Compaq Array Config / SmartStart

[zabagar]

I inherited a Compaq ML350 server. It has (3) 18gb drives in a RAID5 config. The array was not carved out the way I wanted it, so I need to re-do it. There is no OS on it.

I am having a problem while trying to modify the array.
It's been many months since working with compaq, so maybe I'm missing something....

I have 2 SmartStart CDs, the latest of which is 5.41. I boot up with it, but I don't find any options to modify the array config.

Also, I cannot press F10 at server boot up to access the configuration partition. Maybe its not there or corrupt.

I tried to used the SmartStart CD to create the configuration partition, but that doesn't seem to do anything. It says its creating it, but F10 never does anything on my machine. I tried creating the partition with floppies too, but no luck.

I searched the web, but many Compaq/HP links I find are broken. I'm looking for maybe an SP or utility I can use to set up the array.

Anyway, to make a long story short, all I need is to reconfigure the partition. Then, I can install my OS.

Can anybody help?

 

[ChrisRAnthony]

When starting the server with the Smartstart CD do you get an option screen which allows you to delete the contents of the array? You should see a screen with, from memory, should have six items on it. One of which allows you to delete the exiting array.

 

[anawrocki]

What RAID controler do you have?

 

[zabagar]

Thanks for the responses guys. I've been working with Dells for quite a while, and thought maybe I'd forgotten my compaq smartstart stuff...

This server has made the rounds, so-to-speak...and somewhere along the way, the raid controller was removed!
I opened up the case to see what was causing the problem, and bingo. Problem solved.

I'm angry with myself that I waited so long before opening it up. I guess since I saw the machine last, it had a working controller, so I *assumed* it still did. Doh!

Now if I can only find the weasel that yanked it out.

-bob

 

[anawrocki]

I hate to say that was my first guess but did not want to ask the question.