HD Server Booting to EFI Shell

HD Server Booting to EFI Shell

HD Server Booting to EFI Shell

This document covers rebuilding of the RAID on an HD server that is reporting errors on all drives when viewing the status of the array and/or booting to a black screen with a command prompt. This is an indication of a corrupted RAID that needs to be completely rebuilt.  This applies to models MAXX 1200-HD, MAXX 2400-HD, and 2470 HD Time Delay.  This issue has been isolated to the RAID driver and an updated version is available on our FTP site

Process

Disable Quiet Boot

  • Power on the Server.
  • Enter BIOS setup by pressing [F2] at prompt.
  • Change Quiet Boot to [Disabled].
  • Navigate to Boot Options. Verify that EFI Shell is at the top of the order, and that there is no entry for 3ware Storage Controller.  If there is, then select Boot Option #1 and set to 3ware Storage Controller.  The server should now boot normally after step 4.1.6.
  • Press [F10] to save changes.
  • Server will re-boot.

Rebuild RAID Array

  • Press [Alt–3] at prompt to enter 3ware setup.
  • Press [Enter] to continue.
  • “DRIVE ERROR” will be reported for each drive. Using the arrow keys, highlight each drive and press [ENTER] to select. An asterisk will appear next to each selected drive.
  • When all four drives are selected with an asterisk, [TAB] to Delete Unit.
  • Press [ENTER] to select
  • Press [ENTER] again to select Direct Attached. All four drives will automatically be selected.
  • Press [Tab] and select Create Unit.
  • Select RAID Configuration.
    • For 1200HD and HD Time Delay select RAID 5
    • For 2400HD select RAID 6.
    • For 2420HD select RAID 5.
  • Select StorSave Profile and set to Performance.
  • Select Auto–Verify and set to Disabled.
  • Press [Tab] to select Advanced and press [Enter].
  • Set Drive Queuing Mode to Disabled.
  • [Tab] to OK and press [Enter].
  • Select OK, Type [Y] to enable Write Cache.
  • Press [F8] and type [Y] to Save and Exit. Server will re-boot.

Reconfigure BIOS

  • Enter BIOS setup by pressing [F2] at prompt.
  • Change Quiet Boot back to [Enabled].
  • Navigate to Boot
  • Select Boot Option #1 and set to 3ware Storage Controller.
  • Press [F10] and press [ENTER] to select Yes to save and exit.

Install Software

  • Insert USB Software Drive.
  • Server will automatically boot from USB drive.
  • Installation Options screen will appear.
  • Select Full Install and press [Enter].
  • Confirmation screen will appear.
  • Select Yes and press [Enter] to begin installation.
  • Server will automatically reboot.
  • Server will again automatically boot from USB drive.
  • Installation Options screen will reappear.
  • Select Full Install and press [Enter].
  • Confirmation screen will appear.
  • Select Yes and press [Enter] to install software.
  • When installation is complete, remove USB drive and press [Enter] to select OK. Server will re-boot.

Verify RAID

  • Navigate to end of EULA and click Accept.
  • Click Start>RAID Status.
  • Select Accept this certificate permanently, then click OK.
  • Click OK at prompts.
  • Change User to Administrator, then click Login.
  • Navigate to Management>Maintenance.
  • Click on box next to Unit 0.  A checkmark will appear.
  • Click on Verify Unit.

Update RAID card firmware if required

  • In the server GUI, click Start > RAID Status
  • Change User to Administrator, then click Login.
  • In the Summary listed make sure that the firmware listed is FE9X 4.10.0.24
  • If a lower firmware version is listed, the firmware must be updated to this version
  • Download the firmware update (10.0.24.zip) from the 360 Systems FTP site and follow the instructions in the file to complete the update.