In order to gather needed information, we need to log on to Unisphere Manager on our VNXe. After we log in, we are presented with the management GUI. The GUI will generate alert for failed components. We can investigate further by viewing the system health. The system health screen shows the severity of the error as well as the problem component and description. Within the lower pane, we see the component description area.
To request a replacement part, choose “Support,” “Need more help?” “Customer Replaceable Parts” and “Order a Customer Replaceable Part.” This will bring you to the service portal. You’ll need to log in using your support login account information. Within the service center, you’ll create a service record and generate a replacement order. Follow the prompts and enter the information required to order the replacement part.
Before you begin the replacement procedure, make sure you have correctly identified the faulted part and that a replacement module is available. Refer to your VNXe online help and official replacement procedures, if necessary. To protect your VNXe system from accidental data loss while you remove and replace DPE components, from the dashboard, choose “Perform service operations.”
Log in with your service password. In the “System Components” column, select the storage processor associated with the faulted component. Under “Service Actions,” select “Enter Service Mode,” then “Execute service action.” The storage processor fault LED will flash alternating amber and blue while the SP remains in service mode. Caution: Do not remove the storage processor while the unsafe to remove SP LED is on. The light indicates that you may interrupt a vital system or data caching process.
If your system has a single storage processor, do not remove the storage processor if the unsafe to remove LED for the cache protection module is on. To replace the storage processor, you must remove the SP assembly from the chassis and then exchange memory modules, the I/O module, solid-state disk, and the BBU with the replacement SP assembly. Disconnect the network and all other cables from the back of the faulted processor assembly.
Mark the cables with the port numbers from which you remove them. Locate the two orange release levers on the storage processor latches. Squeeze the levers to release the latches and then pull the latches outward. Pull out the latches until they are fully extended and the storage processor assembly is released from the enclosure. Use the latches to partially slide the assembly from its enclosure.
When the storage processor is about halfway out of the enclosure, use both hands to support the assembly and draw it fully out of the enclosure. Place the storage processor assembly on a clean, flat, static-free work surface. Remove the cover from the storage processor assembly canister. Press the blue button on the cover. Push the cover back one quarter inch. Lift the cover up. Unpack the replacement assembly and place it on the same clean, flat, static-free work area. Retain the packaging to return the faulted module.
Remove the top cover from the replacement module. Remove the memory modules from the faulted storage processor and install them in the replacement processor board. Push down on the connector ejectors on either side of the memory module to release them from the module socket. Touching only the outside edges, pull the module directly out of the socket and place it on an anti-static surface.
Handling only the outside edges, align the module with the socket in the replacement storage processor. The socket and module are keyed to prevent incorrect alignment. Push the replacement module into the vacated slot until it’s firmly seated in the connector. Close the ejectors into the notches on either side of the module to secure the module in the socket. Remove the battery backup unit from the faulted storage processor and install it in the replacement processor board.
Press the top of the white tab on the cable connector to release it and then carefully pull the connector cable from the processor board. You may need to gently rock the connector to remove it. Push the blue tab to the left to release the unit and then carefully pull it from the carrier on the CPU board. Lift the BBU out and away from the canister and slide the BBU into the replacement canister until it's firmly seated in the enclosure.
Attach the cable connector to the processor board. Remove the I/O module or filler module from the faulted SP assembly and install it in the replacement. Carefully lift the blue latch on the faulted processor until it ejects the I/O or filler module from the connector. Angle the I/O module slightly so it fits into the replacement canister and align it with the blue alignment pins. Do not attempt to seat the I/O module into the CPU connector while you are holding the I/O module at an angle. Doing so will damage the connections.
The I/O module should be flat before you attempt to seat the connector. With the module aligned in parallel to the CPU board, press the latch down to fully seat the module in the connector. Push down on the force point indicated on the I/O module to ensure the module is completely seated on the processor board. Remove the solid-state disk from the faulted SP and install it in the replacement module.
To remove, unlatch the solid-state disk by pulling the blue tab away from the bottom of the storage processor. Pull the SSD out of the slot. Slide the solid-state disk into the slot on the replacement storage processor assembly. Be sure the latch snaps in place. Replace the top cover on the replacement assembly.
Align the cover tabs with the notches in the canister. Slide it forward one quarter inch until the tab secures the cover. Install the replacement assembly in the enclosure. Pull out the latches on each side of the SP and make sure they stay in the open position. Align the SP with the chassis opening and push it straight into the chassis. The latches begin to close when they contact the chassis edges. Close the right and left latches to fully seat the SP in the chassis. An audible click indicates the latches are secure. Reconnect the cables to the back of the storage processor. Connect all cables to the same port from which you removed them on the faulted SP assembly. The SP begins powering up immediately after connection to an active AC power source. Once you have replaced the faulted module and returned the storage processor assembly to the chassis, reboot the recently serviced SP. Under “Service Actions,” select “Reboot,” then “Execute service action.” Note that it may take several minutes for the system to complete its reboot. Verify that the new module is recognized by your system and operating correctly. In Unisphere, click “View system health.” Select the storage processor if not already shown. In the component list, the replaced module should be marked with an OK status icon. In the graphical view, the module is highlighted green. Note, if the system health monitor shows the replacement module is faulted, contact your service provider. At this point, we can proceed to return the faulted module. Choose “Support,” “Need more help?” “Customer Replaceable Parts,” “Return a Customer Replaceable Part.” This will bring you to the parts service portal. You’ll need to log in using your support login account information. Once logged in, choose to process a return part using the supplied form. A return shipping label will be generated. Attach the shipping label to the return packaging and contact the appropriate person to pick up the faulted part.
