Spectra Logic NTIER700 User Manual

Spectra nTier700

Backup and Archive Appliance

Release Notes and Documentation Updates

SpectraLogic.com

Copyright Copyright © 2008–2010 Spectra Logic Corporation. All rights reserved. This item and the

information contained herein are the property of Spectra Logic Corporation.

Notices Except as expressly stated herein, Spectra Logic Corporation makes its products and

associated documentation on an “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY
KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, BOTH OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. In no
event shall Spectra Logic be liable for any loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use or
data, interruption of business, or for indirect, special, incidental or consequential
damages of any kind, even if Spectra Logic has been advised of the possibility of such
damages arising from any defect or error.

Information furnished in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Spectra Logic for its use. Due to continuing research and
development, Spectra Logic may revise this publication from time to time without notice,
and reserves the right to change any product specification at any time without notice.

Trademarks BlueScale, Spectra, SpectraGuard, TeraPack, and the Spectra Logic logo are registered

trademarks. BlueScale Vision, nTier, and RXT are trademarks of Spectra Logic
Corporation. All rights reserved worldwide. All other trademarks and registered
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Part Number 90990019 Revision F

Revision

History

BlueScale Version

2.3.0.2 B April 2008  Updated formatting.

2.6.0.6 C April 2009 User Guide updates, firmware updates, known issues.

2.6.0.7 D May 2009 Firmware updates, add File Migrator install files, resolved

2.7.1.7-20100107 E February 2010  BlueScale firmware 2.7.1.7 updates and known issues.

2.7.2.5-20100512 F May 2010  Implemented fan speed controls to reduce power

2.8.0.1-20100615 G June 2010  BlueScale firmware 2.8.0.1 updates and known issues.

Document
Revision

Date Description

 Added information about RMM, power cord

specifications

issues

 Remove DPM and File Migrator from system disk.

consumption and operating noise levels.

 Add 2TB drives

Note: To make sure you have the release notes for the most current version of

the BlueScale firmware, check the Spectra Logic Web site at

www.spectralogic.com/documents. The release notes also include

updates to the product documentation.

2

Release Notes 90990019

License You have acquired a Spectra product that includes software owned or licensed by

Spectra Logic from one or more software licensors (“Software Suppliers”). Such
software products, as well as associated media, printed materials and “online” or
electronic documentation (“SOFTWARE”) are protected by copyright laws and
international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties.

If you do not agree to this end user license agreement (EULA), do not use the Spectra
product; instead, promptly contact Spectra Logic for instructions on return of the Spectra
product for a refund. Any use of the Software, including but not limited to use on the
Spectra product, will constitute your agreement to this EULA (or ratification of any
previous consent).

Grant of License. The Software is licensed on a non-exclusive basis, not sold. This EULA

grants you the following rights to the Software:

 You may use the Software only on the Spectra product.

 Not Fault Tolerant. The Software is not fault tolerant. Spectra Logic has independently

determined how to use the Software in the Spectra product, and suppliers have relied
upon Spectra Logic to conduct sufficient testing to determine that the Software is
suitable for such use.

 No Warranties for the SOFTWARE. The Software is provided “AS IS” and with all

faults. The entire risk as to satisfactory quality, performance, accuracy, and effort
(including lack of negligence) is with you. Also, there is no warranty against
interference with your enjoyment of the Software or against infringement. If you have
received any warranties regarding the SOFTWARE, those warranties do not originate
from, and are not binding on Software suppliers.

 Note on Java Support. The Software may contain support for programs written in Java.

Java technology is not fault tolerant and is not designed, manufactured, or intended for
use of resale as online control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe
performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or
communications systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons
systems, in which the failure of Java technology could lead directly to death, personal
injury, or severe physical or environmental damage.

 No Liability for Certain Damages. Except as prohibited by law, Software suppliers shall

have no liability for any indirect, special, consequential or incidental damages arising
from or in connection with the use or performance of the Software. This limitation shall
apply even if any remedy fails of its essential purpose. In no event shall Software
suppliers, individually, be liable for any amount in excess of U.S. two hundred fifty
dollars (U.S. $250.00).

 Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. You m ay n o t

reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software, except and only to the extent
that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this
limitation.

 Software T ransfer Allowed with Restrictions. You may permanently transfer rights under

this EULA only as part of a permanent sale or transfer of the Spectra product, and only
if the recipient agrees to this EULA. If the Software is an upgrade, any transfer must
also include all prior versions of the Software.

 Export Restrictions. Export of the Software from the United States is regulated by the

Export Administration Regulations (EAR, 15 CFR 730-744) of the U.S. Commerce
Department, Bureau of Export Administration. You agree to comply with the EAR in
the export or re-export of the Software: (i) to any country to which the U.S. has
embargoed or restricted the export of goods or services, which as May 1999 include, but
are not necessarily limited to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (including Serbia, but not Montenegro), or to any
national or any such country, wherever located, who intends to transit or transport the
Software back to such country; (ii) to any person or entity who you know or have
reason to know will utilize the Software or portion thereof in the design, development
or production of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons; or (iii) to any person or
entity who has been prohibited from participating in U.S. export transactions by any
federal agency of the U.S. government. You warrant and represent that neither the BXA
nor any other U.S. federal agency has suspended, revoked or denied your export
privileges. For additional information see http://www.microsoft.com/exporting/.

June 2010 nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance

3

Contacting Spectra Logic

To obtain general information
Spectra Logic Web Site: www.spectralogic.com
United States Headquarters European Office

Spectra Logic Corporation
6285 Lookout Road
Boulder, CO 80301
USA

Phone: [phone] or 1.303.449.6400
International: 1.303.449.6400
Fax: [phone]

Spectra Logic Europe Ltd.
Magdalen Centre
Robert Robinson Avenue
Oxford Science Park
OXFORD
UK-OX4 4GA
United Kingdom

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Spectra Logic Technical Support
Web Site: www.spectralogic.com/support
Knowledge Base: www.spectralogic.com/knowledgebase
United States and Canada

Phone:

 Toll free US and Canada: 1.800.227.4637
 International: 1.303.449.0160

Email: [e-mail]

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Deutsch sprechende Kunden

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Mexico, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Spectra Logic Sales
Web Site: www.spectralogic.com/shop
United States and Canada

Phone: [phone] or 1.303.449.6400
Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Europe

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

To obtain documentation
Spectra Logic Web Site: www.spectralogic.com/documents

4

Release Notes 90990019

Contents

Introduction 7

RELATED PUBLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

USER FEEDBACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

REGISTER YOUR NEW NTIER700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

TYPOGRAPHICAL CONVENTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

nTier700 BlueScale Firmware 11

FIRMWARE PACKAGE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Firmware Package Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Updating Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Firmware Version Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

FIRMWARE PACKAGE HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

BlueScale2.8.0.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

BlueScale 2.7.2.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

BlueScale 2.7.1.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

BlueScale2.6.0.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

BlueScale2.6.0.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

BlueScale 2.3.0.2-20080421 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Important Information 23

SUPPORTED BROWSERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

IP ADDRESSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

INDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

W
U

PDATING TAPE DRIVE DEVICE DRIVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

WORKING WITH THE HARDWARE COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

OVING OR SHIPPING THE NTIER700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

M
R

ECYCLING YOUR NTIER700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5

Contents

Updates to the User Guide 29

CHAPTER 1—OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

HAPTER 2—INSTALLING THE NTIER700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

C

Install in a Restricted Access Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connect the Power Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Install the Data Drives in the Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Connect the Cables and Power On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

C

HAPTER 3—CONFIGURING THE NTIER700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Access the BlueScale Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Access the Windows Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Install Antivirus Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Install Additional Application Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

CHAPTER 4—USING THE NTIER700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Displaying the Status of Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Using the Blade Operator Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

CHAPTER 8—MAINTAINING THE NTIER700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Moving or Shipping the nTier700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Updating Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Updating Tape Drive Device Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

APPENDIX A—SERVICE AND SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Before Contacting Spectra Logic Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Opening a Support Ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

APPENDIX B – SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

RAID Storage Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Power Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

PPENDIX D—TUNING GIGABIT ETHERNET NETWORK PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

A

Enable Jumbo Frames for 10 GigE Network Interface Cards . . . . . . 66

Teaming NICs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

6

Release Notes 90990019

These release notes give you the latest information available about the
BlueScale® firmware for the Spectra® nTier700™ Backup and Archive
Appliance (referred to as the nTier700). They provide updates to the
Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance User Guide.

Notes:  To make sure you have the most current version of the

BlueScale firmware release notes and the Spectra nTier700
Backup and Archive Appliance User Guide, check the Spectra
Logic Web site at www.spectralogic.com/documents.

 The Spectra nTier700 was previously called the Spectra

nTier700 Intelligent Secondary Storage Appliance.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

The following publications related to the Spectra nTier700 are available
from the Spectra Logic web site at www.spectralogic.com/documents.

Introduction

For additional information about the nTier700, refer to the following
publications.

nTier700

The following documents related to the nTier700 are available on the
Spectra Logic web site at www.spectralogic.com/documents.

 The Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance User Guide provides

detailed information about installing, configuring, using, and
maintaining your nTier700.

Note: The current version of the user guide is entitled Spectra nTier700

Intelligent Secondary Storage Appliance User Guide. The title will

change the next time the guide is updated.

 Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance Read This First gives tips

and other important information that you should know before
installing the nTier700 in your storage environment.

7

Introduction

Microsoft Windows Operating System and Software

Check the following web sites for information and documentation related
to the Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2003 operating system and other
Microsoft software used with the nTier700.

 The integrated application server in the nTier700 runs the Windows

Storage Server 2003 R2 operating system. You can find information
about this operating system on the Microsoft web site at

www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003.

 The nTier700 uses the Microsoft Distributed File System (DFS), a

feature of Windows Storage Server 2003, as its replication engine. You
can find information about DFS on the Microsoft web site at

www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/storage/dfs/
default.mspx.

 Microsoft Data Protection Manager (DPM) is a software option that can

be installed and run on the nTier700. You can find information about
Microsoft Data Protection Manager (DPM) on the Microsoft web site at

www.microsoft.com/dpm.

Note: DPM is no longer available for purchase with the nTier700. It is

supported as legacy software only.

Intel Remote Management Module 2

The integrated Intel Remote Management Module 2 (Intel RMM2)
provides remote power management so that you can power cycle the
nTier700 from a remote host. You can obtain the Intel Remote Management
Module 2 User Guide from the Intel web site at

www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/cs-025399.htm.

QLogic Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter

To configure the option QLogic Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter, use the
QLogic SANsurfer Application for Windows. Search the QLogic web site
for additional information about obtaining and using SANsurfer.

Spectra nTier File Migrator

Note: Spectra nTier File Migrator is no longer available for purchase

with the nTier700. It is supported as legacy software only.

Spectra nTier File Migrator is a software option that can be installed and
run on the nTier700. The following publication related to the Spectra nTier
Migrator software are available from the Spectra Logic web site at

www.spectralogic.com/documents.

The Spectra nTier File Migrator User Guide provides information on how to
install, configure, use, maintain, and troubleshoot the nTier File Migrator
software.

8

Release Notes 90990019

USER FEEDBACK

Important

Caution

Warning

Please give us suggestions for and opinions on our products and their
documentation by calling us at [phone] or sending e-mail to
[e-mail].

REGISTER YOUR NEW NTIER700

Register your nTier700 quickly and easily on the Spectra Logic web site, by
visiting www.spectralogic.com/register.

TYPOGRAPHICAL CONVENTIONS

These release notes use the following conventions to highlight important
information:

User Feedback

Note: Read notes for additional information or suggestions about the

current topic.

Read text marked by the “Important” icon for information that will help you
complete a procedure or avoid extra steps.

Read text marked by the “Caution” icon for information you must know to avoid
damaging the library, the tape drives, or losing data.

Read text marked by the “Warning” icon for information you must know to avoid
personal injury.

Warnung: Lesen Sie markierten Text durch die “Warnung”-Symbol für die
Informationen, die Sie kennen müssen, um Personenschäden zu vermeiden.

These release notes use an arrow (>) to describe a series of menu
selections. For example:

Select Configuration > Network.

means

Select Configuration, then select Network.

June 2010 Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance

9

Introduction

Notes

10

Release Notes 90990019

nTier700 BlueScale Firmware

Important

FIRMWARE PACKAGE INFORMATION

Firmware packages are groupings of program code that are used to update
the BlueScale software and firmware for the nTier700.

The Windows Storage Server operating system requires you to install device drivers
before application software can correctly communicate with tape drives, either in a
library or standalone, connected to the nTier700.

Do not use the Hardware Update Wizard in the Windows Device Manager to install
the tape drive device drivers. The wizard does not install the drivers correctly on the
nTier700. If you previously installed device drivers using the wizard, you must
remove the drivers and then reinstall the drivers. Follow the instructions in

Updating Tape Drive Device Drivers on page 24 to remove the drivers and then

reinstall them.

Firmware Package Support

Spectra Logic recommends that you keep your nTier700 firmware up-to­date. Spectra Logic provides complete support for the two most recently
shipped releases of firmware packages. If you are using a firmware
package other than the most current one, Spectra Logic urges you to
upgrade to the current release as soon as possible. If the firmware you are
running is more than two releases behind, you may be required to upgrade
firmware to resolve an issue or to verify that a problem still exists in
current firmware.

11

nTier700 BlueScale Firmware

Important

Important

Updating Firmware

Note: Until further notice, firmware updates for the nTier700 are

To ensure that you have the most current firmware for your nTier700:

1. Connect to the BlueScale web interface.

2. Select About on the menu bar to check the currently installed BlueScale

firmware version.

3. If the version you have is older than the most current version described
in these release notes, contact Spectra Logic Technical Support to obtain
an update.

4. If a more current firmware version is available, download the update
and install it. Refer to the current version of the Spectra nTier700 Backup
and Archive Appliance User Guide for instructions.

Note: A current support contract is required before you can download

currently managed on an individual basis by Spectra Logic
Technical Support. Contact Spectra Logic Technical Support for
assistance (see Contacting Spectra Logic on page 4).

firmware updates.

Contact Spectra Logic Technical Support at www.spectralogic.com/support
if you have any questions.

Firmware Version Requirements

The update to BlueScale 2.6.0.6 or later from any earlier version of the BlueScale
firmware must be performed by Spectra Logic Technical Support personnel (see

Contacting Spectra Logic on page 4).

FIRMWARE PACKAGE HISTORY

The following sections list information about the BlueScale firmware
packages and how they affect the nTier700 and its components. The
BlueScale firmware releases are listed in reverse chronological order, with
the most recent release listed first. All package names are followed with
the date of release (YYYYMMDD).

Unless otherwise stated, the known issues remain active until moved to the
resolved issues section. Always read the known issues section for each firmware
release to make sure you are aware of any potential problems.

12

Release Notes 90990019

BlueScale2.8.0.1

This release implements hardware changes to the nTier700. It also updates
the Windows operating system with the patches that were available as of
June 14, 2010 (with the exception of Internet Explorer 8) and the drivers for
the internal cards.

Enhancements and Changes

The Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance User Guide incorrectly
states that Ethernet ports 2 through 4 have a fixed IP addresses as the
default. The default IP address for all four Ethernet ports is set to DHCP.
Refer to Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance User Guide for
information about using a blade operator panel to determine the DHCP­assigned address for Ethernet port 1 and if necessary configure a fixed IP
address.

BlueScale 2.7.2.5

Firmware Package History

This release improves the operation of the nTier700.

Enhancements

 The nTier700 now supports using 2 TB data drives; the 500 GB drives

are no longer available for purchase.

 The operating speed of the fans in the chassis is now regulated by the

temperature inside the chassis. Depending on the temperature, the fans
can operate at lower speeds, reducing power consumption and the
overall noise from the system.

Resolved Issues

The operator panel Drive Status tab now indicates when a drive in the blade
is in a failed state.

June 2010 Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance

13

nTier700 BlueScale Firmware

Known Issues

Problem Workaro und

When accessing the nTier500 through the
BlueScale web interface, you may be prompted to
install an ActiveX control when you select
Remote Desktop to connect to the Windows
Desktop. If the installation of the ActiveX control
fails, the connection cannot be established.

When sending a manual AutoSupport Log (ASL),
a message displays stating that “Log set sent
successfully.” However, inside the New Log Set
box it states “Cannot send log set. - Description is
required.”

The RMM module creates four virtual CD-ROM
drives, each of which is listed as a separate drive
letter listed under My Computer.

Access the Windows Desktop using the Remote
Desktop Connections application from a
Windows-based computer on the same network
as the nTier700.

1. From your computer, select Start > Programs
> Accessories > Remote Desktop to display

the Remote Desktop Connection screen.

2. Enter the IP address of the nTier700 and select
Connect.

3. Log into Windows using the same User name
and Password as you use to log into the
nTier700 BlueScale web interface.

Ignore the message in the New Log Set window.
The ASL was sent successfully. After the ASL is
sent, the New Log Set screen clears the
Description field in preparation for sending the
next ASL.

Refer to Spectra KB Article #667 for information
about disable these virtual drives so that they are
no longer listed under My Computer.

BlueScale 2.7.1.7

This release improves the overall reliability of the nTier700.

Enhancements and Changes

 Microsoft Data Protection Manager (DPM) and Spectra nTier File

Manager are no longer available for purchase with the nTier700.

 The RAID tab on the BlueScale web interface now includes a

Alarm

that sounds when a RAID is experiencing problems.

Resolved Issues

 The BlueScale firmware prevents updating the Adaptec RAID

controller firmware and /or driver if a RAID is either building or
rebuilding. A system message is posted indicating that the RAID
controller firmware was not updated because the RAID was
building/rebuilding.

 The BlueScale firmware prevents updating the Adaptec RAID

controller firmware and /or driver if a task is currently active on the
RAID.

Silence HBA

button to let a remote operator silence the audible HBA alarm

14

Release Notes 90990019

 BlueScale services are now more robust when using different types of

network configurations.

 When RAIDs are rebuilding, the Bluescale progress screen now

correctly updates as the rebuild progresses.

 Error reporting by the BlueScale web interface has been improved.

 You can now export the System log maintained by File Migrator. The

system log records all operations, including reads, writes, seeks, moves,
and transfer rates. Refer to the Spectra nTier File Migrator Installation
Guide for information about exporting system logs.

Note: Spectra nTier File Migrator software is no longer available for

purchase with the nTier700. The information in this section is
provided for legacy support only.

Known Issues

Problem Workaro und

Firmware Package History

The Driver Install/Update wizard in Windows
Device Manager does not correctly install tape
drive device drivers on the nTier700.

The device drivers for IBM LTO-4 tape drives
included in the BlueScale 2.7.1.7 firmware
package does not support half-height IBM LTO-4
tape drives.

When sending ASL files generated by
AutoSupport, the send log operation fails if the
E-mail From field in the AutoSupport Mail
Recipients configuration contains an “@” symbol.

If the Windows password is left blank, you
cannot login into BlueScale from either a direct
connection to the Windows operating system or
through the BlueScale web interface.

Follow the instructions in Updating Tape Drive

Device Drivers on page 24 to download the

appropriate drivers and install them.

Note: If you previously installed/updated the

device drivers using the wizard, you must first
uninstall the drivers and devices, then reinstall
them. See Updating Tape Drive Device Drivers

on page 24.

Download and install the most current LTO-4
device drivers. Refer to Updating Tape Drive

Device Drivers on page 24 for instructions.

When configuring mail recipients in
AutoSupport, leave the E-mail From field empty
or simply include the domain (for example,
spectralogic.com).

Make sure that you set the Windows password.
Do not leave it blank. Refer to the Spectra nTier700
Backup and Archive Appliance User Guide for
information about setting the Windows
Administrator password.

The BlueScale web interface may not operate
correctly when accessed by a server running
Windows Server 2008 AND Internet Explorer 7.

When multiple servers are connected to the
nTier700 and actively transferring data, you
occasionally lose access to shared folders when
the BlueScale web interface is running.

June 2010 Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance

Use Mozilla Firefox or a different version of
Internet Explorer.

If you have a large number of clients attached to
the system and lose access to shared folders,
configure the system to restart the Server service
automatically.

15

nTier700 BlueScale Firmware

BlueScale2.6.0.7

This release improves the overall reliability of the nTier700.

Resolved Issues

The File Migrator installation files have been added to system disk on the
the 64-bit Windows version of the nTier700.

Note: As of BlueScale 2.7.1.7, File Migrator is no longer included with

the nTier700.

Known Issue

Problem Workaround

When RAIDs are rebuilding, the
Bluescale progress screen does not
update to reflect the actual progress,
even when the process is nearly
complete.

Note: This issue is resolved in BlueScale

2.7.1.7.

If you need to determine the status of the RAID rebuild, do
one of the following:

 Monitor the BlueScale messages. The rebuild is complete

when you see a message similar to this:

Raid <raid name> in Enclosure <Enclosure #>
Chassis <Chassis #> Hba <Hba #> Expander
<Expander #> changed state from <previous
state> to OK

 Use the Windows command line to determine the status.

1. Connect to the Windows desktop.

2. Select Start > Accessories > Command Prompt to open a

command prompt window.

3. Type the following command:

%ntiercurrent%\adaptec\arcconf.exe getstatus
<ctrl #>

where <ctrl #> is the number of the RAID controller on
which the RAID was being rebuilt (either 1 or 2).

4. Repeat Step 2 until the status returned is “None.”

16

Release Notes 90990019

BlueScale2.6.0.6

This firmware release improves overall reliability of the nTier700.

Resolved Issues

Disconnecting and reconnecting the cables to the Ethernet ports on the
nTier700 back panel no longer causes the system to hang.

Known Issues

Problem Workaround

Firmware Package History

Update from BlueScale 2.2 or 2.3 to 2.6.0.6 fails
unless specific procedures are carefully followed.

After disabling a NIC through the BlueScale web
interface, the operator panel no longer operates
correctly.

If you are updating the firmware for the root
expanders from a previous version, the firmware
update fails if there is I/O to the drives during the
update.

Occasionally, you may not be able to navigate to
the BlueScale Network screen when the optional
10 GigE NIC is installed.

Following a reboot of the nTier700, the BlueScale
web interface shows the status for all system
components as unknown and Last Update as old.

This update must be performed by Spectra Logic
Technical Support personnel (see Contacting

Spectra Logic on page 4).

Do not disable NICs.

Before you update the nTier700 firmware for the
root expanders, stop all I/O to the drives, then
stop BlueScale. The expander firmware is
updated as part of the BlueScale 2.2 or 2.3 to
BlueScale 2.6.0.6 update procedure performed by
Spectra Logic Technical Support.

1. Access the Windows desktop.

2. Configure the IP addressing for the installed

network interface cards through Windows.
(Start > Settings > Network Connections,
select the desired connection, and then select
Properties to configure the IP addressing.

Reboot the system again.

BlueScale posts critical error messages about
missing blades immediately following a system
start or reboot.

If you have a proxy server defined for Internet
Explorer you cannot use the Download From
Spectra option to update the nTier700 BlueScale
firmware.

June 2010 Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance

Ignore critical messages concerning the missing
blades IF they are posted immediately following
a BlueScale restart (for example, a system reboot).

Mark the messages as Read and then continue to
monitor the messages for subsequent critical
alerts for the same components.

Download the firmware update file to either a
USB drive or a firmware package server and
update the firmware from there.

17

nTier700 BlueScale Firmware

Problem Workaround

Occasionally you may receive an internal server
error when changing IP settings for Ethernet
port 2 through BlueScale.

The BlueScale login page does not display
following a firmware update. Instead the status
page that the system is restarting remains.

File Migrator. The nTier File Migrator installation
file is not currently stored on the nTier700
integrated application server system disk.

Notes:

 This issue is resolved in BlueScale 2.6.07.
 As of BlueScale 2.7.1.7 File Migrator is no

longer included with the nTier700.

File Migrator. The License Administration Utility
and Activating without Internet Access process
described in the nTier File Migrator User Guide
does not work.

Note: As of BlueScale 2.7.1.7 File Migrator is no

longer included with the nTier700.

Restart the browser you are using to access the
BlueScale web interface and reconnect to the
nTier700.

Refresh the BlueScale web interface by pressing
function key 5 (F5) on your keyboard.

Contact SpectraGuard Technical Support for
assistance (see Contacting Spectra Logic on

page 4).

Connect the nTier appliance to a network that has
internet connectivity and select Internet as the
activation option. If you do not have web access,
contact Spectra Logic Technical Support for
assistance (see Contacting Spectra Logic on

page 4).

BlueScale 2.3.0.2-20080421

This is the first general-availability firmware release for the Spectra
nTier700.

Known Issues

Problem Workaround

If you are updating the firmware for the blades or
root expanders from a previous version, the
firmware update fails if there is I/O to the drives
during the update.

Occasionally, the operator panel Drive Status tab
does not indicate when a drive is in a failed state.

Note: This issue is resolved in BlueScale2.7.2.5.

When DPM is installed, the names of the SQL
services it installs are not listed correctly on the
Applications page.

Note: As of BlueScale 2.7.1.7 DPM is no longer

included with the nTier700.

If you need to update the nTier700 firmware for
the blades or root expanders, stop all I/O to the
drives and then stop BlueScale before beginning
the update.

Use the BlueScale web interface to determine the
status of the component in question.

Access the Windows desktop and run
services.msc to verify that the SQL services
are running.

Changing the cables connected to Ethernet ports
1 and 2 on the nTier700 back panel cause the
system to hang.

18

Release Notes 90990019

Do not unplug/plug cables to Ethernet ports 1
and 2 while the nTier700 is powered on.

Problem Workaround

Firmware Package History

The nTier700 root expanders are not
hot-swappable. If a root expander is removed
while the nTier700 is powered on:

 The nTier700 status information is no longer

available through the BlueScale web interface
and the blade operator panels.

 The AutoSupport feature does not function

correctly.

 You cannot restart the nTier700 through

Windows until the root expander is
re-installed.

When installing the nTier700, make sure that it
can access a properly configured DHCP/DNS
server. Or, enter a known good IP address if you
are using a static IP address. Otherwise, Remote
Desktop may not work. If it doesn’t, attach a
monitor, keyboard and mouse to the nTier700 so
you can review the event log. Look for the
following error, which corresponds to the Remote
Desktop connection attempt:

Event Type: Error
Event Source: TermDD
Event ID: 50
Description:

The RDP protocol component “DATA
ENCRYPTION” detected an error in the protocol
stream and has disconnected the client.

Power down the nTier700 before removing a root
expander.

If you see this error, follow the directions found
in Microsoft’s KnowledgeBase article KB323497

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/323497 to repair

the problem.

At the end of a package update, you may not be
automatically redirected to the BlueScale Web
interface login page.

If one or more drives assigned to a logical volume
have failed or are missing, there is no information
about the drives on Logical Volumes page of the
BlueScale web interface.

If the upgrade seems to have stalled after
rebooting, manually connect to the login page.

Check the Drives tab on the blade’s operator
panel or the Overview screen on the web
interface to identify the missing drives.

June 2010 Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance

19

nTier700 BlueScale Firmware

Drives are indented
showing that they are
associated with the Spectra
Logic library (Spectra Logic
Medium Changer-2)

Problem Workaround

If Microsoft System Center Data Protection
Manager (DPM) 2007 writes to tape do not
succeed, check the drive mapping. The drives
must be associated with a library—for example,
refer to the following screen, which shows
correctly mapped drives. This is a known
Microsoft bug, and Spectra Logic is waiting for
the patch to fix this problem.

Note: As of BlueScale 2.7.1.7 DPM is no longer

included with the nTier700.

If you are using a tape library with IBM LTO tape
drives in conjunction with your nTier, the
standard Windows device driver installation (via
the Add New Hardware wizard) does not install
all the software needed to take advantage of the
tape drives’ features.

If the drives are not mapped correctly:

1. Stop DPM.

2. Start the Microsoft Removable Storage

Manager (RSM) service and map the tape
drives.

3. Stop the RSM service.

4. Restart DPM. The drives should be mapped

correctly and writes should now succeed.

If the system automatically assigned drivers to
the tape drives, uninstall the device drivers for
the tape drives after you install the unit. Then,
use the following procedure to install the correct
device drivers:

1. Open a command prompt window (Start >
Accessories > Command Prompt).

2. Type the following command to switch to the
directory where the LTO tape device drivers
are located:

cd C:\Program Files (x86)
\SpectraLogic\drivers\IBM LTO Tape
Drives 6.1.7.8

Note: The number included in the IBM LTO

Tapes 6.1.7.8 sub-directory name may not be
same as in this step (for instance, IBM LTO Tapes

6.1.7.9 instead of IBM LTO Tapes 6.1.7.8).

3. Type

install if you are not using Microsoft

Data Protection Manager (DPM) or Microsoft
Removable Storage Manager (RSM).

– or –

Type

install -n if you are using DPM or

RSM.

20

Release Notes 90990019

Problem Workaround

Firmware Package History

When entering information through the
BlueScale web interface, using the keyboard Enter
key may not work as expected.

After power-cycling the nTier700, you may
experience a problem connecting to the BlueScale
Web interface through Ethernet port 1 even
though the unit is functioning normally (that is,
the IP information for Ethernet port 1 is correct
and unchanged, the BlueScale service is running,
and the BlueScale login screen is available
locally).

If you leave the focus of your Web browser on the
Blades page for a long period of time, a memory
leak may occur. When this happens, the browser
and the Windows operating system begin to lag,
with functions like opening the Start menu taking
much longer than normal.

Use the buttons in the interface instead of the
keyboard. For example, after entering the folder
information, click the OK button on the user
interface instead of pressing the Enter key to
create the folder.

One workaround is to power-cycle the nTier700
again. The other workaround is to log into the
nTier700 locally and then disable and enable the
network interface card through the Windows
interface.

To recover the memory, close your browser
session.

June 2010 Spectra nTier700 Backup and Archive Appliance

21