We have a Dell Poweredge 4400 & a Dell Poweredge 2300. Both have amber lights blinking - hard-disk failure indicators. They are using RAID. What do I need to do?

> it does detect it on controller initiation.

Even when the drive is not spinning, it will identify itself (manufacturer, capacity) when queried. So, it's possible that it "checks-in", but files/directories on it cannot be read.

Had the same thing happen to me today and in my case it was a code 18 as they come...
It started while I was installing a video card adapter for a dual monitor setup. The solution - I had to simply close the side panel I had left open for testing and then reboot the server. The intrusion alarm went off.

Depending on the RAID setup you have for your server. Best thing to do is search for "Dell Open Manage" software for your server and install it https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=R108443&osCode=WNET&productCode=poweredge-4400. Once installed it will give you all the information about your hardware. you should b able to rebuild RAID with same size drive if previous drive is bad, RAID will build automatically and take a long time to complete,

Unfortunately the dell website (not me) is not very helpful. Here's what is says about your diagnostic lights


Another failure has occurred.

• Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
• If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.
• The operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive); check system setup (see "Boot Sequence") to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell.

Try taking the side off and removing and replacing all the hard drive leads. Remove and replace all the scsi drives and generally check for loose connections. If this does not work you will need to post more infomation.

It sounds like a hard disk has failed or fallen out of sync.
This can be a serious problem if not addressed ASAP.

Call Dell, they have lifetime phone support for their servers.

Write down the Express Service Code and Service Tag number that is on the server chassis before you call.
This is the last number I used for server support: (800) 945-3355
If it doesn't work you should be able to find a valid number at support.dell.com

I hope this helps.

MAYBE YOU LOST YOUR CONFIGURATION BUT DO YOU SEE THEM UNDER PHYSICAL VIEW IN THE CONTROLLER BIOS?AS IT BOOTS DID IT REPORT THE CONTAINERS OR NOT POWER DOWN UNPLUG POWER CHECK THE CABLE ATTACHES TO THE BACKPLAIN, POWER UP,,,,,,GO INTO THE [PERC BIOS UNDER MANAGED CONTAINER VIEW .(A EASY WAY TO CHECK THE CABLE IS ... IF YOU HAVE A SPARE DRIVE YOU CAN PLUG IT TO THE CONTROLLER MAKE SURE TO PUT POWER TO THE DRIVE IF YOU SEE THE DRIVE WELL THAT ELIMINATED THE CABLE)
GOOD LUCK

During setup you must specify any raid drivers that are required. Have the raid controller driver on floppy and insert when prompted.

When a Dell server beeps in every 3-5 second that mean it comes from Raid controller.
Dell calls PERC Controller.
It usually reason of a disk failure.

Install open manage server administrator on your server.
See which disks are failed ?

Try to run Power edge diagnostics on the failed disk.
If it passes the test reseat the disk.
if it fails disk has to be replaced with a new one.
If passes the quick test, reseat the disk and update disk + perc firmware and driver to the latest level. that will solve the problem!!

99% beeping comes from perc controller because of a failed HDD

cheers

Hi

Besides standard beeps codes indicating Processor, CPU, Memory or Systemboard failures,
Dell PERC (PowerEdge Expandable Raid Controller) or SAS Controllers (Serial Attached SCSI) generate beeps to alert failures on the RAID sub-system.

From your description of the issues (when the beeps start), i suggest you check PERC or SAS setup. If you have Dell OpenManage Server Administrator installed, you can log-in and check for more information. Additionally, on the next reboot check the PERC/SAS/CERC boot up for any messages. You may also access the PERC (Ctrl+M), SAS (Ctrl+R) CERC (Ctrl+A) Management Menu for specific failures and attempt a rebuild (assuming you have a redundant RAID Volume).

You can also speak with Dell Support and raise a warranty call if the system has warranty.

Note: PowerEdge 840 would ship with PERC or SAS Controller. PowerEdge 700 will ship with PERC or CERC.

Mike