Desktop operating systems	Latest service pack	End of mainstream support	End of extended support
Windows XP	Service Pack 3	April 14, 2009	April 8, 2014
Windows Vista	Service Pack 2	April 10, 2012	April 11, 2017
Windows 7	Service Pack 1	To be determined	Not applicable

Reference:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/products/lifecycle

What should I do if one of the hard disk from Dell PowerEdge Server failed?

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Fri, 1 Apr 2011 12:08:00 +0800

Many customers, especially those Server Admin with technical knowledge wouldn't ask this question but take action to the server which they think is right. However, it just messed up everything, and worst will cause data lost. Then, we have a lot of job to do afterward.

Sometimes, I feel funny that customer call to the toll-free number only if they ruined everything. When I tried my very best to 'reverse' the situation, but failed, they will shout at me with the sentence as below:

"..I pay so much for the warranty, but you said you can't help me?.."

Therefore, I beg you guys (Server admin) give call to Technical Support to confirm before you take any action that you think is right.

Hard disk failure may have 2 different situation:
i) Single hard disk failure

Check the hard disk status from OpenManage Server Administrator or DSET
After confirm the status is FAIL, you may re-seat the hard disk while the server is ON/Power-up, to see the hard disk can proceed to rebuilding or not.
If the hard disk is able to rebuild, monitor the rebuilding progress. If the rebuilding progress can reach 100%, monitor the hard disk status for 1 day.
If it fail to kick-start the rebuild, or fail during the rebuilding progress, you may call up Technical Support to claim the hard disk replacement.

ii) More than two hard disks failure

Check the hard disk status from OpenManage Server Administrator or DSET
After confirm the status is FAIL, check Controller Log so that we know which hard disk failed the first. (E.g. PERC Log)
We always Force Online the hard disk failed the first, due to the hard disk that failed the last will contained latest data.
If this isn't work, kindly call Technical Support for assistance.

*re-seat: Pull out and push in the hard disk (applicable for hot-swap hard disk)

How can you downgrade from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2003?

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:54:00 +0800

Many customer called and ask is there anyway to downgrade from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2003. Hereby I would like to say : "..It can be done!"

For Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Operating System, it have two different types of downgrade options:
- Downgrade license (bundle with Windows Server 2008)
When Windows Server 2008 launched for one quarter, Dell start not to upsell Windows Server 2003. Therefore, the Sales team introduce Windows Server 2008 with Downgrade license to Windows Server 2003. During the installation, the interface slightly different with the usual one, you will see extra options called: "Downgrade" is available to chose.

- Downgrade media
If your OEM Windows Server 2008 doesn't come with the downgradeable license (due to price different), you may contact your Sales Account Manager to request a Downgrade Media from Microsoft. Please note that this is not a new license, and it is chargeable.

Please refers to the below for further info from Microsoft.

From an OEM. From now until March 31, 2011, some OEMs may support fulfilling Windows Server 2003 R2 downgrades (includes Windows Server 2003 Web Edition, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems, and Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition for Itanium-based Systems) to their customers. There are several options available. Contact your OEM to determine if it supports downgrade fulfillment. Please note that downgrade media is not a new license for Windows Server. It only enables a customer to install, activate and run an earlier version of Windows Server under a Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 license.

OEMs may provide their existing Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 customers one copy of downgrade Windows Server 2003 R2 media only if their customer requests it.

Some OEMs have pre-activated their software. In these cases, a customer would not need a product key or to activate over the internet or via the phone.For Windows Server 2008 R2 downgrade requests, end customers should fulfill downgrade requests through the Windows Server Downgrade Fulfillment site.

Reference: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/downgrade-rights.aspx

Dell Server: Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the system setup program

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:45:00 +0800

A very common issue for server to encounter the P.O.S.T (Power-on Self Test) error as below:

Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the system setup program

Cause:
It may due to the reason below:
- System BIOS updates
- Power-trip cause server shutdown unexpectedly
- CMOS battery (or slot) issue

Workaround:
You may go to System BIOS by pressing F2 during P.O.S.T, and perform as below:

1. Integrated devices
- Ensure "Embedded Gb NIC 1" and "Embedded Gb NIC 2" are set to "Enabled" (or Enabled without PXE)

2. SATA port
- Turn all SATA port to OFF, except CD/DVD-ROM.

Then "Save Changes & Exit", and server will proceed for reboot.

MD32xxi cause iSCSI lost connection if any of the connected host rebooted

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 10:02:00 +0800

Yesterday, another Taiwan customer called, and explain to me the issue as below. At first, I thought this is the correct behavior of the MD. However, customer told me HP storage wouldn't have this issue. I ask him to send in the Support bundle, and found that the NVSRAM isn't the latest one. Convince him to upgrade to latest, or at least to A03. Finally, customer willing to update.

Just received his email few minutes ago, knowing that the issue resolved after upgrade to A02. :-)

Implementation:

3 (three) PowerEdge R710 connect to MD3200i. All hosts installed with VMWare VSphere 4.0.

Issue:

Whenever one of the host rebooted, it will not detect the MD3200i. Customer need to power cycle all R710 and MD3200i, in order to ensure all hosts can detect the MD again.

Solution:

Ensure MD3200i's RAID Controller firmware is the latest, or at least version A02.

Download link:

Dell MD32x0i iSCSI RAID Controller, v.CFW 07.75.10.60 and NVSRAM N26X0-775890-009, A02

MD32xx/MD32xxi - Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM) may shows a 'NullPointerException' when launched in Chinese-based OS

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:33:00 +0800

Two days ago, a Taiwan customer called and complaint that he can't update the MD3200's NVSRAM to latest, due to Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM) is not showing proper Chinese words, and return an error: NullPointerException, when you wish to update the NVSRAM.

I use almost half a day to troubleshoot/gather relevant info from customer for analysis. Answer derive after 2-3 hours when I found one relevant article from our Knowledge-Base.

Cause:
This is the installer issue with the version A00 image with Spanish and Chinese OS language packages. This image doesn't impact any other language besides the two mentioned above.

Workaround:
1. For Windows:
- Ensure the Modular Disk Storage Manager application is closed
- Disable the Modular Disk Storage Manager Event Monitor service if it is started (through Windows services - Start->Run->services.msc)
- Navigate to the client directory under the MD Storage Manager installation directory (Default: C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell\MD Storage Software\MD Storage Manager\client)
- Rename the SMclient.jar file to SMclient.orig.jar
- Copy the provided SMclient-10.70.x6.06.jar file to SMclient.jar
- Re-enable the Modular Disk Storage Manager Event Monitor service (through Windows services)

2. For Linux
- Ensure the Modular Disk Storage Manager application is closed
- Navigate to the client directory under the MD Storage Manager installation directory (Default: /opt/dell/mdstoragesoftware/mdstoragemanager/client)
- Rename the SMclient.jar file to SMclient.orig.jar
- Copy the provided SMclient-10.70.x6.06.jar file to SMclient.jar

In summary, if your OS language is either Chinese or Spanish, just ensure you download/install the MDSM from version A01 and above.

You may get the latest MDSM A04 from the link below:
http://supportapj.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=my&cs=mybsd1&l=en&s=bsd&releaseid=R295070&SystemID=PWV_MD3200&servicetag=&os=WS8R2&osl=en&deviceid=22520&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=1&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=0&libid=52&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=441701

Where to download Dell System Management Tools and Documentation (SMTD)?

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:11:00 +0800

After the previous post: How to install Microsoft Hyper-V in Dell 11th Generation server? , I received few enquiry on where to download Dell System Management Tools and Documentation (SMTD).

Please follow the steps below to prepare the SMTD v6.4:

1. Download both ISO from below:

Image 1: OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.001 Image 2: OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.002

2. Before you burn it out, you need to join both ISO become single ISO file.

Windows:

copy /b OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.001+OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.002 OM_640_SMTD_A00.iso

Linux:

cat OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.001 OM_6.4.0_SMTD_A00.iso.002 > OM_640_SMTD_A00.iso

3. After that, you may open the ISO file with your burning software such as Roxio or Nero, and burn it.

After that, boot with this DVD to enter the Pre-Install configuration interface.

How to install Microsoft Hyper-V in Dell 11th Generation server?

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:22:00 +0800

Yesterday, a visitor named Syedz inquiry how to install Hyper-V in R710. I thought I can reply him through email, but I didn't receive any email afterwards. In case you re-visit my site, here is the steps you required.

Steps

Install your Windows Server 2008 with Dell System Management Tools & Documentation
After that, boot with the Windows Server 2008 media.
In the Setup Wizard, click the language you want to use during the installation.
Next, select the language to be installed, along with the time and currency formats and the keyboard layour, and then click Next.
Click Install Now, and then accept the license terms
In the next screen, specify the location where you wan Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 to be installed, and then click Next.
During the installation, server will restart several times. When the installation is complete, you will prompt for Administrator account setup. Click Ok.
Give a strong password for the Administrator account, confirm, then press ENTER.
When you see the message "Your password has been changed", click Ok.

That's all for the installation part. For Hyper-V configuration, allow me to took another 1 or 2 days to complete the post. :-)

Stay tuned for more updates.

Reference: www.microsoft.com

EMC AX100/150's Power Supply's behavior

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:28:00 +0800

An India customer, report a fault for his EMC's AX100 with dual Storage Processor. He sent me the SPCollect, found that there is error for SPB, and Power Supply B. Due to this storage contained all critical information for his company, I have to arrange the onsite service with 2 standby parts: Storage Processor, and Power Supply.

Few hours later, onsite engineer feedback, and the call routed to me. After few checking with engineer, we confirmed that issue caused by human error, and there isn't any hardware fault from the AX100 when engineer reach site.

Cause:
Customer did accidentally disconnect the power cord to Power Supply B, and cause SPB down.

The behavior of the power supply as below:

A failed power supply prevents operation of a single-processor AX-series
On a dual-processor AX100, a failed power supply will power down the associated storage processor
On a dual-processor AX150 or an AX150SC with two power supplies, a failed power supply will cause the system to run in degraded mode.

Don't run ChkDsk to the degraded Virtual Disk

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 09:22:00 +0800

Recently I've done some review to few hard disk which configured with hardware RAID related cases, found that most of the hard disk replacement that lead to OS 'crash' is due to the server did gone through ChkDsk, either trigger by user or start automatically.
I do not know why until I found this article with the below statements:

"....Chkdsk is not RAID-aware. Its algorithms only work in the simplest cases. In general, it must be avoided. If chkdsk attempts to repair one or more member disks, the RAID data patterns will be destroyed, usually beyond recovery."

Frankly, I have no idea how true is the abovementioned statements, as I can't find any relevant info from Microsoft site. However, the experiences that I gone through with customer are real. In this moment, I think we should try to avoid running the Chkdsk when there is any hard disk failure (with hardware RAID configuration).

For more info, you may go to the link below:
http://www.quetek.com/RAID_mistakes.htm

How to check Dell warranty?

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Tue, 8 Mar 2011 10:18:00 +0800

If you feel sick or lazy to call up Dell Technical Support's toll-free number, wait in the queue just to check your system's warranty, you can just click on the link below, then key-in the Service Tag, and you will get the warranty status within a second:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/details?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=biz&~ck=anavml

If your server, storage, switch or other Dell system is out-of-warranty, or warranty near to expiry date, a message will prompt as below:

Warranty contracts for your PowerEdge [model] have expired or will expire within 90 days.

Ensure your system is covered by contacting a Dell Extended Services Sales Agent at [toll-free for your region]

The real message as attached:

After that, you should see Service Contracts & Warranties, Original System Configuration, and Current System Configuration.

From the above attached picture, you can see the Start and End date, and how many days left for the valid warranty. If you wish to use the server/storage for another one or two years, do plan to get the quotation
from your sales account manager at least 21 days before the warranty expired.

Reference: http://supportapj.dell.com/support/index.aspx

PowerEdge R805: Failed to configure Memory Sparing

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Mon, 7 Mar 2011 08:26:00 +0800

Dell PowerEdge R805, is one of the AMD-based server from Dell. However, not much customer own one, and this may due to its supported platform quite different if compared with Intel-based server. Few days ago, one India customer called, and throw a lots of question to me before I can response to him:

"..I checked your documentation, found that this server should support Memory Sparing, but I just can't find the option from BIOS.."

Customer even share with me on how he tried to configure/modify the BIOS option, but end with FAIL.I checked his server specification, and I got the answer:

Server doesn't fully populated with Memory.

In summary, if you wish to configure Memory Sparing in this model, you should ensure:

System is populated with full Memory module
F2 System BIOS -> Memory Information -> Node Interleaving -> Disabled
DIMMs must be paired as spares also

Please refers to the table below for more info:

Processor 1				Processor 2				Available Memory	Spared Memory
DIMMA1	DIMMA2	DIMMA3	DIMMA4	DIMMB1	DIMM B2	DIMMB3	DIMMB4	1 CPU / 2 CPUs	1 CPU / 2 CPUs
512 MB	512 MB	512 MB	512 MB	512 MB	512 MB	512 MB	512 MB	1 GB / 2 GB	1 GB / 2 GB
1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	2 GB / 4 GB	2 GB / 4 GB
2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	4 GB / 8 GB	2 GB / 4 GB
2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	4 GB / 8 GB	2 GB / 4 GB
4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	8 GB / 16 GB	4 GB / 8 GB
	Indicates a spared single-rank DIMM (512-MB, 1-GB, or 2-GB). The entire capacity of this DIMM is reserved for sparing.
	Indicates a spared dual-rank DIMM (2-GB and higher). One-half of this DIMM's capacity is reserved for sparing.

Reference:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pet605/en/hom/install.htm

Resume Template: IT Resume (from Microsoft)

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Sun, 6 Mar 2011 09:09:00 +0800

Didn't expect Microsoft do have this kind of sharing at their site: Free resume template for download. For those who need to update their resume, especially the graduates, this is a very good example to come out with a simple, informative resume.

Hurry, grab one of it from Microsoft today! It is FREE.... :-)

#1

For more resume from Microsoft, you may go to the link below:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/?CTT=97

Dell H200 RAID Card not able to detect 3TB SATA Hard Disk

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Sat, 5 Mar 2011 15:36:00 +0800

Yesterday, I were surprised by a Singapore customer with the inquiry as below:

"...I suspect is your RAID card limitation to detect the full size of my 3TB SATA Hard Disk..."

Wow, I feel shame as my hardware knowledge not really up-to-date. I use around 12mins of researching, confirm that H200 does not able to detect hard disk with more than 2TB at this moment. According to Dell, this support features may come out this year (2011), but it doesn't really mentioned the exact release date.
If you really have budget to upgrade all Hard Disks to the size of 3TB SATA, you may consider to upgrade the RAID card as well. Currently, Dell PERC H700 & H800 are support hard disk with more than 2TB (need to fulfill the minimum requirement of firmware).

Dell PERC H700 and H800 – The following firmware revision (or later) must be applied on the Storage Controller Cards to obtain support for >2 TB drives. The firmware release numbers and revisions are below:

For SAS drives >2TB: 7.1 FW A02/12.3.0-0032

R269683 – H800; A02 ( listed as DELL_PERC-H800-ADAPTER_XX_XXXXXXX.exe at the below download link)

R269684 – H700I: A02 ( listed as DELL_PERC-H700-INTEGRATED_XX_XXXXXXX.exe at the below download link)

R269685 – H700A; A02 ( listed as DELL_PERC-H700-ADAPTER_XX_XXXXXXX.exe at the below download link)

R269686 – H700M; A02 ( listed as DELL_PERC-H700-MODULAR_XX_XXXXXXX.exe at the below download link)

SATA Support – SATA drives will be supported in Q1, 2011.

The above mentioned releases of firmware can be downloaded from http://ftp.us.dell.com/sas-raid/.

Dell H200 – Support is planned for the H200 in 2011

Therefore, Dell PERC H200 is yet to have latest firmware to support hard disk with size larger than 2TB. Hopefully the newer firmware is out soon to eliminate this limitation.

For more info, you may visit Dell official website: Click Here!
**The abovementioned info are obtained from Dell TechCentre for sharing purpose

Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) Part II : "Main System Chassis"

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Thu, 3 Mar 2011 14:47:00 +0800

Today, we gonna talk about what are the features available in "Main System Chassis".

Before we start, a quick introduction about the OMSA's GUI field name.

#1 "Batteries", is actually refers to the status of the CMOS battery.

#2 In "BIOS", you can easily know what is the current BIOS version and the release date.

#3 "Fans" - shows the total amount of fans, and the RPM.

#4 "Firmware" - refers Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) version.

#5 "Intrusions" - If user did open the chassis for certain purpose such as re-seat the PCI components, intrusion alert will triggered. If the chassis cover was not close properly afterwards, the status will become a red 'X'.

#6 "Memory" - is very straight forward, showing the total amount of memory that a server currently have.

#7 "Network" - all about the Network Interface Card (NIC) includes integrated or PCI NIC.

#8 "Ports" - all about USB or parallel port

#9 "Power Supplies" - You can easy access the Power Supply's status from here

#10 "Processors" - if you need to get the Processor spec, you can have it here

#11 "Remote Access" - Due to most of the Dell 11th Gen server is come with iDRAC, so this function is a 'must-have' option from OMSA.

#12 "Slots" - showing info of which type of PCI card occupied the slot

#13 "Temperature" - Chassis temperature. This will determine the RPM of the System Fan.

#14 "Voltage"

Generally, the new interface is more user-friendly than the previous version. It is highly recommend to have it for your Dell Server for monitoring and troubleshooting if needed.

Similar post:
Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) Part I : How to log in to OMSA?

Reference:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/software/svradmin/6.4/en/ug/html/using.htm#wp1076956

Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) Part I : How to log in to OMSA?

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Tue, 1 Mar 2011 07:51:00 +0800

Due to there are too many parts for Dell OpenManage Server Administrator, so I divide it into several parts to cover the full OMSA introduction.

What is Dell OpenManage Server Administrator?
Server Administrator provides a comprehensive, one-to-one systems management solution in two ways: from an integrated, Web browser-based graphical user interface (GUI) and from a command line interface (CLI) through the operating system. Server Administrator is designed for system administrators to manage systems locally and remotely on a network. Server Administrator allows system administrators to focus on managing their entire network by providing comprehensive one-to-one systems management.

**Reference from: http://supportapj.dell.com/support/edocs/SOFTWARE/svradmin/5.3/en/ug/html/intro.htm#wp1039152

Interface for version 6.4 is a little bit different from the legacy one, but the steps to log in are similar.

Download URL from Dell.com
Windows x64 OMSA 6.4 Download here
Windows x86 OMSA 6.4 Download here

#1
Double-click the icon named: "Server Administrator", and you'll see the browser open as below:

#2
Click "Continue to this website (not recommended)", and a log-in pop up screen will appear. Type in your username and password with administrative rights.

#3
After the Windows log-in, another web GUI appear and ask for same info as step #2.

#4
Then, you will see the first page of OMSA as below.

How to collect Symantec BackupExec log file (for Windows)

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:36:00 +0800

The simplest way for software troubleshooting is to obtain important info/logs for analysis. If you do not really know how to read the logs, at least you have to know how to obtain the right logs/info for the professional to help you.
Today, I'm gonna show you on how to gather the log file through VxGather.exe.
Introduction to Symantec Gather Utility (VxGather.exe)
- Gather the common diagnostic & historical files for troubleshooting purpose.
- Will look for Windows Event Logs, BE Installation Logs, BE application logs, and running Bediag.exe when it is necessary.

Steps:
1. Double-click VxGather.exe which located at \Program Files\Symantec\Backup Exec

2. Select the required info by check the checkbox in the Data to gather (if available) as below:

3. Fill in the necessary info for Output root directory (required), Case number (required) and Additional files to gather before click Gather.

4. After the log gathering process completed, there is a .CAB file generated. Send to Symantec Technical Support for further analysis.

**Pictures and resource info are obtained from Symantec KB, more detailed info, please go to the link below:

http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=TECH83408

MD3000/MD300i - Event 210A "cache not enabled or was internally disabled"

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 03:56:00 +0800

Few weeks back, there is one customer from Taiwan drop me an email with a lot of logs attached. After I read the last line of the content, then only I know he was asking me to analyze the log to ensure whether the storage is working fine or not. Customer confirm the storage was working time at that time, but the management software: Modular Disk Storage Management (MDSM)

Date/Time: 1/28/11 4:01:16 PM

Sequence number: 1051

Event type: 210A

Event category: Internal

Priority: Informational

Description: RAID Controller Module cache not enabled or was internally disabled

Event specific codes: 0/0/0

Component type: RAID Controller Module

Component location: RAID Controller Module in slot 1

Logged by: RAID Controller Module in slot 1

Raw data:

4d 45 4c 48 03 00 00 00 1b 04 00 00 00 00 00 00
0a 21 48 00 4c 99 19 4d 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 04 00 00 00 08 00 00 00 08 00 00 00
ff ff ff ff 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
01 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00 00 00 00

Cause:
May occur when moving Virtual Disk (VD) between two controllers, in the situation of fail-over or when changing the preferred owner of the VD.

This is informational message/log which will shown in Major Event Log (MEL) only, and is often only temporary. When there is any VD changes, write cache is only temporarily disabled, and it cause this event is logged. For older firmware version (before 7-Oct-2009 release), it wouldn't have a log when the write cache is automatically be re-enable once the VD changes have been completed. Hence, consider to update the MD3000/MD3000i to latest firmware to avoid such 'annoying' message logged. :-)

To ensure the write cache has been enabled, you may refers to "StorageArrayProfile" under support bundle, use Ctrl-F, and type "write cache" to search for the status. Below is one of the example of StorageArrayProfile from one of my customer:

What you should do when Dell Server prompt "E2111 SBE LogDisabled on DIMM ##" ?

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 03:43:00 +0800

I do not know how true is that, customer always complaint to me that Dell Server is very sensitive to memory Single-bit Error (SBE) compared to HP and IBM server. Some Dell server with the role of File or Database Server with heavy I/O, which are the most easy to encounter this error/warning at the system status LCD Panel as below:

"E2111 SBE log disabled on DIMM ##. Reseat DIMM."

LCD Panel

We do ask engineering team before and the explanation that we get are as below:

"..the memory error logging is as per design, and it wouldn't clear off automatically even if the SBE has been handled by the ECC Memory, unless we clear the hardware error log (can clear through OpenManage Server Administrator(OMSA) or Dell System E-Support Tool (DSET)) or till the system reset. This is because many customer/user would like to use those error for future reference..."

However, most of the customers/users do not appreciate the purpose of the design, and always claim that Dell Server's quality cannot compete with other brand, just because of the motherboard sensor is capable to log or display the error which happened before. Sounds funny isn't it?

Troubleshooting steps:
1. For Microsoft Windows-based & RedHat Linux OS, you may clear the hardware log from OMSA as below:

   i) Log in to OMSA (with Administrative rights)
   ii) System -> Log (tab) -> Clear ESM Log

2. You may use the Dell System E-Support Tool (DSET) to clear the ESM Log as well. As simple as execute the file, and select "Create & Clear ESM Log"
Please refers previous post for more info:
http://alanitsolutions.blogspot.com/2011/02/introduction-to-dell-system-e-support.html

3. If you are using non-OS such as VMWare ESX, you may chose to clear log with a bootable Dell utility named Dell OpenManage LiveCD.
Please refers previous post for more info:
http://alaninpenang.blogspot.com/2010/04/dell-server-how-to-capture-hardware-log.html

After the hardware log cleared with one of the abovementioned steps, what you need to do next is just need need to monitor for 1-2 hours. If the SBE is actual, definitely it will return within this period. If it is not, which mean error already handled by the ECC system memory.

What is the password for Windows Server 2008 after the installation complete?

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 07:47:00 +0800

Windows Server 2008 already in the market for more than two years, but some of the Server Administrators still not familiar to it, as Windows Server 2003 still perform well in most of the companies nowadays.

The most common question asked by a Server Administrator during the Windows Server 2008 implementation is as below:

"...After Windows Server 2008 installation completed, it will ask to log in with a password, but I can't find any default password from the DVDs case.."

I answer this inquiry till I can come out with a script.

Info Sharing:
There isn't any default password for Windows Server 2008, but the first password that you key in will be the log in password afterwards.
The password MUST be strong password which consist of the below:
1. At least six characters
2. At least one capital letter/alphabet
3. At least one small letter/alphabet
4. At least one number
5. At least one special character (@, %, $)
For example: t@Lent0

If the password that you key in does not fulfill the abovementioned criteria, you'll never get to log into the Operating System.

Reference of the Windows Server 2008's Logo: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/default.aspx

Introduction to Dell System E-Support Tool (DSET)

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:29:00 +0800

Dell System E-Support Tool (DSET) is very useful for troubleshooting especially when we deal with non-technical IT Personnel, or 'lazy' customer who totally not cooperative to provide further information. The key features is provides the ability to collect hardware, storage and operating system information of a Dell PowerEdge or PowerVault server.

Compatibility list:
i) PowerEdge Server:

800, 830, 840, 850, 860, 1800, 1850, 1855, 2800, 2850, 6800, 6850, 1900, 1950, 1955, 2900, 2950, 2970, 6950, NX1950, SC1420, SC1425, SC1430, SC1435, SC420, SC430, SC440, R805, R905, R900, T100, T105, T300, T605, R200, R300, M600, M605, M805, M905, R610, T610, R710, M610, M710, R410, T410, T310, R310, R210, T110, R510, R910, R810,R715,R815, R415, R515, M610x, M710HD and M910

ii) PowerVault Storage:

100T, 110T, 122T, 124T, 132T,136T, ML6000, 200/210, 220S/221S, MD1000, RD1000 Internal SATA Drive, TL2000,TL4000, MD1120, NF110, DL2100 and DL2200

iii) Microsoft Operating System:

* Microsoft Windows 2003 Server x86 and x64
* Microsoft Windows 2003 Server x86 and x64 R2
* Microsoft Windows 2008 Server 32-bit and 64-bit 
* Microsoft Windows 2008 Server 32-bit and 64-bit SP2
* Microsoft Windows 2008 Server R2

How to use DSET to generate log and clear hardware log?
1. Download the DSET Utility:
Download here. (latest version 2.1)

2. Execute the file, and you have the interface as below, then click "Next >":

3. Select "I Accept the license agreement", and click "Next >"

4. After read the [readme] info, click "Next >"

5. From here, if you wish to generate logs, select "Create DSET Report only". If you would like to clear hardware log for troubleshooting purpose (especially for system SBE error), select "Gather then Clear Dell Hardware Log only"

6. Then, progress bar appear, and it will run for approximately 5 minutes.

According to the Readme, after the process done a single compressed configuration report file called "DSET Report of <computer name> Tag-<service tag> -<model name>" would be copied to the Desktop by default.

Do not unzip, but send the ZIP file to the Technical Support Specialist for analysis.

Microsoft declared End-of-Support for Windows 2000

noreply@blogger.com (詠鉌のIT) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:59:00 +0800

On and off, I still received calls that customer still request support or escalation to Microsoft for Windows 2000. I remember few weeks ago, a Singaporean request support for this Operating System (OS), even though result from the troubleshooting shows that the issue from the OS but not hardware. Furthermore, his server already out-of-warranty but still requesting the support with the arrogant tone.

I informed him orally that Microsoft already declared End-of-Support (EOS) half year ago, and even I can try to escalate to Microsoft, confirm that they will just inform us right away that this product EOS, please consider to migrate to Windows Server 2008. This 'creative creature' throw a question to me :

"..I'm not asking for their help, and in fact you're the one who want to look for their help. If you do not know how to help me, please assign this case to others.."

Wow..I feel like want to clap for him after the 'request' (or I should say 'order') was delivered to my ear. At the end, I have to reject him in a proper way, and drop him the prove as below:

Reference: http://support.microsoft.com/ph/1131