Replacing a failed disk drive

The GPFS Storage Server has explicit commands for identifying failed disks and replacing disks. For more information, see the "Example scenario: Replacing failed disks in a GSS recovery group" topic in the GPFS: Advanced Administration Guide.

Attention: Disk drives must not be replaced by simply hot-swapping them.
Attention: Failed disks must be replaced one at a time.
Replacing each disk is a three-step process:
  1. Use the mmchcarrier command with the --release flag to inform GPFS to locate the disk, suspend it, and allow it to be removed.
  2. Locate and remove the failed disk and replace it with a new one.
  3. Use the mmchcarrier command with the --replace flag to start using the new disk.

The physical steps to follow after the mmchcarrier --release command has been run for a DE6600 disk enclosure

  1. The amber system error LED on the front of the storage enclosure should be lit.
  2. The amber LED on the drawer should be lit.
  3. The amber Service Action Required LED and the blue Drive Service Action allowed LED on the drive should be lit.
  4. Remove the bezel from the front of the storage enclosure. See Removing and installing the bezel for instructions on removing the bezel.
  5. Complete the following steps to open the drive drawer:
    1. Open the release levers on each side of the drawer and pull them out while you cam the levers away from the chassis to release the drawer.
    2. Pull on the extended levers to pull the drive drawer out to its full extension without removing it from the storage enclosure.
Note: The fan assemblies spin up to increase airflow through the storage enclosure when a drive drawer is open. This is normal and does not indicate a fault. Fan speed will return to normal after the drive drawer is closed.
Figure 1. Opening the release levers on a drive drawer
Graphic illustrating opening the release levers on a drive drawer
Attention: To prevent damage to the drive drawer, gently press on the back of the drive while you pull the lever downward to push the drive into the connector in the drive drawer.
Figure 2. Inserting a hard disk drive into the connector
Graphic illustrating how to install a disk drive in the connector
Complete the following steps to install the disk drive.
Note: The disk drive comes installed in a drive enclosure. Do not attempt to detach the disk drive from the enclosure.
  1. Raise the drive handle to the vertical position, as shown in Figure 3.
    Figure 3. Raising the drive handle
    Graphic illustrating raising the handle on a disk drive
  2. Align the two raised buttons on each side over the matching gap in the drive channel on the drawer, as shown in Figure 4.
    Figure 4. Aligning the drive
    Graphic illustrating aligning a disk drive in the drive drawer
  3. Lower the disk drive straight down; then, rotate the drive handle down until the drive snaps into place under the release latch, as shown in Figure 5.
    Figure 5. Locking the disk drive in the connector
    Graphic illustrating how to lock a disk drive in the connector
  4. Push the drive drawer all the way back into the storage enclosure, closing the levers on each side of the drive drawer.
  5. Install the bezel on the front of the storage enclosure. See Removing and installing the bezel for instructions on installing the bezel.

The physical steps to follow after the mmchcarrier --release command has been run for a DE5600 disk enclosure

Attention: Never remove a drive when its green activity LED is flashing. Remove a drive only when its amber status LED is lit (riot flashing), when the drive is inactive (activity LED is off), or when the GPFS Storage Server is turned off.
  1. After you have identified the drive to be replaced, press the latch on the end of the enclosure handle to release it, then pull out the enclosure handle to the open position. Pull the drive approximately 12 mm (0.5 inches) out of the bay and wait 70 seconds to allow the drive to spin down.
  2. Make sure there is proper identification (such as a label) on the drive. Then, slide the drive completely out of the bay. If the drive has failed, indicate that on the label. Place the drive horizontally on a dry, static-free, level surface.
  3. Unpack the replacement drive. Save all packing material in case you need to return the drive. Press the latch on the end of the drive enclosure handle to release it, then pull out the enclosure handle to the open position. Slide the drive all the way into the empty bay until the drive stops. Push the enclosure handle into the closed (latched) position.
Parent topic: Replacing components