Fedora kernels not recognizing Compaq Smart Array controller

[Christopher K. Johnson]

David Nedrow wrote:

> I've been having trouble getting Fedora (Cores 1, 2, and 3T1) to 
> install or boot on multiple Compaq Proliant servers. THese include 
> multiple DL360s and 1850Rs.
>
> So far as I can tell, the cpqarray driver is never being loaded by the 
> kernels provided in the Fedora install image.
>
> If I replace the kernel in the install image with one I've built, the 
> install goes without a problem.
>
> However, after a successful install, the actual installation now will 
> not boot as it's using the kernel from the Fedora tree. When I boot my 
> kernel, I can see the cpqarray driver loading, but I do not see it 
> load with the Fedora kernels.
>
> Basically, the boot ends with a kernel panic and complains about a bad 
> kernel root.

I have verified that the cpqarray module is present in 2.6.6-1.435.2.3 
and 2.6.7-1.494.2.2 kernel rpms:
/lib/modules/2.6.6-1.435.2.3/kernel/drivers/block/cpqarray.ko
/lib/modules/2.6.7-1.494.2.2/kernel/drivers/block/cpqarray.ko

My guess from your description is that the initrd is missing this and 
supporting modules.  Try booting your rescue kernel, checking whether 
there is an entry in /etc/modprobe.conf for it:

alias scsi_hostadapter cpqarray
alias scsi_hostadapter1 sym53c8xx

Then do a mkinitrd for your installed kernel version.
Then try booting normally.

>
> Note that on the DL360s, the Smart Array controller is an integrated 
> device, while in the 1850s it's an add-on card.

Actually on the DL360 the RAID controller is on a small separate 
DIMM-like card near the front of the box.  It can be removed and the 
disks used as conventional SCSI disks, which I have done with FC1 and FC2.

>
> I'm not new to linux, but this has really got me frustrated.

Hopefully the mkinitrd will fix this for you.

>
> -David

Chris

-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------
   "Spend less!  Do more!  Go Open Source..." -- Dirigo.net
   Chris Johnson, RHCE #807000448202021