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Removing a disk drive from a system or expansion unit controlled by IBM i

Learn how to remove a failed Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) or serial-attached SCSI (SAS) disk drive from a system or an expansion unit with an IBM® i operating system or a logical partition that controls the disk drive location.

If you are removing a disk drive in order to install a new or upgraded disk drive, see Installing a disk drive or solid-state drive with the IBM i system or logical partition power turned on. If you are removing a disk drive as part of a service procedure, continue to use the following procedure.

DANGER
When working on or around the system, observe the following precautions:
Electrical voltage and current from power, telephone, and communication cables are hazardous. To avoid a shock hazard:
  • Connect power to this unit only with the IBM provided power cord. Do not use the IBM provided power cord for any other product.
  • Do not open or service any power supply assembly.
  • Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm.
  • The product might be equipped with multiple power cords. To remove all hazardous voltages, disconnect all power cords.
  • Connect all power cords to a properly wired and grounded electrical outlet. Ensure that the outlet supplies proper voltage and phase rotation according to the system rating plate.
  • Connect any equipment that will be attached to this product to properly wired outlets.
  • When possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect signal cables.
  • Never turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire, water, or structural damage.
  • Disconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems, networks, and modems before you open the device covers, unless instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration procedures.
  • Connect and disconnect cables as described in the following procedures when installing, moving, or opening covers on this product or attached devices.
    To Disconnect:
    1. Turn off everything (unless instructed otherwise).
    2. Remove the power cords from the outlets.
    3. Remove the signal cables from the connectors.
    4. Remove all cables from the devices.
    To Connect:
    1. Turn off everything (unless instructed otherwise).
    2. Attach all cables to the devices.
    3. Attach the signal cables to the connectors.
    4. Attach the power cords to the outlets.
    5. Turn on the devices.

    (D005)

  1. Before removing a disk drive, back up all the data from the disk drive or the array that the drive is a part of, and then move the data from the disk drive that you want to remove. For instructions, choose one of the following options:
    • Move and remove disk units
    • Recovering your system in the IBM i Information Center
      Go to IBM i Information Center website, and select from the following options:
      • If you select V6R1, expand IBM i 6.1 Information Center > Systems management > Backup and recovery > Recovering your system
      • If you select V5R4, expand i5/OS Information Center > Systems management > Backup and recovery > Backing up and recovering your system > Recovering your system
  2. Prepare to remove the disk drive from the system configuration as described in Preparing to remove a disk drive or solid-state drive from a system or logical partition controlled by IBM i.
  3. Locate the disk drive to be removed. See Disk drives or solid-state drive locations and service indicators.
Parent topic: Removing a disk drive or solid-state drive from the 8233-E8B or 8236-E8C
Related information:
Removing and replacing a disk drive in the 5887 disk drive enclosure unit

Preparing the system

  1. Complete the prerequisite tasks. For instructions, see Before you begin.
  2. If applicable, remove the system unit door, expansion unit door, or the rack door.
  3. If applicable, remove the front cover.

Removing the disk drive

  1. Unlock the disk drive handle by squeezing it and pulling it out toward you.
    Attention:
    • Attach a wrist strap to an unpainted metal surface of your hardware to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging your hardware.
    • When using a wrist strap, follow all electrical safety procedures. A wrist strap is for static control. It does not increase or decrease your risk of receiving electric shock when using or working on electrical equipment.
    • If you do not have a wrist strap, just prior to removing the product from ESD packaging and installing or replacing hardware, touch an unpainted metal surface of the system for a minimum of 5 seconds.
    Figure 1. Removing a disk drive
    Graphic of removing a disk drive.
    Figure 2. Removing a small-form factor disk drive from the 5803 expansion unit
    Removing a small-form factor disk drive from the 5803 expansion unit
  2. Support the bottom of the disk drive as you slide it out of the system or expansion unit. Do not hold the disk drive by the handle.
  3. If a disk drive filler is available, remove the disk drive filler. For instructions, see Removing a disk drive filler.

Refill the disk drive slots with either another disk drive or a disk drive filler. Filling the disk drive slot can help ensure proper airflow for cooling and help maintain optimal Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) compliance.

Completing the procedure

Install or close the front door of the system, expansion unit, or rack.

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Last updated: Thu, November 20, 2014