Troubleshooting Storage Devices

Question 1

Disk Failure Symptoms

Answer 1

• Read / Write failure
  
  • “Cannot read from source disk”
• Slow performance
  
  • Constant LED activity
  • Retry … retry … retry
• Loud clicking noise
  
  • The click of death

Question 2

Troubleshooting Disk Failure

Answer 2

• Get a backup
• Check for loose or damage cables
• Check for overheating
• Check power supply , especially if new devices added
• Run hard drive diagnostic

Question 3

Boot Failure Symtoms

Answer 3

• Drive not recognized
  
  • Lights (or no lights)
  • Beeps
  • Error message
• Operating systems not found
  
  • The drive is there
  • Windows is not

Question 4

Troubleshoot Boot Failures

Answer 4

• Cables your cables
  
  • Physical program
• Check boot sequence in BIOS
  
  • Check for removable disk (especially USB)
  • Check for disabled storage interfaces
• For installation , check hardware configuration
  
  • Data & power cables

-Try drive in a different computer

Question 5

RAID not Found

Answer 5

• Missing or faulty RAID controller
  
  • is it operating
  • Properly seated

Question 6

RAID Stops Working

Answer 6

• Each RAID is different
  
  • Don’t start pulling drives , check the console

-Check the storage manager

Question 7

RAID Recovery

Answer 7

• RAID 0 - 2 or more - Single drive failure breaks array
• RAID 1 - 2 or more - Array will work as long as 1 works
• RAID 5 - 3 or more - Need all operational but one
• RAID 10 - 4 or more - Can lose all but one from each set of mirrors

Question 8

Crash Screen

Answer 8

• Windows Stop Errors , Apple spinning wait cursor
  
  • Very serious issue
• May indicate a storage device issue
  
  • Diagnostics need for drive & motherboard

Question 9

S.M.A.R.T. Errors

Answer 9

• S.M.A.R.T.
  
  • Self Monitoring , Analysis , & Reporting Technology
  • Use third-party utilities
• Avoid hardware failures
  
  • Look for warning signs
• Schedule disk checks
  
  • Built-in most drive arrays

-Warning signs