Server reboots w/ SDLT 320 SCSI drive is turned on

[konopj]

We have a Dell Poweredge 1750 running Win 2003. When we purchased this we got a Quantum SDLT 320 w/ it. Now when I installed the driver it recgonized everingthing. After a reboot, and just keeps rebootng & rebooting, until the tape drive is turned off; than it will boot and you can use the server. These are the most up-to-date driver that Dell & Quantum is offering. Anyone else having this problem, or know how I can get rid of the driver. I have uninstalled the drive, and that does not seem to matter, the reboot problem continues.

 

[jbud]

Your message is a little unclear to me. If you're able to boot the server normally with the tape drive powered off, can you check the System logs for any errors? If not, will it boot into Safe Mode?

Have you tried installing any Veritas drivers with this?

I've seen this happen before with Dell products, and it's always been an issue with a 3rd party software app.

I'm not certain how one removes a drive in W2K3. Maybe someone else can give you an idea on that.

 

[jbud]

Another thing: the 1750 looks like a 1U rack server (going by Dell's site). Is the tape drive an external unit? If so, are you certain you haven't plugged it into a port off of a RAID controller or something?

 

[konopj]

I have not used the Veritas drivers yet...I have the CD sitting in the envelpoe and was waitng on instaling this until is runs smoothly, with the tape drive. This is an external tape drive unit running off the SCSI raid controller. Are you just thinking that the Veritas would clean up my driver issues. The oly error showing up in the look are for Net Shield. Nothing else stands out inthe logs.

 

[jbud]

My current thoughts:

First, does the server have any other available SCSI ports? In general (and I don't use Dell hardware, but from a Compaq/HP perspective), plugging a tape drive into a SCSI port coming off of a RAID controller can cause unpredictable results. I would call Dell to discuss exactly where they support plugging the tape drive in.

Second, the Net Shield error may be relevant. Again, I've seen third party apps that would fight with drivers, etc. that led to reboot loops.

 

[konopj]

Well, it is the only SCSI port. I am first trying to get a hold on Quantum to possibly get a update drive that is just unreleased. Buy before they will work with me (they are saying that it might only be support by Dell-the drive that is)that want the S/N so I sent them that, and than say that it is not in their database, so then asked for a picture of the S/N to be certain. SO I tooka digital picture of the S/N for them and sent it off this afternoon. Now I just have to wait for them to tell me there are talking responsibility or if them are going to pass the burden on to Dell since both the server and drive were purchased from them. And they do not support certain devices they sell to Dell.

 

[konopj]

Thanks again 'jbud', I just do not want to deal with the Dell hold time, just hoping quantum will step up to the plate....

 

[jbud]

Assuming you have the latest version of the 1750 with the PERC4/Di, I think I have your answer. You need to make a BIOS change to turn the SCSI port into "pass-thru" mode:

http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/storage/perc4di/en/ug/features.htm#passthru

 

[steveot]

Uninstall Backup Exec tape Drivers and let it use the windows drivers.
Run c:\program files\veritas\backup exec\nt\tapeinst.exe
See what happens
You can always re-install the drivers with the same program.

 

[justin2000]

konopj

You problem is you are plugging the tape drive into the RAID controller - RAID controller are not designed to have tape drives attached to them.

And also backup exec is not a supported configuration when plugging the tape drive into a RAID controller - there are too many unpredictable things that can happen - you have one of them, others are data corruption on your RAID, tape drive not being recognised properly..

You will need to get a seperate SCSI card for the tape drive - good of Dell not to sell you one in the first place.

 

[konopj]

Thanks, again. I will am going to look into the Perc configs as well as a SCSI card, As for the backup exec drivers, I know that is out of the question, because it(Veritas) has not even seen the drive yet.

 

[technome]

Justin2000 is correct, the thought of placing a TBU on a raid adapter should not be considered. NEVER, even in your dreams !!!