All posts by admin

Novell server FSAPPS was crashing

File Server

FSAPPS file server was behaving irradically. When trying to run DSREPAIR and do an unattended repair, the nlm hung.

Other access seemed to be normal, so nothing was initially done. AFter an hour or so, things started to slow down, bindery connections were not permitted, and other “funky” things.

All users of goldmine were notified to log off the system.

The server was NOT able to be brought down gracefully. Meaning the server was powered down, all volumes were “verpaired”, and the server restarted.

All seemed normal after that.

The reason for this could have been because of:
1. Not enough memory,
2. Memory incompatibility – 2 512 chips and 2-128 chips – Novell recommends all chips be the same.

— Dan Marple Jr. —

Very Short Network Outage Early Monday, 9/1

Network

Very brief planned outage required to activate a new version of the central router’s operating system. This is needed to correct a flaw that prevents use of a new component added in July 2003 that provides gigabit connectivity for various servers.

It is possible that no outage will be perceived. If there is an outage all network services would be affected (i.e. email, Internet, Novell, Blackboard, Sirsi/Sadie (Library), AS400, Calendar).

This outage moved us from IOS 7.6(1) to 7.6(3). This did not take care of the problem with the 6148 Gig blade. Cisco states there is a hardwaree/software flaw where packets are being dropped. There is no resolution for this as of now They will be sending us a 6516 blade to use as a loaner till this problem is resolved.

TOTAL NETWORK EMERGENCY DIAGNOSTIC OUTAGE

Network

A key component of the central network router is not performing correctly. Info Systems will be taking the router down for at least an hour beginning at 6:30am, Wednesday, August 27.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: IMPACT: ALL network services will be down.

NO email access (but no mail will be lost)
NO Internet access
NO access to Blackboard
NO access to the AS400 (administrative system)
NO access to Campus Web
NO access to the library system (Sadie)
NO access to the EMU web server

This is the FIRST of possibly TWO procedures to correct the problem. If this fails to correct the problem a new part will be ordered and an additional outage in the near future will be required to install the new part.

This notice will be updated with details as they become available. Check back for more details.

Swapped out the 6148 gig blade from slot 9 and installed into slot 8. Modified the config so the gig blade works in slot 8. Ran tests to verify connectivity using ping, telnet and www. Both showed latency. Called Cisco to reevaluate the case. Moved all Novell servers from the Gig blade back to the 10/100 blade.