[TriLUG] SATA/BIOS problem with Linux

[Derek Linz]

If you're using Fedora, pass "rd_NO_MD rd_NO_DM  rd_NO_LUKS 
rd_NO_LVM" to the kernel to stop the array from failing to assemble 
during boot/install, if that's what the issue is. It may still end up 
being a headache getting it assembled properly at all, if you're 
trying to preserve the data. On the other hand, in my experience If 
the software raid is created by the Fedora installer, the bios will 
recognize it properly after you reboot. 

Once you're booted,try "dmraid -a y" or "mdadm --assemble --
scan". I think what causes the breakage is actually a fight for control 
between mdraid and dmraid, leaving neither of them satisified. 
Sometimes using either dmsetup or mdadm  to completely 
stop/forget about all the disks will then let you assemble the array 
properly.


I think that's the problem that you're describing, in any case I hope 
it helps.

-Derek Linz

On Tuesday, July 20, 2010 03:47:30 pm Joseph Mack NA3T wrote:
> On Tue, 20 Jul 2010, OlsonE at aosa.army.mil wrote:
> > I'd check to make sure you have the latest BIOS for your
> > motherboard.
> 
> the mobo was bought about 9mo ago. I don't have any reason
> to think there's anything wrong with the BIOS (no hint of it
> on google). "isw" turns out to be Intel software raid, which
> has been around for a while. The simplest explanation is
> that I don't understand what's going on.
> 
> Thanks Joe