Dell MD3200i, MD3220i Preparing Host Servers to Re-create a Snapshot Virtual Disk

160 Configuration: Premium Feature—Snapshot Virtual Disks

NOTE: If you do not intend to re-create the snapshot virtual disk at a later time, in

the Logical pane, select the snapshot virtual disk, and select Virtual Disk



Delete

to remove it. The associated snapshot repository virtual disk is also removed. Refer

to the PowerVault Modular Disk Storage Manager online help topics for more

information on removing a snapshot virtual disk.

NOTE: The SMdevices utility displays the snapshot virtual disk in its output, even

after the snapshot virtual disk is disabled.

To disable a snapshot virtual disk:

In the AMW, select the

Logical

tab, select the snapshot virtual disk, and

select

Virtual Disk



Snapshot



Disable

In the text box, type

yes

and click

The snapshot virtual disk is disabled. The associated snapshot repository

virtual disk does not change status. The copy-on-write activity to the

snapshot repository virtual disk stops until the snapshot virtual disk is re-

created.

Preparing Host Servers to Re-create a Snapshot Virtual Disk

NOTE: Before you create a new snapshot of a source virtual disk, stop any data

access (I/O) activity or suspend data transfer to the source virtual disk and

snapshot virtual disk to ensure that you capture an accurate snapshot of the source

virtual disk. Close all applications, including Windows Internet Explorer, to make

sure all I/O activity has stopped.

NOTE: Removing the drive letter of the associated virtual disk in Windows or

unmounting the virtual drive in Linux helps to guarantee a stable copy of the drive

for the Snapshot.

Before re-creating a snapshot virtual disk, both the host server and the

associated virtual disk you are re-creating have to be in the proper state.

To prepare your host server and virtual disk:

Stop all I/O activity to the source and snapshot virtual disk (if mounted).

Using your Windows system, flush the cache to both the source and the

snapshot virtual disk (if mounted). At the host prompt, type

SMrepassist -f <filename-identifier>

and press <Enter>. For more information, see "SMrepassist Utility" on

page 243.

book.book Page 160 Wednesday, May 26, 2010 2:14 PM