Resolving Conflicts, Low Level Formatting

Resolving Conflicts

When a RAID set is created, the metadata written to the disk includes drive connection information including the channel on the host adapter to which it is connected. If after a disk failure the replacement disk was previously part of a RAID set or used in another system, it may have conflicting metadata, specifically in reference to the drive connection information. If so, this will prohibit the RAID set from being either created or rebuilt. In order for the RAID set to function properly, this old metadata must be first overwritten with the new metadata. To correct this, select “Resolve Conflict” and the correct metadata, including the correct drive connection information, will automatically be written to the replacement disk.

1.Select “Resolve Conflicts” and press Enter.

2.Select the “Conflict” entry in the Logical Drive Status window and press Enter.

3.Note that some conflict resolutions may result in the drive letter assignment changing; for example the RAID set may have been drive D: but after the conflict resolution, it may become drive E:. Be aware of this when performing a conflict resolution. To maintain the same drive lettering, the SATA cables connected to the drives may need to be swapped, or in the case of a SATA-based removable drive unit, the order of the drives within the chassis may need to be changed. Press ‘Y’ to accept the change and resolve the conflict.

4.Once the conflict is resolved, the RAID Set will appear in the Logical Drive window.

Low Level Formatting

The Low Level Format menu selection allows the complete erasure of data on a hard drive. This is not an action that typically needs to be performed, as formatting the drive under Windows is usually sufficient to prepare the drive for use.

Logical Drive Information

This menu item allows the display of the assignment of physical drives within a logical set (RAID set, RAID 1 spare, or unassigned). It is a display-only function. Use the up and down arrow keys to scroll between the drives in the Logical Drive Properties window. Press the [ESC] key when done viewing logical drive information.

Allocating Partitions

After the RAID set(s) have been created, the BIOS reports the new set(s) as a new drive attached to the system. This drive must have a partition defined on it, then the drive must be formatted in preparation for use under Windows. For further information regarding partition management from within your Operating System, please consult the accompanying documentation located on the Drivers CD in the folder entitled SATA Raid_4Port\Sil3114\Win98_me_2000_xp_nt4.0\GUI.

Instruction Manual

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