How to Collect Support Data for NetApp E-Series and Lenovo DE-Series Storage

Support data for NetApp E-Series storage arrays (E2700 / E2800 / E5600 / EF series, etc.) and OEM models including Lenovo ThinkSystem DE series and IBM DS series (Engenio platform), also known as CASD, includes the storage array profile, event logs, and controller status. This data must be collected before replacing a controller or analyzing a fault. Depending on the management software, there are three collection methods.

Collect support data before replacing a controller. Controllers of the same model can have different Host Interface Cards (HICs). Retain configuration details to help support plan a compatible replacement and recover the configuration.

Method 1: SANtricity System Manager (Web-based, version 11.40 and later)

The E2800 / E5700 / EF570 and Lenovo DE series use a browser-based System Manager. The following screenshots use the Lenovo ThinkSystem System Manager as an example.

1. Access the management IP address of either controller via a web browser and log in to the System Manager.

   

2. Click "Support" in the left-hand menu.

   

3. Click "Support Center".

   

4. Select the "Diagnostics" tab.

   

5. Click "Collect Support Data".

   

6. In the pop-up window, click "Collect".

   

7. Wait a few minutes. When collection finishes, the browser downloads a .7z support bundle.

   

8. Save the file to your chosen location.

   

On the same page below, there are options such as "Export Storage Array Configuration Profile." If only configuration information is needed, it can be exported separately as a txt file; the support data package already includes this configuration file.

Method 2: SANtricity Storage Manager (Client-side, older versions)

1. Open SANtricity Storage Manager on the management station and open the Array Management Window for the target storage array.
2. Click the "Summary" tab, then in the Monitor section, click "Collect Support Data Manually" to open the "Collect AutoSupport Data" window.
3. Click "Browse," specify the save location and filename for the support bundle, then click "Save".
4. In the "Collect AutoSupport Data" window, click "Start" and wait for completion.

In earlier firmware versions, the menu locations differ (e.g., Advanced → Troubleshooting → Support Data → Collect). Refer to the version comparison table in "IBM DS3000 / DS4000 / DS5000 Storage Support Data Collection".

Method 3: SANtricity Command Line (SMcli)

Execute on the management station where the SANtricity client is installed (specify the management IP addresses of both controllers simultaneously; if a management password is enabled, add -p <Password>):

SMcli <ControllerA_IP> <ControllerB_IP> -c "save storageArray supportData file=\"C:\temp\supportdata.7z\";"

The SMcli example uses the .7z extension required by firmware 7.86 and later. Older firmware requires .zip. Check the installed SANtricity version and its command reference.