USER’S

GUIDE

Intel® Embedded Server

RAID Technology

December 2005

C96269-002
Disclaimer

Information in this document is provided in connection with Intel® products. No

license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property
rights is granted by this document. Except as provided in Intel’s Terms and
Conditions of Sale for such products, Intel assumes no liability whatsoever, and
Intel disclaims any express or implied warranty, relating to sale and/or use of Intel
products including liability or warranties relating to fitness for a particular
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intellectual property right. Intel products are not designed, intended or authorized
for use in any medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications or for any other
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personal injury or death may occur. Intel may make changes to specifications and
product descriptions at any time, without notice.

Intel, Intel Pentium, and Intel Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.

ii
Preface

Package Contents

You should have received the following:

• Intel® Embedded Server RAID Technology (this document)

• software license agreement
• CD/diskette(s) with the software for the Embedded Server RAID
Technology

This book is the primary reference and user’s guide for Embedded
Server RAID Technology. Customer-specific documentation may be
included as well.

The Embedded Server RAID Technology supports four serial ATA ports,
providing a cost-effective way to achieve higher transfer rates and
reliability. The RAID levels supported are RAID 0, 1, and 10.

Audience

This document was prepared for users of the Embedded Server RAID
Technology. It is intended to provide a description of the product, the
configuration software utilities, and the operating system installation.

Organization

This document has the following chapters:

• Chapter 1, Overview, provides an overview of features and benefits

of the Embedded Server RAID Technology.
• Chapter 2, RAID Levels, describes the RAID levels supported.

Preface iii
• Chapter 3, BIOS Configuration Utility, explains how to configure
SATA and arrays, assign RAID levels, plan the array configuration,
optimize storage, and use the IDE Setup Utility.
• Chapter 4, Operating System Installation, contains the procedures
for installing the Windows* 2000, 2003, and XP, Red Hat* Linux,
SuSE* Linux, and Novell NetWare* operating systems when using
the Embedded SATA Software RAID Technology.
• Chapter 5, Spy Service, describes the Spy Service program, which
looks for errors, failed drives, and status changes in the hard drives.
• Chapter 6, Troubleshooting, describes the problems you might
encounter and suggests solutions.

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following table describes the notational conventions used throughout

this manual:

Notation Example Meaning and Use

courier typeface .nwk file Names of commands, directories, filenames, and on-
screen text are shown in courier typeface.
bold typeface fd1sp In a command line, keywords are shown in bold, non-italic
typeface. Enter them exactly as shown.
italics module In command lines and names, italics indicate user vari-
ables. Italicized text must be replaced with appropriate
user-specified items. Enter items of the type called for,
using lower case.
italic underscore full_pathname When an underscore appears in an italicized string, enter
a user-supplied item of the type called for with no spaces.
Initial Capital letters Undo Names of menu commands, options, check buttons, text
Edit buttons, options buttons, text boxes, list boxes, etc., are
Apply shown in text with Initial Capital lettering to avoid misread-
ing. These elements may appear on your screen in all
lower case.
brackets [version] You may, but need not, select one item enclosed within
brackets. Do not enter the brackets.
ellipses option... In command formats, elements preceding ellipses may be
repeated any number of times. Do not enter the ellipses.
In menu items, if an ellipsis appears in an item, clicking
that item brings up a dialog box.

iv Preface
Notation Example Meaning and Use
vertical dots . Vertical dots indicate that a portion of a program or listing
. has been omitted from the text.
.
semicolon and other Use as shown in the text.
punctuation

Preface v
vi Preface
1.1 RAID Benefits 1-1
1.1.1 Improved I/O 1-1
1.1.2 Increased Reliability 1-2
1.2 Product Features 1-2
1.2.1 SATA Ports 1-2
1.2.2 BIOS Features 1-2
1.2.3 Driver Features 1-3
1.2.4 Manageability/Disk Console 1-4
2.1 RAID 0 2-1
2.2 RAID 1 2-2
2.3 RAID 10 2-3
3.1 Configuring Arrays 3-1
3.2 Configuration Strategies 3-2
3.3 Assigning RAID Levels 3-2
3.4 Performing a Quick Configuration 3-3
3.5 Configuring Arrays and Logical Drives 3-4
3.5.1 Starting the BIOS Configuration Utility 3-4
3.5.2 Selecting a Configuration Method 3-4
3.5.3 Configuring Physical Arrays and Logical Drives 3-4
Physical Drive Parameters 3-5
Logical Drive Parameters 3-5
Easy Configuration 3-5
New Configuration and View/Add Configuration 3-7
3.5.4 Initializing Logical Drives 3-9
3.6 Rebuilding Failed Disks 3-10
3.6.1 Inserting a Previously Removed Drive from a RAID 1 Array3-11
3.7 Checking Data Consistency 3-11
3.8 Using a Pre-loaded System Drive 3-12
4.1 Windows 2000/2003/XP Driver Installation 4-1
4.1.1 Updating the Windows 2000/2003/XP Driver 4-2
4.1.2 Confirming the Windows 2000/2003/XP Driver Installation4-3
4.2 DOS Driver Installation 4-3
4.3 Linux Driver Installation 4-3
4.3.1 Obtaining the Driver Image File 4-3
4.3.2 Preparing the Installation Disk(s) for Linux 4-4
Using a Windows Operating System 4-4
Using a Linux Operating System 4-5
4.3.3 Red Hat Linux Driver Installation on a New System 4-5

vii
4.3.4 SuSE Linux 9.0 Driver Installation on a New System 4-6
4.3.5 SuSE 8.2 Driver Installation 4-7
4.3.6 SuSE SLES8 Driver Installation 4-7
4.4 Novell NetWare Driver Installation 4-8
4.4.1 Novell NetWare Driver Files Description 4-8
4.4.2 New Novell NetWare System Driver Installation 4-8
4.4.3 Existing Novell NetWare System Driver Installation 4-10
5.1 Starting or Stopping Spy Service under Windows 2000, XP, or 20035-1
5.2 Installing Spy Service under Linux 5-3
5.3 Installing and Running Spy Service under Novell NetWare 5-3
5.4 Uninstalling Spy Service 5-4
5.5 Spy Service Icon 5-4
6.1 Problems and Suggested Solutions 6-1

viii
Copyright © 2004 by Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
3.1 Physical Drives Required per RAID Level 3-2
3.2 Physical Drives Required per RAID Level 3-3
3.3 Logical Drive Parameters and Descriptions 3-5
6.1 Problems and Suggested Solutions 6-1

ix
x
2.1 RAID 0 Array 2-2
2.2 RAID 1 Array 2-2
2.3 RAID 10 Array 2-3
3.1 Configuration Menu Screen 3-6
3.2 Logical Drive Configuration Screen 3-7
3.3 Logical Drive Submenu 3-10
5.1 Control Panel Screen 5-2

xi
xii
Chapter 1
Overview

This manual describes the Intel® Embedded Server RAID Technology.

This chapter provides an overview of this product and contains the
following sections:

• Section 1.1, “RAID Benefits,” page 1-1

• Section 1.2, “Product Features,” page 1-2

The Embedded Server RAID Technology supports four Serial ATA ports,
providing a cost-effective way to achieve higher transfer rates and
reliability. Embedded Server RAID Technology supports

• RAID level 0 data striping for improved performance

• RAID level 1 data mirroring for improved data reliability
• RAID level 10 data striping and mirroring for high data transfer rates
and data redundancy

1.1 RAID Benefits

RAID has gained popularity because it can improve I/O performance or
increases storage subsystem reliability. RAID 0 provides better
performance, while RAID 1 provides better reliability through fault
tolerance and redundant data storage. RAID 10 combines both striping
and mirroring to provide high data transfer rates and data redundancy.

1.1.1 Improved I/O

Although hard drive capabilities have improved drastically, actual
performance has improved only three to four times in the last decade.
Computing performance has improved over 50 times during the same
time period. RAID 0 and RAID 10 allow you to access several disks
simultaneously.

Embedded Server RAID Technology 1-1

1.1.2 Increased Reliability
The electromechanical components of a disk subsystem operate more
slowly, require more power, and generate more noise and vibration than
electronic devices. These factors reduce the reliability of data stored on
disks.

RAID 1 and RAID 10 systems improve data storage reliability and fault
tolerance compared to single-drive computers. The additional drive in
each RAID 1 array makes it possible to prevent data loss from a hard
drive failure. You can reconstruct missing data from the remaining data
drive to a replacement drive.

1.2 Product Features

1.2.1 SATA Ports

The Embedded Server RAID Technology can support up to six ports.
Refer to your server board documentation for the number of ports
supported.

1.2.2 BIOS Features

The BIOS features include

• RAID support before the operating system loads

• automatic detection and configuration of disk drives
• ability to handle configuration changes
• support for Interrupt 13 and Enhanced Disk Drive Specification
• support for RAID levels 0, 1, and 10
• special handling of error log and rebuilding
• ROM option size of 64 Kbyte
• automatic resume of rebuilding and check consistency
• support for BIOS Boot Specification (BBS) (If available in system
BIOS, this allows the user to select the adapter from which to boot.
Specification v1.01, January 11, 1996)
• co-existence with SCSI and CD devices

1-2 Overview
• 48-bit LBA support for read, write, and cache flush functions
• independent stripe size configuration on each logical drive
• ability to select a logical drive as boot device
• support for power-on self test (POST) Memory Management (PMM)
for the BIOS memory requirement (Specification v1.01, November
21, 1997)
• enhanced disk drive support (Specification 2.9, revision 08, March
12, 1998)
• Industry-standard EBDA
• Self-monitoring analysis and reporting technology (S.M.A.R.T.)
notification at POST
• run-time BIOS support for device insertion or removal
• independent support for WC, RC, and UDMA (direct memory access)
• support for Stop On Error during bootup
• support to disable/enable BIOS state

1.2.3 Driver Features

The driver features include

• special interface for configuration information, configuration changes,

and manageability
• optimized disk access
• support for RAID levels 0, 1, and 10
• support for Stand-by and Hibernation in Windows 2000, XP, and
2003

Note: The following items require Spy Service to be running in

order to work.
• error logging in the operating system event log and on disks
• support for online mirror rebuilding
• support for check consistency for mirrored disks
• bootable RAID 0, 1, and 10 support

Product Features 1-3

• customized messages specific for OEM (original equipment
manufacturer)
• soft bad block management

1.2.4 Manageability/Disk Console

The features you can use to manage the logical and physical disks in the
system include

• configuration information display (in BIOS Configuration Utility and

Hyper Configuration Utility)
• support for RAID levels 0, 1, and 10
• online mirror rebuilding (in BIOS Configuration Utility)
• online consistency checks (in BIOS Configuration Utility)
• array management software
• error logging and notification
• support for power management features
• support for hot device insertion and removal
• automatic resume of rebuilding on restart
• support for manual rebuild
• physical drive roaming
• independent stripe size configuration per logical drive
• ability to create up to eight logical drives per array
• auto-configuration support of newly added physical drive
• support for hotspares
• support for disk coercion
• array initialization support (fast and normal)
• offline data (RAID 1) verfication with auto-recovery mechanism
• ability to prioritize configurable tasks (for online rebuild, check
consistency, migration, and expansion)
• logical drive availability immediately after creation
• variable stripe size options from 8 Kbyte to 128 Kbyte

1-4 Overview
Chapter 2
RAID Levels

Intel Embedded Server RAID Technology supports RAID levels 0, 1, and

10. These RAID levels are discussed in the following sections:

• Section 2.1, “RAID 0,” page 2-1

• Section 2.2, “RAID 1,” page 2-2
• Section 2.3, “RAID 10,” page 2-3

2.1 RAID 0
RAID 0 (Figure 2.1) provides disk striping across all configured drives in
the RAID subsystem. RAID 0 does not provide any data redundancy, but
does offer the best performance of any RAID level. RAID 0 breaks up
data into smaller segments, then stripes the data segments across each
drive in the array as shown in Figure 2.1. The size of each data segment
is determined by the stripe size parameter, which is set during the
creation of the RAID set.

By breaking up a large file into smaller segments, Embedded Server

RAID Technology can use both IDE ports and drives to read or write the
file faster. This makes RAID 0 ideal for applications that require high
bandwidth but do not require fault tolerance.

Uses Provides high data throughput, especially for large files. Any
environment that does not require fault tolerance.

Strong Points Provides increased data throughput for large files. No capacity
loss penalty for parity.

Weak Points Does not provide fault tolerance. All data lost if any drive fails.

Drives One to two

Embedded Server RAID Technology 2-1

Figure 2.1 RAID 0 Array

Segment 1 Segment 2
Segment 3 Segment 4
Segment 5 Segment 6
Segment 7 Segment 8

2.2 RAID 1
RAID 1 (Figure 2.2) duplicates all data from one drive to a second drive.
RAID 1 provides complete data redundancy, but at the cost of doubling
the required data storage capacity.

Uses Databases or any other mission critical environment that

requires fault tolerance.

Strong Points Provides complete data redundancy. RAID 1 is ideal for any
application that requires fault tolerance.

Weak Points Requires twice as many hard drives. Performance is impaired

during drive rebuilds.

Drives Two

Figure 2.2 RAID 1 Array

Segment 1 Segment 1 Duplicated

Segment 2 Segment 2 Duplicated
Segment 3 Segment 3 Duplicated
Segment 4 Segment 4 Duplicated

2-2 RAID Levels

2.3 RAID 10
RAID 10 is a combination of RAID 1 and RAID 0. RAID 10 has mirrored
drives. It breaks up data into smaller blocks, then stripes the blocks of
data to each RAID 1 RAID set. Each RAID 1 RAID set then duplicates
its data to its other drive. The size of each block is determined by the
stripe size parameter, which is set during the creation of the RAID set.
RAID 10 can sustain one drive failure in each array while maintaining
data integrity.

Uses Works best for data storage that must have 100%
redundancy of RAID 1 (mirrored arrays) and that also needs
the enhanced I/O performance of RAID 0 (striped arrays).
RAID 10 works well for medium-sized databases or any
environment that requires a higher degree of fault tolerance
and moderate to medium capacity.

Strong Points Provides both high data transfer rates and complete data
redundancy.

Weak Points Requires twice as many drives..

Drives 4

Figure 2.3 shows a RAID 10 array with four disk drives.

Figure 2.3 RAID 10 Array

RAID 1 RAID 1

Disk 1 Disk 2 Disk 3 Disk 4

Segment 1 Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 2

Segment 3 Segment 3 Segment 4 Segment 4
Segment 5 Segment 5 Segment 6 Segment 6

RAID 0

RAID 10 2-3
2-4 RAID Levels
Chapter 3
BIOS Configuration
Utility

This chapter explains how to configure Intel Embedded Server RAID

Technology and arrays, assign RAID levels, plan the array configuration,
optimize storage, and use the IDE Setup Utility. This information is
presented in the following sections:

• Section 3.1, “Configuring Arrays,” page 3-1

• Section 3.2, “Configuration Strategies,” page 3-2
• Section 3.3, “Assigning RAID Levels,” page 3-2
• Section 3.4, “Performing a Quick Configuration,” page 3-3
• Section 3.5, “Configuring Arrays and Logical Drives,” page 3-4
• Section 3.6, “Rebuilding Failed Disks,” page 3-10
• Section 3.7, “Checking Data Consistency,” page 3-11
• Section 3.8, “Using a Pre-loaded System Drive,” page 3-12

3.1 Configuring Arrays

Configure the physical disk drives in arrays. An array can consist of one
to four physical disk drives, depending on the RAID level. A RAID 0 array
can consist of one to four physical drives, while a RAID 1 array consists
of two. A RAID 10 array consists of four drives.

Embedded Server RAID Technology 3-1

3.2 Configuration Strategies
You have two choices when creating a RAID array.

• Maximizing Fault Tolerance

You can maximize fault tolerance to protect against loss of data by
using mirroring. Use mirror configuration (RAID 1) to attain this
objective.
• Maximizing Logical Drive Performance
You can maximize logical drive performance by using striping. Select
striping configuration (RAID 0) to attain this objective.
RAID 10 combines both striping and mirroring to provide high data
transfer rates and data redundancy.

3.3 Assigning RAID Levels

Only one RAID level can be assigned to each array. Table 3.1 displays
the drives required per RAID level.

Table 3.1 Physical Drives Required per RAID Level

Minimum Number of Maximum Number of

RAID Level Physical Drives Physical Drives
0 One Four
1 Two Two
10 Four Four

3-2 BIOS Configuration Utility

The factors you need to consider when selecting a RAID level are listed
in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Physical Drives Required per RAID Level

Number Fault
Level Description and Use Pros Cons of Drives Tolerant
0 Data divided in blocks and High data No fault tolerance. Data One to No
distributed sequentially throughput for is lost if a drive fails. four
(pure striping). Use for non- large files
critical data that requires
high performance.
1 Data duplicated on another 100 percent data More disk space Two Yes
disk (mirroring). Use for redundancy, required. Reduces usable
read-intensive, fault-tolerant providing fault disk space to the size of
systems. tolerance. the smallest drive.
Reduced performance
during rebuilds.
10 A combination of RAID 1 Provides both More disk space Four Yes
(data mirroring) and RAID 0 high data transfer required. Reduces usable
(data striping). Use for rates and disk space to the size of
medium-sized databases or complete data the smallest drive.
any environment that redundancy. Reduced performance
requires a higher degree of during rebuilds.
fault tolerance and moderate
to medium capacity.

3.4 Performing a Quick Configuration

This section provides quick installation steps for users that are familiar
with configuration utilities and tools. Refer to Section 3.5, “Configuring
Arrays and Logical Drives,” for detailed configuration instructions. To
ensure best performance, select the optimal RAID level for the logical
drive you create.

Perform the following steps to configure arrays and logical drives using
the Configuration Utility (CU):

Step 1. Boot the system.

Step 2. Start the CU by pressing <Ctrl><E>.
Step 3. Select a configuration method.
Step 4. Create arrays using the available physical drives.

Performing a Quick Configuration 3-3

Step 5. Define the logical drive(s) using the space in the arrays.
Step 6. Initialize the new logical drive(s).

3.5 Configuring Arrays and Logical Drives

This section provides detailed instructions for configuring the logical
disks and arrays.

3.5.1 Starting the BIOS Configuration Utility

During bootup, the following BIOS banner displays the following:

Press Ctrl-E to run LSI Logic Embedded SATA RAID Setup

Utility

Hold down the <Ctrl> key while you press <E>. The main menu for the
utility displays.

3.5.2 Selecting a Configuration Method

Section 3.5.3, “Configuring Physical Arrays and Logical Drives,” provides
detailed instructions for using each configuration method.

3.5.3 Configuring Physical Arrays and Logical Drives

This subsection provides instructions for using the Easy Configuration,
New Configuration, and View/Add Configuration to configure arrays and
logical drives.

LSI Logic recommends using drives with the same capacity in a specific
array. If you use drives with different capacities in an array, the CU treats
all these drives as if they have the capacity of the smallest drive.

The number of physical drives in a specific array determines the possible

RAID levels that you can implement with the array. RAID 0 requires one
to four physical drives, RAID 1 requires two physical drives, and RAID 10
requires four physical drives.

3-4 BIOS Configuration Utility

3.5.3.1 Physical Drive Parameters

You can change the write policy and read policy in the physical drives,
but not the logical drives.

3.5.3.2 Logical Drive Parameters

For the logical drive you can change the RAID level and stripe size.
Table 3.3 contains descriptions of the logical drive parameters.

Table 3.3 Logical Drive Parameters and Descriptions

Parameter Description
RAID Level The number of physical drives in a specific array determines the
RAID levels that can be implemented with the array.

RAID 0 requires one or two physical drives.

RAID 1 requires exactly two physical drives.
RAID 10 requires exactly four physical drives.
Stripe Size The stripe size parameter specifies the size of the segment written
to each disk in a RAID configuration. You can set the stripe size to
4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 Kbytes. The default is 64 Kbytes.

A larger stripe size produces higher read performance. If your

computer regularly performs random read requests, choose a
smaller stripe size.

3.5.3.3 Easy Configuration

In Easy Configuration, the CU associates each hard drive with a single

logical drive. If logical drives have already been configured, the CU does
not change their configuration. Perform the following steps to create
arrays using Easy Configuration:

Step 1. Select Configuration→Easy Configuration at the main menu.

The Configuration Menu screen displays, as shown in
Figure 3.1.

Configuring Arrays and Logical Drives 3-5

Figure 3.1 Configuration Menu Screen

Step 2. Press the spacebar to associate the selected physical drives

with the current array.
The indicator for the selected drives changes from READY to
ONLIN A[array number]-[drive number]. For example,
ONLIN A1-3 means array 1 with disk drive 3.
Step 3. Press <Enter> after you finish creating the current array.
Step 4. Press <F10> to select configurable arrays.
Step 5. Press the spacebar to select the array.
The logical drive configuration screen displays, as shown in
Figure 3-2. The logical drive configuration screen displays the
logical drive number, RAID level, logical drive size, the number
of stripes in the physical array, the stripe size, and the state of
the logical drive.

3-6 BIOS Configuration Utility

Figure 3.2 Logical Drive Configuration Screen

Step 6. Set the RAID level for the logical drive by highlighting RAID and
pressing <Enter>.
The available RAID levels for the current logical drive display.
Step 7. Select a RAID level and press <Enter>.
Step 8. Set the RAID logical drive size and stripe size.
Step 9. When you have defined the current logical drive, select Accept
and press <Enter>.
Step 10. Repeat step 7 to step 10 to configure additional logical drives.
Step 11. Save the configuration when prompted and press <Esc> to
return to the Management Menu.
Step 12. Initialize the logical drives.
Refer to Section 3.5.4, “Initializing Logical Drives,” for detailed
instructions.

3.5.3.4 New Configuration and View/Add Configuration

New Configuration and View/Add Configuration associate logical drives

with partial and/or multiple physical arrays. New Configuration deletes
the existing configuration and replaces it with the configuration that you
specify. View/Add Configuration lets you display or modify an existing
configuration.

Caution: The New Configuration option erases the existing

configuration data when you save the new array

Configuring Arrays and Logical Drives 3-7

configuration. If you do not want to delete the existing
configuration data, use View/Add Configuration.

Perform the following steps to configure a disk array using New

Configuration or View/Add Configuration:

Step 1. Select Configure→View/Add Configuration from the CU

Management Menu.
The CU displays an array selection window.
Step 2. Select the physical drives to include in the array by pressing the
arrow keys to select specific physical drives.
Step 3. Press the spacebar to associate the selected physical drive
with the current array.
The indicator for the selected drive changes from READY to
ONLIN A[array number]-[drive number]. For example,
ONLIN A1-3 means array 1 with disk drive 3.
Step 4. Press <Enter> after you finish creating the current array.
Step 5. Press <F10> to configure logical drives.
Step 6. Set the RAID level for the logical drive by highlighting RAID and
pressing <Enter>.
A list of the available RAID levels for the current logical drive
appears.
Step 7. Set the logical drive size by moving the cursor to Size and
pressing <Enter>.
By default, the logical drive size associates the available space
in the array(s) with the current logical drive.
Step 8. Set the stripe size.
Step 9. After you define the current logical drive, select Accept and
press <Enter>.
Step 10. Save the configuration when the CU prompts you to do so.
Step 11. Initialize the logical drives you configured. Section 3.5.4,
“Initializing Logical Drives,” provides detailed instructions.

3-8 BIOS Configuration Utility

3.5.4 Initializing Logical Drives
You can initialize the logical drives using individual initialization, which
initializes a single logical disk.

There are two methods to initialize a logical drive using the individual
initialization procedure using the CU.

For the first method, perform the following steps to initialize a logical drive
using the Initialize menu.

Step 1. On the Management Menu, select Initialize.

Step 2. Use the space bar to highlight the logical drive to initialize.
The logical drive name is highlighted in yellow. To de-select the
logical drive, press the space bar again.
Step 3. Press <F10>.
Step 4. Select Yes at the prompt and press <Enter> to begin the
initialization.
A graph shows the progress of the initialization until it is
complete.
Step 5. After the initialization is complete, press <Esc> to return to
previous menus.
If you press <Esc> while initialization is in progress, the
following options display:
◊ Stop: The CU stores the percentage of the initialization
already completed. When you restart initialization, it
continues from the last percentage completed rather than
from zero percent.
◊ Continue: initialization continues normally.
◊ Abort: The initialization is completely aborted. If you restart
initialization, it begins at zero percent.

For the second method, perform the following steps to initialize a logical
drive using the Objects menu.

Step 1. From the Management Menu, select Objects→Logical Drive

submenu, as shown in Figure 3.3.
The configured logical drives display.

Configuring Arrays and Logical Drives 3-9

Figure 3.3 Logical Drive Submenu

Step 2. Select a logical drive, if there is more than one configured. and
press <Enter>.
Step 3. Select Initialize from the submenu and press <Enter>.
Step 4. Select Yes at the prompt and press <Enter>.
The CU displays a bar graph showing the initialization progress.
Step 5. When initialization completes, press <Esc> to return to the
previous menu.
If you press <Esc> while initialization is in progress, the options
Stop, Continue, and Abort display, as explained on the previous
page.

3.6 Rebuilding Failed Disks

A manual rebuild is used to rebuild failed drives. The CU allows manual
rebuild for an individual drive. Perform the following steps to rebuild a
drive:

Step 1. Select Rebuild from the CU Management Menu.

The CU displays a device selection window that marks the
failed drives with FAIL indicators.
Step 2. Press the arrow keys to highlight the drive to be rebuilt.
Step 3. Press the spacebar to select the highlighted physical drive for
rebuild.

3-10 BIOS Configuration Utility

Step 4. After selecting the physical drive, press <F10> and select Yes
at the confirmation prompt.
The indicators for the selected drive changes to REBLD.
Step 5. When rebuild is complete, press any key to continue.
Step 6. Press <Esc> to display the Management Menu.

A second way to perform a manual rebuild on an individual drive is as

follows:

Step 1. Select the option from the CU→Objects→Physical Drive

submenu.
Step 2. Press the arrow keys to select the physical drive to be rebuilt
and press <Enter>.
Step 3. Select the Rebuild option from the action menu and respond to
the confirmation prompt.
Step 4. When rebuild completes, press any key to display the previous
menu.

3.6.1 Inserting a Previously Removed Drive from a RAID 1 Array

If you have auto-rebuild selected in the BIOS, the rebuild begins as soon
as you enter the BIOS CU. If auto-rebuild is disabled, you can choose
whether to rebuild. If you decide to rebuild the drive, follow the procedure
in Section 3.6, “Rebuilding Failed Disks,” page 3-10.

3.7 Checking Data Consistency

The Check Consistency feature verifies the correctness of the
redundancy data in the selected logical drive and causes the CU to
automatically correct any differences found in the data.

This feature can be used only on a RAID 1 logical drive, to verify the data
consistency between the mirrored physical drives. When a data
inconsistency is found, the CU can either only report the inconsistency
or report and fix the inconsistency, depending upon the option selected
in Adapter settings.

In the CU, perform the following steps to check consistency:

Checking Data Consistency 3-11

Step 1. On the Management Menu select Check Consistency and
press <Enter>.
The configured logical drives display.
Step 2. Use the space bar to select a logical drive to check for
consistency.
Note that the logical drive should be at a RAID 1 level to start
check consistency. If you select a RAID 0 logical drive, a
message displays stating that a check consistency cannot be
performed. To de-select a logical drive, press the space bar
again.
Step 3. Press <F10>.
Step 4. At the prompt, select Yes to start check consistency and press
<Enter>.
If you press <Esc> while the check consistency is in progress,
the following options display:
◊ Stop: The CU stores the percentage of the check
consistency already completed. When you restart the check
consistency, it continues from the last percentage completed
rather than from zero percent.
◊ Continue: Check consistency continues normally.
◊ Abort: The check consistency is completely aborted. If you
restart check consistency, it begins at zero percent.

3.8 Using a Pre-loaded System Drive

Loading an operating system on a stand-alone drive and then attempting
to add that drive to a RAID array will cause a blue screen upon reboot.

3-12 BIOS Configuration Utility

Chapter 4
Operating System
Installation

This chapter contains the procedures for installing the Windows* 2000,
2003, and XP, Red Hat* Linux, SuSE* Linux, and Novell NetWare*
operating systems when using the Intel Embedded Server RAID
Technology. The chapter contains the following sections:

• Section 4.1, “Windows 2000/2003/XP Driver Installation,” page 4-1

• Section 4.2, “DOS Driver Installation,” page 4-3
• Section 4.3, “Linux Driver Installation,” page 4-3
• Section 4.4, “Novell NetWare Driver Installation,” page 4-8

4.1 Windows 2000/2003/XP Driver Installation

Perform the following steps to install the Windows 2000 or 2003 driver
onto the RAID-configured drives.

Step 1. Boot the system with the Windows 2000 or 2003 Boot
Installation CD or diskette.
The following message displays:
Setup is inspecting your computers hardware
configuration.
Next, a prompt displays.
Step 2. At the prompt, press <F6> to install the RAID/SCSI adapter
driver.
Step 3. When installation prompts for a key after copying some files,
press <S> to add the SATA RAID driver.
You are prompted for the driver diskette.

Embedded Server RAID Technology 4-1

Step 4. Insert the Embedded SATA Software RAID driver floppy
diskette and press <Enter>.
Step 5. Scroll down the list until the appropriate selection for your
system which contains the Embedded SATA Software RAID
and for your operating system displays, then click <OK>.
Step 6. Continue with the normal installation procedure.

4.1.1 Updating the Windows 2000/2003/XP Driver

Perform the following steps to update the Windows 2000 or 2003 driver
or install the Windows 2000 or 2003 driver into an existing system booted
from a standard IDE drive.

Step 1. Click the Windows Start button.

The Windows menu displays.
Step 2. Select Settings.
The Settings menu displays to the right.
Step 3. Click Control Panel.
The Control Panel window displays.
Step 4. Select Adapters.
Step 5. Select the Drivers tab.
Step 6. Scroll down the list until the appropriate selection for your
system which contains the Embedded SATA Software RAID
and for your operating system displays, then click <OK>.
Step 7. Select it, then remove it by clicking the Remove button.
Step 8. Click the Add button.
Step 9. Select the Have Disk button.
Step 10. Insert the diskette into the floppy drive.
Step 11. Select drive letter A: and click on <OK>.
Step 12. Select LSI Logic Embedded SATA Controller and click OK.
Step 13. After Windows NT or Windows 2000 copies the driver, reset the
system.

4-2 Operating System Installation

4.1.2 Confirming the Windows 2000/2003/XP Driver Installation
Perform the following steps to confirm that the Windows 2000, 2003, or
XP driver is installed properly.

Step 1. Click the Windows Start button.

The Windows menu displays.
Step 2. Select Settings.
The Settings menu displays to the right.
Step 3. Click Control Panel.
The Control Panel window displays.
Step 4. Select Adapters.
Step 5. Select the Drivers tab.
The controller appears in the list as LSI Logic Embedded SATA
Controller.
Step 6. Select the Devices tab.
One or more entries display as LSI Logic Embedded SATA #xx
under LSI Logic Embedded SATA Controller.

4.2 DOS Driver Installation

For DOS, no driver installation is required. The ROM BIOS contains the
low-level driver that is necessary for MS-DOS.

4.3 Linux Driver Installation

This section explains how you can make fresh installations of Red Hat
and SuSE Linux operating systems with the Linux Embedded Software
Stack driver.

4.3.1 Obtaining the Driver Image File

The driver is offered in the form of a driver update disk. The required file
is dud-<driver version>.img, which is the driver update disk for
the Embedded Server RAID Technology stack.

DOS Driver Installation 4-3

You can obtain the latest driver files from the Download Center on the
LSI Logic web site at: http://www.lsilogic.com.

4.3.2 Preparing the Installation Disk(s) for Linux

This section describes how to prepare the installation disk(s) from the
obtained driver image files using the Windows- or Linux-based operating
systems. Refer to this section when necessary during installation of
Windows and Linux operating systems.

4.3.2.1 Using a Windows Operating System

Under Windows, you can use the rawrite floppy image writer utility to
create disk images from image files. The image writer can be
downloaded from the Internet. Perform the following steps to build
installation diskettes.

Step 1. Copy the driver update disk image dud-<driver

version>.img and the file rawrite.exe to a directory.
Step 2. Confirm that the files are in the selected directory.
Step 3. After you confirm the files, you might need to change the
filename of the driver update disk to a smaller name with less
than eight characters.
Step 4. Copy dud-<driver version>.img dud.img.
Step 5. Type the following command to create the two installation
diskettes:
RAWRITE
then press <Enter>.
You are prompted to enter the name of the boot image file.
Step 6. Type:
dud.img
You are prompted for the target drive diskette.
Step 7. Insert a floppy diskette into the floppy drive and type:
A:
then press <Enter>.

4-4 Operating System Installation

Step 8. After the command prompt returns and the floppy disk drive
LED goes out, remove the diskette.
Step 9. Label the diskette with the image name.

4.3.2.2 Using a Linux Operating System

Under Red Hat and SuSE Linux, you can use a driver diskette utility to
create disk images from image files. Perform the following steps create
the driver update disk:

Step 1. Copy the driver update disk image dud-<driver

version>.img to a Linux system.
Step 2. Insert a blank floppy diskette into the floppy drive.
Step 3. Confirm that the files are in the selected directory.
Step 4. Create the driver update diskette using the following command:
dd if=dud-<driver version>.img of=/dev/fd0
Step 5. After the command prompt returns and the floppy disk drive
LED goes out, remove the diskette.
Step 6. Label the diskette with the image name.

4.3.3 Red Hat Linux Driver Installation on a New System

This section describes the fresh installation of the device driver on new
Linux Red Hat 3.0, 8.0, 9.0, and AS2.1 systems with the Embedded
Software RAID Stack. After you prepare the installation disks with the
driver image, perform the following steps to install the driver:

Step 1. Boot to CD-ROM (Disk 1).

The Red Hat introductory screen displays.
Step 2. Type the following at the boot prompt:
linux dd
Step 3. Press <Enter>.
The prompt asks whether you have a driver disk.
Step 4. Use the arrow key to select Yes, then press <Enter>.
Step 5. Select fd0 to indicate you have a floppy diskette with the driver
on it.

Linux Driver Installation 4-5

Step 6. Insert the floppy diskette in the A:/ drive and press <Enter>.
The installer locates and loads the driver for your device. The
message “Loading megaide driver...” displays.
The prompt at the next screen asks whether you have another
driver.
Step 7. Follow the Red Hat Linux installation procedure to complete the
installation.
Step 8. Reboot the system.

4.3.4 SuSE Linux 9.0 Driver Installation on a New System

This section describes the fresh installation of a Linux SuSE 9.0 system
with the Embedded Software RAID Stack. Prepare installation disks with
the driver image, then perform the following steps to install the driver:

Step 1. Boot your system using the SuSE 9.0 CD 1.

Step 2. At the prompt, press <F3> to confirm that you have a driver
diskette.
Step 3. Highlight Installation on the menu using the arrow keys, then
press <Enter>.
You are prompted for the diskette.
Step 4. Insert the driver update disk in the A:/ drive and press <Enter>.
The message “Driver Updates added” displays.
Step 5. Press <Enter>.
You are prompted to select the Driver Update Medium.
Step 6. Select Back and press <Enter>.
This returns you to the installation.
Step 7. Press <Accept>.
The driver installation begins.
Step 8. Press <Accept> again.
A warning screen displays to make sure you want to continue
the installation with these settings.

4-6 Operating System Installation

Step 9. Select Yes and complete the installation

Important: After all the selected packages are installed, a prompt

displays and gives you 10 seconds to reply. If you do
not reply within 10 seconds, you will have to start the
installation process over.
Step 10. Select Stop before the 10 seconds are up.
Step 11. Press <Ctrl> <Alt> <F2>.
This opens a terminal you can use to run a script.
Step 12. At the prompt, type:
cd update/000/install
Step 13. Press <Enter>.
Step 14. Next, type:
./update.post
Step 15. Press <Enter>.
Step 16. At the prompt, press <Ctrl> <Alt> <F7>.
The YaST screen displays.
Step 17. Select <OK>, then press <Enter>, and reboot the system.

4.3.5 SuSE 8.2 Driver Installation

This section describes a fresh installation on a Linux SuSE 8.2 system
with the Embedded Software RAID Stack. Prepare installation disks with
the driver image, then perform the following steps to install the driver:

Step 1. Create a RAID array using the BIOS.

Step 2. Boot your system using the SuSE Disk 1.
Step 3. When the first screen displays, press <F3> and select the
installation menu option.
Step 4. Insert the driver update disk when prompted.
Step 5. Complete the installation process and reboot the system.

4.3.6 SuSE SLES8 Driver Installation

This section describes a fresh installation on a Linux SuSE SLES8.0
system with the Embedded Software RAID Stack. Prepare installation

Linux Driver Installation 4-7

disks with the driver image, then perform the following steps to install the
driver:

Step 1. Create a RAID array using the BIOS.

Step 2. Boot your system using the SuSE SLES8 1.0 Disk 1.
Step 3. When the first screen displays, press <Alt> and select the
installation menu option.
Step 4. Insert the driver update disk when prompted.
Step 5. Complete the installation process and reboot the system.

4.4 Novell NetWare Driver Installation

The section provides installation instructions for the Novell Netware
driver.

4.4.1 Novell NetWare Driver Files Description

The Novell NetWare driver and utilities support logical drives configured
on the controller.

Important: The logical drives configured on the host adapter are

registered with the operating system as separate logical
units.

All utilities and spy.nlm expect the driver to pass the requests to the
adapter. You must load the .HAM driver files first, so that it can load the
.NLM files.

4.4.2 New Novell NetWare System Driver Installation

Follow the instructions in the Novell NetWare Installation Guide to install
NetWare on the server. Follow these steps to install Novell NetWare
using the controller as a primary adapter:

Step 1. Boot with the NetWare 6.5 CD-ROM.

Step 2. Follow the instructions on the screen to select the language and
accept the license.
The Welcome screen displays. The screen message Is this
a default install or manual install? displays.

4-8 Operating System Installation

Step 3. Highlight Default using the arrow keys, then press <Enter> to
change the option to Manual.
Step 4. Highlight Continue and press <Enter>.
The screen used to prepare the boot partition displays.
Step 5. Highlight Free Space, then press <Enter>.
Step 6. Accept the default (500 MB) or modify as desired, then press
<Enter>.
Step 7. Highlight Continue, then press <Enter>.
The Server Settings screen displays. You can modify the
settings before going to the next screen.
Step 8. Highlight Continue, then press <Enter>.
The system goes through device driver detection, then the
screen displays the device type and driver name. You can
modify the device type and driver name.
Step 9. Press Continue, then press <Enter>.
The driver names display.
Step 10. Select Storage adapters using the arrow keys and press
<Enter>.
Step 11. Highlight IDEATA.HAM Standard ATA/IDE RAID Adapter
Controller in the list of files.
Step 12. Press <Delete> to remove the highlighted filename.

Note: Do not highlight IDEATA.HAM Standard

ATA/IDE/ATAPI Adapter Controller in the list of
files; it is needed for the ATAPI CD-ROM drive to operate.
Step 13. Press <Insert> to add a driver.
Step 14. Press <Insert> again.
Step 15. If you have the driver on a diskette, insert it in the A:/ drive.
The install program automatically searches for the driver on the
A:/ drive.
Step 16. If you do not have the driver on a diskette, enter the path for
the file.
Step 17. Press <Enter>.

Novell NetWare Driver Installation 4-9

The Intel RAID controller displays. There is one driver per
controller to remove or add.
Step 18. Press <Esc> twice.
Step 19. Select Continue and press <Enter>.
The storage devices and driver names display so you can
match the drivers to the hardware devices.
Step 20. Select Continue and press <Enter>.
Step 21. Select Continue and press <Enter> again.
The message “Loading driver” displays, then the screen Create
Sys Volume displays.
Step 22. Select Create and press <Enter>.
The Main Menu displays.
Step 23. Select Continue Installation and press <Enter>.
The File Copy Status displays to confirm that the driver files are
installed, then a GUI prompt displays.
Step 24. Select Customized and press <Next>.
Step 25. Continue the normal operating system installation.

4.4.3 Existing Novell NetWare System Driver Installation

Follow these steps to add the NetWare driver to an existing installation.

Step 1. For NetWare 5.1 and higher, type the following at the root
prompt:
nwconfig
Step 2. Press <Enter>.
Step 3. The Configuration Options screen displays.
Step 4. Select Drive Options and press <Enter>. A window displays.
Step 5. Select Configure Disk and Storage Device Options and press
<Enter>.
Step 6. Select one of the following options that display in the window:
◊ Discover and Load an Additional Driver
◊ Select an Additional Driver

4-10 Operating System Installation

Step 7. If you select Discover and Load an Additional Driver, the
system discovers the extra unit and prompts you to select a
driver from the list.
Step 8. Press <Insert> to insert the driver.
This completes the procedure.

If you choose Select an Additional Driver, the Select a Driver screen

displays. Perform the following steps to select an additional driver.

Step 1. Press <Insert>, then follow the instructions that appear.

Step 2. Insert a diskette into the A:/ drive and press <Enter>.
The system finds the driver and installs it.

Novell NetWare Driver Installation 4-11

4-12 Operating System Installation
Chapter 5
Spy Service

This chapter describes the Spy Service program and contains the
following sections

• Section 5.1, “Starting or Stopping Spy Service under Windows 2000,

XP, or 2003,” page 5-1
• Section 5.2, “Installing Spy Service under Linux,” page 5-3
• Section 5.3, “Installing and Running Spy Service under Novell
NetWare,” page 5-3
• Section 5.4, “Uninstalling Spy Service,” page 5-4
• Section 5.5, “Spy Service Icon,” page 5-4

The Spy Service program looks for errors, failed drives, and status
changes. It can mark drives as failed after the error threshold is reached
and start automatic rebuilds. It runs in the background of the Embedded
SATA Console.

When operating under Windows, Spy enables the self-monitoring

analysis and reporting technology (S.M.A.R.T.) on all of the hard drives
at startup and polls for any status changes in the drives every 60
minutes. S.M.A.R.T. monitors hard drives for drive failures.

5.1 Starting or Stopping Spy Service under Windows 2000,

XP, or 2003
You can use the Control Panel to access the option to start or stop Spy
Service. Perform the following steps to start or stop Spy Service.

Step 1. Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel.

The screen shown in Figure 5.1 displays.

Embedded Server RAID Technology 5-1

Figure 5.1 Control Panel Screen

Step 2. Click on Administrative Tools→Services icon→Spy Ser.

A dialog window displays with the start and stop options.

Step 3. Click on the Start or Stop button.

This starts or stops the Spy Service program, depending on your

selection.

Note: You can right-click on the Spy Service icon and select “Stop
Spy” to stop the Spy program. The Spy icon displays on the
right side of the taskbar. See Section 5.5, “Spy Service
Icon” for more information about the icon.

5-2 Spy Service

5.2 Installing Spy Service under Linux
Perform the following steps to install Spy Service under Linux. Spy
Service runs in the background after installation.

Note: You must have “GNOME” libraries installed before you

install Spy Service.
Step 1. Log in to GUI mode.
Step 2. At the Linux prompt, type:
$ rpm -ivh spy.x.x.x.i386.rpm
Step 3. Press <Enter>.
The rpm is extracted and the necessary files installed and
started,

5.3 Installing and Running Spy Service under Novell

NetWare
Perform the following steps to install Spy Service under Novell NetWare.

Step 1. Unzip the file Spy-x.x Novell.zip from the installation CD

to a floppy diskette in the A:/ drive.
Step 2. Go to the Novell server prompt and type:
<Nov-server>:a:install
Messages display when the files are copied.
Step 3. Reboot to complete the installation.
Step 4. After reboot, you can type the following to see whether Spy is
running:
<Nov-server>:modules spy
Step 5. Press <Enter>.
The information shows whether Spy is running.

Installing Spy Service under Linux 5-3

5.4 Uninstalling Spy Service
Perform the following steps to uninstall Spy Service.

Step 1. Stop the Spy Service program.

See “Section 5.1, “Starting or Stopping Spy Service under Windows

2000, XP, or 2003” for instructions on stopping Spy Service.

Step 2. Click on Start→Control Panel.

The Control Panel displays.

Step 3. Click on Add/Remove Programs.

The list of currently installed programs displays.

Step 4. Click on the Spy Service program and select Remove.

5.5 Spy Service Icon

The icon for the Spy Service displays in the bottom right corner of the
Embedded Server RAID Technology Console screen (in the tray bar).
The icon is a round figure wearing sunglasses.

The icon is color-coded. Green means that there are no problems. Yellow
means that there is a rebuild in progress or there are media errors and
a possible drive failure. Red warns of a critical problem that could cause
the system to fail.

Hold the cursor over the icon (“mouseover”) and a short text displays that
describes the system status. Right click on the icon and the following
options display:

Stop monitor media error The program stops searching for media errors.

Erase error log The program deletes the errors that were recorded
on the error log.

Stop Spy This stops the program and deletes the icon from the
taskbar. You can start the program again using the
instructions in “Section 5.1, “Starting or Stopping Spy
Service under Windows 2000, XP, or 2003”

5-4 Spy Service

Do the following to place the Spy icon on the Taskbar when operating
under Windows 2000:

Click on Start→Programs→MegaRAID IDE→MegaRAID IDE Spy.

This places the Spy icon on the Taskbar.

Note: The Spy icon displays on the Taskbar automatically under

the Windows Server 2003 operating system.

Spy Service Icon 5-5

5-6 Spy Service
Chapter 6
Troubleshooting

6.1 Problems and Suggested Solutions

Table 6.1 describes possible problems you might encounter, along with
suggested solutions.

Table 6.1 Problems and Suggested Solutions

Problem Suggested Solution

Drives are not detected • Make sure that the cable ends are connected properly.
• Make sure that the power cables to the drives are
OR connected properly.
• Change cables.
The system hangs when the adapter
ROM for Embedded SATA Software • If everything fails, change the drive(s).
RAID scans the SATA ports.
Operating system does not boot. Check the system BIOS configuration for PCI interrupt
assignments. Make sure some Interrupts are assigned for PCI.

Make sure that you have properly selected the Boot Device in
the system BIOS setup (CMOS Setup).
An error occurs while reading the The drive is bad and needs to be replaced.
configuration data on a drive.
There is no existing RAID configuration Press any key to enter the BIOS Configuration Utility (Ctrl-E),
on any of the drives connected to the then select a configuration method and configure the drive(s).
system and the message “Intel
Embedded Server RAID Technology
Not Configured” displays.
BIOS reports that a mirrored array is in Make sure all physical drives are properly connected and are
degraded mode. powered on.
Reconnect, replace, or rebuild any drive that has failed.

Embedded Server RAID Technology 6-1

Table 6.1 Problems and Suggested Solutions

Problem Suggested Solution

One of the hard drives in a mirrored Replace the failed drive with another drive that has the same
(RAID 1) array has failed. or greater capacity.
You insert a new drive with no Press any key to enter the BIOS Configuration Utility (Ctrl-E)
configuration into the slot which is to configure the new drive. Mark the drive as one of the
already part of a mirrored (RAID 1) following:
array. • Failed - If the AutoRebuild option is disabled in the
configuration utility
• Rebuilding - If the AutoRebuild option is enabled in the
configuration utility
You insert a new drive with no Press any key to enter the BIOS Configuration Utility (Ctrl-E)
configuration into the slot which is to configure the new drive.
already part of a striped (RAID 0) array
or there is a striped (RAID 0) array by
itself in the system.

6-2 Troubleshooting