PowerEdge VRTX Drive Flashing Amber

Hi,

a flashing amber light on a PowerEdge VRTX drive typically indicates a predictive failure. This means the drive is likely degrading and could fail soon. Here's how to handle the situation:

Replacing the Drive:

1. Hot-Swapping: In most RAID configurations, replacing a failing drive with a healthy one can be done while the system is running (hot-swapping). However, it depends on your specific RAID configuration.

2. Check Your RAID Configuration: Your assumption about having a RAID configuration with redundancy is likely correct, considering the drive size and total usable capacity. Consult your server documentation or use tools like the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) to verify the exact RAID level (e.g., RAID 1, RAID 5).

• RAID 1 (Mirrored): With a mirrored RAID setup (RAID 1), you can safely hot-swap the failing drive. The data is mirrored on the remaining drive, so your system shouldn't experience any downtime.

• Other RAID Levels (RAID 5, etc.): For RAID levels like 5 or higher, hot-swapping might still be possible, but the rebuild process can put strain on the system. Refer to your Dell documentation for specific instructions on hot-swapping for your RAID level.

Replacement Drive:

• Dell Support: You can get the correct replacement drive directly from Dell support. They will ensure compatibility with your VRTX system and RAID configuration.

Here's a recommended approach:

1. Back Up Data (if possible): If the server stores critical data, prioritize creating a backup before proceeding.
2. Consult Dell Support or Documentation: Contact Dell support or refer to your VRTX documentation to confirm the RAID level and hot-swap procedure for your specific configuration.
3. Obtain Replacement Drive: Purchase a compatible replacement drive from Dell or a trusted vendor.
4. Replace the Failing Drive: Following the recommended procedure (consult Dell support/documentation), carefully hot-swap the failing drive with the new one.
5. Monitor Rebuild (if applicable): Depending on your RAID level, the system might initiate a rebuild process to recover data onto the new drive. Monitor the progress and ensure it completes successfully.

By following these steps, you can potentially prevent data loss and maintain the health of your PowerEdge VRTX storage system.

@Dell-Martin S​  Thanks! I checked the VRTX CMC and it shows the Raid is 10:

From google it says that should be hot swappable. So just backup first, then pull it out and put the new one in? 

I am trying to replace the bad drive with a used one but for some reason it doesn't fit. The one on the right is the replacement which won't fit. I believe it is the same 2TB/7.2k/SAS as the original:

The specific drive part number that you may want to look for is Dell part number 1P7DP. This part number corresponds to the original drive model ST2000NM0023, which is different from the replacement drive model ST2000NM0001 that you bought.

@DELL-Chris H​ Thanks for the quick reply. I was able to get it to fit by swapping the drive tray. But now when I installed it, no green lights flash. When I log into the CMC I see this history which looks a bit worrisome. The filesystem is still functioning ok as the three remaining drives are working ok ( with green lights flashing ):

It is possible it has to do with the wrong part numbers. But seems like some other issue going on:

Are those logs based on the replacement drive being inserted, or from the original drive? If it is from the replacement then I would think it is due to the part not being compatible. If it is based on the original drive then we may need to confirm that the system is up to date completely. 

@DELL-Chris H​ The logs are based on the original drive. Last week I removed the bad drive and then put it back inside ( May 29'th ). So seems something "broke" then... :-( . Should I try rebooting the whole system? Couldn't see a way to do that in the CMC..

If the drive is part of a Raid virtual disk then you wouldn't need to restart the system. Would you confirm what the raid controller installed is and the revision of the CMC, blade BIOS, iDrac, as well as controller firmware?

@DELL-Chris H​ Unfortunately it is telling me "No Controllers found". Presumably this is due to the issue that occurred last week. Because I do recall in past seeing all the raid information in the CMC. Other info. is:

@DELL-Chris H​ I did a warm reboot of the CMC and now the controller comes up properly. I can see the virtual disk there. But the replacement drive I put in still does not show up. Nor does it show any green light. I presume this is due to the wrong part number.. Will look for the exact part number and try again...

Unfortunately, I am having a hard time finding a place to buy the replacement drive. I have tried searching for:

Dell part number 1P7DP and original drive model ST2000NM0023

But all that comes up are used/refurbished drives from resellers. Is this that old that new drives are no longer sold from Dell ? I believe the system was purchased brand new in 2017. So it should not be terribly old?