How can I to add a new storage controller?

[jaleonq]

Recently I could install ESXi 4.1 in my old PowerEdge SC1420 using an USB Drive. My current issue is that I can't see my SCSI Array from vSphere Client. Any help is appreciated.

[a_p_]

Is your controller listed in the VMware HCL (tab IO devices)? http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php

André

[jaleonq]

Hi a.p. thanks for your help.

Our controller appears in the list as AIC-7901A U320 w/HostRAID, but I don't know what can I do with this information, thanks in advance for your help.

JLeón

[a_p_]

If a device is not listed in the HCL for the specific version of ESX(i), then it might not be recognized due to missing driver support.

How did you setup the disks on the controller? Did you configure them as single disks or RAID?

When you open the vSphere Client and select "Storage Adapters" in the "Configuration" tab, do you see the controller?

André

[jaleonq]

Thanks André,

Right now we have our 2 HDs as RAID-0 (High Performance, No Fault Tolerance) Striped. We can't see the controller in the Storage Adapters, is possible add it manually?

Thanks, JLeón

[a_p_]

I guess there is an issue with your server (which btw. is not on the HCL). Maybe there are some hints in the log files (/var/log/vmkernel).

You can try download the log files by clicking File > Export > Export Diagnostic Logs.

André

[jaleonq]

André, I could generate the log, I send it as attachment, any clue?

Thanks, JLeón

[a_p_]

This zip file did not contain the log files I expected.

Please try to run it again. Make sure you connect to the ESXi host with the vSphere Client.

see http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1010705 for details.

André

[jaleonq]

Sorry André, I can't see that option, I'll try find it so I'll be writing you again. Thanks.

[joshuatownsend]

Just to confirm - you are looking for the adapter on the ESXi Configuration tab | Storage Adapters... Does it show up in the list of adapters? Does a Rescan change anything? Can you verify that the SCSI adapter appears in BIOS/POST?

What kind of array are you connecting to?

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[jaleonq]

Joshua,

I send you as attachment an image with the adapters information, a Rescan doesn't change anything, where can I check the BIOS/Post? right now I don't have array just HD as single.

Thanks, JLeón

[jaleonq]

Joshua,

I have the Bios/Post, I send you a new image about it, thanks.

JLeón

[joshuatownsend]

Ok -

To confirm, you installed ESXi on a USB drive?

We can see the SCSI adapter with disks, configured in a RAID array. This is good.

Can you post a screenshot of Storage | Devices - like i attached?

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[jaleonq]

Right, we installed ESXi 4.1 on USB drive, I attached the devices screenshoot.

Thanks, JL

[jaleonq]

Joshua,

I don't know if the screenshoot attached is usefull, but I found this definition in Software Components Tab.

Thanks, JL

[joshuatownsend]

Do you recall seeing the adapter when you installed ESXi - would have been in the screen i have pictured....

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[jaleonq]

No, I didn't see the adapter in the ESXi installation process.

JL

[joshuatownsend]

Bummer - probably won't work. You might check ebay for a PERC controller for this server....

Only other option would be to install Windows or Linux which would see that disk sapce, then install VMware workstation or Server, and then run ESXi inside of that.

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[jaleonq]

Well...we'll go to try your recomendation.

I appreciate your time, thanks

JLeón