Prepare to replace controller (simplex)

You prepare to replace a controller canister by saving the drive security key, backing up the configuration, and collecting support data. Then, you can stop host I/O operations and power down the controller shelf.

1. If possible, make a note of which version of SANtricity OS software is currently installed on the controller, by selecting Support > Upgrade Center > View Software and Firmware Inventory.
2. If the Drive Security feature is enabled, be sure a saved key exists and that you know the pass phrase required to install it.
   Attention: Possible loss of data access – If all drives in the storage array are security enabled, the new controller will not be able to access the storage array until you unlock the secured drives using the Enterprise Management Window in SANtricity Storage Manager.

   To save the key (might not be possible, depending on the state of the controller):

   1. From SANtricity System Manager, select Settings > System.
   2. Under Drive security key management, select Back Up Key.
   3. In the Define a pass phrase/Re-enter pass phrase fields, enter and confirm a pass phrase for this backup copy.
   4. Click Backup.
   5. Record your key information in a secure location, and then click Close.
3. Back up the storage array's configuration database.
   If a problem occurs when you remove a controller, you can use the saved file to restore your configuration.
   1. Open the Enterprise Management Window (EMW) for SANtricity Storage Manager on your management station.
   2. Select the storage array.
   3. Select Tools > Execute Script.
   4. Type the following command in the text box.

      save storageArray dbmDatabase sourceLocation=onboard contentType=all file="filename";

      In this command, filename is the file path and file name to which you want to save the database. Enclose the file name in double quotation marks (" "). For example:

       file="C:\Program Files\CLI\logs\dbmdata.zip" 

      This command does not automatically append a file extension to the saved file. You must specify a file extension when entering the file name.

   5. Select Tools > Verify and Execute.
4. Collect support data for your storage array using SANtricity System Manager.
   1. Select Support > Support Center > Diagnostics.
   2. Select Collect Support Data.
   3. Click Collect.

   The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name support-data.7z.

5. Ensure that no I/O operations are occurring between the storage array and all connected hosts. For example, you can perform these steps:
   • Stop all processes that involve the LUNs mapped from the storage to the hosts.
   • Ensure that no applications are writing data to any LUNs mapped from the storage to the hosts.
   • Unmount all file systems associated with volumes on the array.

   Note: The exact steps to stop host I/O operations depend on the host operating system and the configuration, which are beyond the scope of these instructions. If you are not sure how to stop host I/O operations in your environment, consider shutting down the host.
   Attention: Possible data loss – If you continue this procedure while I/O operations are occurring, you might lose data.
6. Wait for any data in cache memory to be written to the drives.
   The green Cache Active LED on the back of the controller is on when cached data needs to be written to the drives. You must wait for this LED to turn off.
7. From the home page of SANtricity System Manager, select View Operations in Progress.
8. Confirm that all operations have completed before continuing with the next step.
9. Turn off both power switches on the controller shelf.
10. Wait for all LEDs on the controller shelf to turn off.
11. Select Recheck from the Recovery Guru, and confirm that the OK to remove field in the Details area displays Yes, indicating that it is safe to remove this component.

    Data on the storage array will not be accessible until you replace the controller canister.