Using a Tape Backup Library in a SAN

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Disk\TimeOutValue

The disk TimeOutValue setting is the timeout value set by Windows for storage system I/O operations. The Dell EMC Fibre Channel storage environment requires 60 seconds for I/O operations. When you run the Cluster Configuration wizard, the wizard sets the TimeOutValue setting to 20 seconds, which may not be sufficient for complex I/O operations. Consequently, storage system I/O operations may continually time out.

Microsoft has confirmed a problem with the wizard and has implemented hotfix KB818877 to resolve this issue. See Microsoft Knowledge Base article KB818877 on the Microsoft Support website at support.microsoft.com for more information.

To resolve this issue, read the Knowledge Base article for instructions about how to obtain the required Quick Fix Executable (QFE) file from Microsoft. Download and apply the QFE as soon as possible.

If you have not configured your cluster, apply the QFE (or Service Pack 1 when available) to all of the cluster nodes.

If you have configured your cluster, perform one of the following procedures and then reboot each cluster node, one at a time:

–Manually change the registry TimeOutValue setting to 60 on each cluster node.

–Download the Cluster Disk Timeout Fix utility from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com and run the utility on your cluster.

When prompted, type the name of your cluster in the Cluster name field and select Dell EMC in the Storage system type field. The utility locates the cluster nodes associated with the cluster name and sets the TimeOutValue setting on each node to the correct setting.

•Using a Tape Backup Library in a SAN

Cluster FE400 solutions-based on Windows 2000 Advanced Server- that are configured with Emulex HBAs can be connected to one or more tape backup libraries that can be shared with other clusters and systems in a SAN. To avoid disrupting I/O activities from other network systems to the tape drive and to ensure cluster failover operations, disable the target reset to the tape device.

To disable the target reset:

a Click the Start button, select Run, and type the following:

c:\Program Files\HBAnyware\elxcfg.exe --emc

The Emulex Configuration Tool window appears.

bIn the Available Adapters box, select the first HBA in the list.

cIn the Adapter Controls box, select Disable Target Reset for Tape Devices.

dIn the File menu, select Apply.

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