How to Import Foreign Configuration for Dell PERC

This video will demonstrate the importing procedure of a Foreign Configuration for the Dell PERC.

In this video, we'll cover the process of importing an existing configuration to the RAID controller using the virtual disk management menu with a configuration of entry-level PERC Controller or Enterprise-Level PERC Controller cards.

In addition, you can view the foreign configuration from the "Foreign View" tab without importing the configuration. Please note: The controller does not allow import of configurations that results in more than 64 virtual disks for an Enterprise-Level PERC Controller and 32 virtual disks for an entry-level PERC Controller.

If you take out the physical disks (which are part of the virtual disk) from one server and insert it into another server, or if you swap the slots, then those disks will be identified as foreign configuration by the controller.

To import the foreign configuration, follow these steps. During boot-up, press "F2" when you're prompted by the BIOS screen. It will direct you to the system interface. Go to "Device Settings" on this page. Select the "RAID Controller", and it'll direct you to the main page.

Click "Physical Disk Management". You'll see all the available physical disks with foreign configurations. Back on the main menu, go to the "Configuration Management" option, and then go to "Manage Foreign Configuration".

Click "Preview Foreign Configuration" and then click "Import Foreign Configuration". You're prompted with the message Are you sure you want to proceed?. Select "Confirm" and then click "Yes" to proceed further.

When finished, it displays "The operation has been performed successfully". Click "OK" to continue. Then, go back and click "Virtual Disk Management".

On this page, you will now see the imported virtual disks. For more information, visit "Dell.com/powercenter" or "DellTechCenter.com/powercenter".