Resolving a storage device problem

Learn about the possible problems and service actions that you can perform to resolve a storage device problem.

Note: To determine the location of the storage device, see Identifying the location of the storage device.
Table 1. Storage device problems and service actions
Problem Service action
System is unable to find more than one storage device
  1. If the system was recently installed, moved, serviced, or upgraded, verify that the device is seated and installed properly.
  2. Verify that the device is compatible with your system.
  3. Verify that all internal cables are properly seated and are not physically damaged.
  4. Verify that the most recent firmware is installed on the system, or install the most recent firmware if it is not already installed.
  5. If the devices are part of a RAID configuration, ensure that the device has been enabled and is part of an array.
  6. If the devices are connected to a RAID adapter, replace the RAID adapter.
  7. If the devices are small form factor NVMe drives, replace the following items one at a time until the problem is resolved:
    • NVMe host bus adapter
    • Cables
    • Disk drive backplane
    • Small form factor NVMe drives
  8. Replace the cable that connects the disk drive backplane to the RAID adapter. If the system does not have a RAID adapter, replace the cable that connects the disk drive backplane to the system backplane.
System unable to find a storage device
  1. If the system was recently installed, moved, serviced, or upgraded, verify that the device is seated and installed properly.
  2. Verify that the device is compatible with your system.
  3. Verify that all internal cables are properly seated and are not physically damaged.
  4. Verify that the most recent firmware is installed on the system, or install the most recent firmware if it is not already installed.
  5. If the device is part of a RAID configuration, ensure that the device has been enabled and is part of an array.
  6. Install the device in an open or free slot. If the device is able to be found replace the component with the failing connector.
  7. Replace the storage device.
  8. Replace any applicable attached cable.
More than one storage device suddenly stops working
  1. If the system was recently installed, moved, serviced, or upgraded, verify that the device is seated and installed properly.
  2. Check the system logs to verify whether the system detected a problem.
  3. If the devices are connected to a RAID adapter, replace the RAID adapter.
  4. If the devices are small form factor NVMe drives, replace the following items one at a time until the problem is resolved:
    • NVMe host bus adapter
    • Cables
    • Disk drive backplane
    • Small form factor NVMe drives
  5. Replace the cable that connects the disk drive backplane to the RAID adapter. If the system does not have a RAID adapter, replace the cable that connects the disk drive backplane to the system backplane.
One storage device suddenly stops working
  1. Verify that all internal cables are properly seated and are not physically damaged.
  2. Check the system logs to verify whether the system detected a problem.
  3. Replace the drive.
  4. Replace the system backplane.
  5. Replace the cable.
  6. If you have a RAID adapter that is installed, replace it.
Other problems Check the messages and resolve any other problems that were detected. Then, test the drive again. If the drive continues not to function, refer to the documentation for the drive.
Parent topic: Resolving a GPU, PCIe adapter, or device problem


Last updated: Thu, December 02, 2021