2.Do a format without certify.

3.Run a second pass of the Erase Disk selection.

For a newly installed drive, you can ensure that all blocks on the drive are overwritten with your pattern if you use the following procedure:

1.Format the drive.

2.Check the defect MAP by running the Erase Disk selection.

Note: If you use Format and Certify option, there may be some blocks which get placed into the grown defect MAP.

3.If there are bad blocks in the defect MAP, record the information presented and ensure that this information is kept with the drive. This data is used later when the drive is to be overwritten.

4.Use you drive as you would normally.

5.When the drive is no longer needed and is to be erased, run the same version of the Erase Disk selection which was used in step 2.

Note: Using the same version of the service aid is only critical if any bad blocks were found in step 3.

6.Compare the bad blocks which were recorded for the drive in step 3 with those that now appear in the grown defect MAP.

Note: If there are differences between the saved data and the newly obtained data, then all sectors on this drive cannot be overwritten. The new bad blocks are not overwritten.

7.If the bad block list is the same, continue running the service aid to overwrite the disk with the chosen pattern(s).

This task can be run directly from the AIX command line. See the command syntax: diag -c-ddeviceName -T "format [-s* fmtcert erase -a {read write}] [-F]*

Flag

Description

fmtcert

Formats and certifies the disk.

erase

Overwrites the data on the disk.

*Available in no-console mode only.

-FForce the disk erasure even if all blocks cannot be erased due to errors accessing the grown defect map.

Note: The Erase Disk option in command line mode uses default values. To selectively read or write, use the diag command in console mode.

vCertify Hardfile attached to a PCI SCSI RAID Adapter

This selection is used to certify physical disks attached to a PCI SCSI RAID adapter. Certify reads the entire disk and checks for recovered errors, unrecovered errors, and reassigned errors. If these errors exceed the threshold values, the user is prompted to replace the physical disk.

Chapter 6. Introduction to Tasks and Service Aids 99

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IBM pSeries690 manual Introduction to Tasks and Service Aids

pSeries690 specifications

The IBM pSeries690, also known as the IBM eServer p690, is a high-performance server within IBM's line of Power Systems, designed primarily for enterprise-level workloads. Launched in the early 2000s, it distinguished itself as one of IBM's flagship offerings, aimed at delivering exceptional scalability, reliability, and processing power.

At the heart of the pSeries690 is the IBM POWER4 processor, a revolutionary architecture that significantly enhanced processing capabilities. The system supports multiple processor configurations, allowing businesses to customize performance based on their specific applications. Each pSeries690 can be configured with up to 32 POWER4 processors, providing a maximum processing power that is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, complex databases, and large-scale transaction processing.

One of the standout features of the pSeries690 is its ability to handle massive amounts of memory — up to 1TB of total RAM. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that run memory-intensive applications or require high availability for critical tasks. The server’s advanced memory architecture contributes to faster data access and improved overall system performance.

Additionally, the IBM pSeries690 employs the innovative AIX operating system, which is tailored for high performance and reliability. AIX comes equipped with features such as dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR), allowing resources to be allocated flexibly and efficiently across different workloads. This technology supports virtualization, enabling multiple operating environments to run concurrently on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization.

The pSeries690 also includes robust fault tolerance and reliability features. Redundant components, hot-swappable parts, and advanced error detection mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses.

Networking capabilities of the pSeries690 are enhanced by support for high-speed connections, including Gigabit Ethernet and the ability to integrate with various network topologies. This versatility facilitates seamless connectivity in complex IT environments.

In conclusion, the IBM pSeries690 remains a powerful and reliable choice for enterprises seeking to manage and optimize their most demanding workloads. Its combination of cutting-edge processing capabilities, expansive memory support, and robust virtualization features makes it a significant player in the realm of enterprise computing. As businesses continue to evolve, the core strengths of the pSeries690, especially in terms of scalability and reliability, ensure that it continues to meet the needs of demanding applications.