Configure and Inspect Legacy MegaRAID WebBIOS with Ctrl+H
This archived OEM guide preserves the original English firmware screenshots and their separate configuration examples. Menu availability depends on the actual controller, firmware and server; the title is not a support matrix. Identify the intended disks and protect required data before creating/deleting arrays, initializing disks, clearing metadata, changing modes or rebuilding. None of these operations was performed while preparing this article.
Explanation
This manual applies to LSI chip RAID cards
Including but not limited to 2008/2108 RAID cards, LSI 9240/9260/9261/ 9271 and other RAID cards.
Different models of RAID cards have different support for certain functions (for example, the 2008 RAID card requires a license to support RAID5). The specifics depend on your configuration.
I. RAID Configuration and Management
1. Check RAID status
After the server powers on and reaches the logo screen, the next step is the RAID card self-test process. At this time, the Ctrl+H prompt will appear on the monitor, as shown below:
After pressing the Ctrl+H key combination, upon completion of the self-test, the RAID card configuration interface will be entered, as shown below. Here you can see the model and firmware version of the RAID card. Click the [Start] button to enter the RAID card homepage.
The RAID card homepage is called WebBIOS, as shown below. The left side contains the function menu, and the right side shows all physical disks. In this example, four 500GB hard drives are installed; all subsequent configurations can be completed here!
Click Logical View to inspect the actual RAID level and state. The source prose describes an Optimal RAID 5, but its later single-delete figures show a separate 2.728 TB RAID 1. The article mixes configurations; identify the actual virtual drive rather than assuming every figure belongs to one session.
The original contains an escaped, malformed image tag at this point. It is not an additional working screenshot; the other intact source figures are retained below.
2. Delete a single RAID array
When multiple arrays have already been created in the system, if you only want to delete one array, you can proceed with the following operations.
As shown in the figure below, there is currently one array. Select "Virtual Drives" on the left.
Select the array to be deleted, click "Properties", then click Go.
Here, select "Delete" under Operations, then click Go.
After deleting the array, data will be lost. Confirmation is required here to continue deletion. Select "Yes".
Subsequently, check the RAID configuration again, and you will find that the current RAID has been deleted.
3. Delete all RAID arrays
On the WebBIOS homepage, click [Configuration Wizard] to open the configuration wizard.
Select [Clear Configuration], then click [Next].
A prompt to clear will appear; select [yes].
Array deletion successful! All hard drives display as blue unconfigured Good status.
4. RAID configuration recommendations for large storage
The archived source proposes a 150–250 GB OS virtual drive followed by a larger data virtual drive for a Windows installation using storage over 2 TB. This is an example layout, not a universal size or a way to bypass the actual OS, GPT/MBR, firmware-mode or controller limits. The illustrated two-VD result instead shows VD0 at 1 TB and VD1 at 651.687 GB; those are different example values.
You can refer to the video below:
(Lsi raid 1DG TO 2VD video:http://pan.baidu.com/s/1bn1Z2IN )
First, create partitions for the first VD normally until the following screenshot is visible. Note that there is only one VD on the right (be sure to select Back).
Select Add To Span.
Click "Next".
At this point, select "Next".
Note: Update Size allows you to select the remaining capacity, or you can manually input the capacity size (note: do not exceed the remaining capacity).
The final example lists two Optimal RAID 5 virtual drives in the same drive group. This confirms the displayed configuration, not an OS installation or application/data check.
5. RAID5 configuration
On the WebBIOS homepage, click [Configuration Wizard] to open the configuration wizard.
Select [Add Configuration], then click [Next].
Select [Manual Configuration], then click [Next].
All unused drives are visible in the left box. Select all (or select individually), then click [Add to Array] below to add them to the right box.
Click [Accept DG] to create a disk group
Click [Next] for the next step
Click [Add to SPAN] to add the previously created disk group to the right box
Click [Next] for the next step
Array parameter configuration: Select "Raid Level" as Raid5 for the first parameter; keep others at default
For the last parameter "Select Size", enter the array capacity size. The maximum value can be referenced from the green text on the right (where R5 indicates the maximum capacity for Raid5). After completion, click [Accept]
Read the actual policy/data-loss prompt. Confirm Yes only for the intended new configuration after verifying the target and data protection
Return to the configuration page and click [Next] for the next step
Click [Accept] to complete the configuration!
A prompt to save appears; select [yes]
(Depending on the RAID card model, some may not have this feature; if unavailable, skip this step) SSD cache prompt; select [Cancel]
Initialization prompt; select [yes]
Initializing; you will see a percentage progress bar (fast speed, may flash by)
Initialization complete! Click [Home] to return to the home page
Array configuration complete!
Raid5 status showing "Optimal" indicates normal operation; Drives shows four hard drives with green Online status, which is normal
Finally, click [Exit] to exit, then press the [Ctrl-Alt-Delete] key combination to restart the server!
6. Raid0 Configuration
The Raid0 configuration process is roughly the same as Raid1; the only difference is selecting Raid0 when choosing the Raid level.
For specific steps, refer to the next section
Friendly reminder: Although Raid0 can significantly improve read/write performance, it carries a risk of data loss. Please consider carefully!
7. Raid1 Configuration
On the WebBIOS home page, click [Configuration Wizard] to open the configuration wizard
Select [Add Configuration], then click [Next] for the next step
Select [Manual Configuration], then click [Next] for the next step
All unused drives are visible in the left box. Since we are configuring Raid1, select the first two drives, then click [Add to Array] below to add them to the right box.
Click [Accept DG] to create a disk group
Click [Next] for the next step
Click [Add to SPAN] to add the previously created disk group to the right box
Click [Next] for the next step
Array parameter configuration: Select "Raid Level" as Raid1 for the first parameter; keep others at default
For the last parameter "Select Size", enter the array capacity size. The maximum value can be referenced from the green text on the right (where R0 indicates the maximum capacity for Raid0, and R1 indicates the maximum capacity for Raid1). After completion, click [Accept]
Read the actual policy/data-loss prompt. Confirm Yes only for the intended new configuration after verifying the target and data protection
Return to the configuration page and click [Next] for the next step
Click [Accept] to complete the configuration!
A prompt to save appears; select [yes]
(Depending on the RAID card model, some may not have this feature; if unavailable, skip this step) SSD cache prompt; select [Cancel]
Initialization prompt; select [yes]
Initializing; you will see a percentage progress bar (fast speed, may flash by)
Initialization completed! Click [Home] to return to the home page.
Array configuration completed!
Raid1 status displays "Optimal" indicating normal operation. Drives show two hard drives as green Online, which is normal. If there are other unused hard drives, they will be displayed in blue under Unconfigured Drives.
Unused hard drives can continue to be used to create arrays or be configured as hot spare drives.
Finally, click [Exit] to exit, then use the [Ctrl-Alt-Delete] key combination to restart the server!
8. Raid6 Configuration
On the WebBIOS home page, click [Configuration Wizard] to open the configuration wizard.
Select [Add Configuration], then click [Next].
Select [Manual Configuration], then click [Next].
All unused hard drives can be seen in the left box. Select all (or select them one by one), then click [Add to Array] below to add them to the right box.
Click [Accept DG] to create a disk group.
Click [Next].
Click [Add to SPAN] to add the disk group just created to the right box.
Click [Next].
Array parameter configuration: Select "Raid Level" as Raid6 for the first parameter; keep the rest as default.
For the last parameter "Select Size", enter the array capacity size. The maximum value can be referenced from the green text prompt on the right (where R6 represents the maximum capacity for Raid6). After completion, click [Accept].
Read each actual policy/data-loss prompt and confirm Yes only for the intended new configuration after verifying its target and data protection.
Return to the configuration page and click [Next].
Click [Accept]. Configuration completed!
A prompt to save appears; select [Yes].
(Depending on the Raid card model, some may not have this function; if unavailable, skip this step.) A prompt for SSD cache appears; select [Cancel].
A prompt for initialization appears; select [Yes].
Initialization in progress; you can see the percentage progress bar (the speed is fast, it may flash by quickly).
Initialization completed! Click [Home] to return to the home page.
Array configuration completed!
Raid6 status displays "Optimal" indicating normal operation. Drives show four hard drives as green Online, which is normal.
Finally, click [Exit] to exit, then use the [Ctrl-Alt-Delete] key combination to restart the server!
9. Raid10 Configuration
On the WebBIOS home page, click [Configuration Wizard] to open the configuration wizard.
Select [Add Configuration], then click [Next].
Select [Manual Configuration], then click [Next].
All unused hard drives can be seen in the left box. Since we are creating Raid10, first select the first two drives, then click [Add to Array] below to add them to the right box.
Click [Accept DG] to create the first disk group: Drive Group0.
Then select the remaining two hard drives and click [Add to Array] below to add them to the right box.
Click [Accept DG] to create the second disk group: Drive Group1.
Click [Next].
Click [Add to SPAN] to add the two disk groups just created separately to the right box.
Also add the second disk group.
Click [Next].
Array parameter configuration: Select "Raid Level" as Raid10 for the first parameter; keep the rest as default.
In the last parameter "Select Size", enter the array capacity size. The maximum value can be referenced in the green text on the right (where R10 represents the maximum capacity for a RAID 10 configuration). After completing, click [Accept].
Read the actual policy/data-loss prompt. Confirm Yes only for the intended new configuration after verifying the target and data protection.
Return to the configuration page and click [Next] to proceed.
Click [Accept] to complete the configuration!
When prompted to save, select [yes].
(Depending on the RAID card model, some may not have this function; if unavailable, skip this step.) When prompted for SSD cache, select [Cancel].
When prompted for initialization, select [yes].
Initialization is in progress; you will see a percentage progress bar (the process is fast and may flash by quickly).
Initialization completed! Click [Home] to return to the main page.
Array configuration completed! A RAID 10 status of "Optimal" indicates normal operation, and all hard drives show green Online status. Finally, click [Exit] to exit, then press the [Ctrl-Alt-Delete] key combination to reboot the server.
!
10. Hot Spare Configuration
An eligible compatible hot spare can take over for a failed member of a redundant array and begin rebuilding. Assignment alone does not immediately restore redundancy or guarantee recovery; sufficient surviving data and successful rebuild are required. In the source, select the intended unused blue Unconfigured Good drive to open its properties.
The source selects Make Global HSP and Go. Global and dedicated hot spares have different eligible array scopes; choose the intended association and a compatible sufficient-capacity drive rather than treating global as universally preferable.
Configuration completed! Click [Home] to return to the main page.
The hot spare will display as pink Hotspare status.
11. Controller Properties Introduction
Click the "Controller Properties" option on the left side of the main interface to view and modify controller properties.
Below is the first page of the controller options. Click "Next" to enter the subsequent page.
Information such as version and temperature is particularly important. Click "Next" to proceed to the next page.
Click "Next" to enter the configuration interface.
The following items are commonly used in this interface:
Alarm Control: Allows configuration of the RAID card's alarm sound. Enable means normal alarms, Disable means no alarms, and Silence means no alarms for this instance.
Click "Next" to enter the next configuration interface.
The following items are commonly used:
Emergency Spare controls whether eligible unconfigured-good disks and/or global spares may be consumed for a rebuild. The source displays UG and GHS. Review the effect on intended unused disks before submitting; this is not an independent backup copy.
Click "Submit" to save the configuration changes.
II. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Important Note: While server RAID technology effectively enhances data security, it does not guarantee that problems will never occur after configuring RAID. Therefore, regular data backups are still essential!
A red drive/fault indication or controller alarm needs investigation. The source lists removal/reinsertion, incomplete seating or cabling, power interruption, I/O errors and drive failure as possible causes. Read the actual controller event log, member states and server-specific indicator definition; LED color alone does not identify the cause or prove the device is merely offline.
The source speculates about shipping/seating issues on new machines and logical errors or dust/static on older machines. It supplies no diagnostic evidence establishing those causes or their frequency. Preserve logs and inspect the actual disk, link and enclosure evidence before choosing a remedy.
The following are archived examples, not a guaranteed 5–10 minute recovery procedure. Back up accessible data and record array/member identities and events first. Stop if the surviving members, metadata generation, original slot order or intended recovery path are uncertain; initialization, clearing metadata, forcing state or rebuilding onto the wrong disk can make recovery harder.
1. One hard drive displays Red Offline (or Failed)
Enter the WebBIOS home page and notice one hard drive showing a Red Offline status, while the array status has degraded to Blue Degraded. The displayed redundant array is Degraded; actual data accessibility must be checked separately and is not guaranteed by this status alone. Select the red hard drive to access its properties page.
In the properties list, locate the "Media Error" and "Pred Fail Count" items (if not found, click [Next] to flip pages). Zero values only mean these displayed counters report no such errors. They do not prove that the drive, cabling, metadata or data are healthy. Review the actual fault and supported recovery path before reusing or rebuilding onto that drive.
Select [Rebuild Drive] and click [GO] to execute.
The array begins synchronizing; you will see a percentage progress bar. Click [Home] to return to the main page.
The previously erroring hard drive now shows a brown Rebuild status. If you need to use the system urgently, click [Exit] to exit, then press the [Ctrl-Alt-Delete] key combination to reboot the server; the synchronization process can continue in the background. We recommend waiting until synchronization is complete before using the system. To continue viewing synchronization progress, click [PD Progress Info] in the bottom-left corner.
View Synchronization Progress
2. One hard drive displays Red PD Missing
Enter the WebBIOS home page and notice one hard drive showing a Red PD Missing status, while the array status has degraded to Blue Degraded. The displayed redundant array is Degraded; actual data accessibility must be checked separately and is not guaranteed by this status alone. Click [Physical View] to enter the physical view.
A black hard drive is detected displaying the 'Foreign Unconfigured Bad' status. Select this hard drive to enter its properties page.
In the properties list, locate the 'Media Error' and 'Pred Fail Count' items (if not found, click [Next] to turn the page). Zero values only mean these displayed counters report no such errors. They do not prove that the drive, cabling, metadata or data are healthy. Review the actual fault and supported recovery path before reusing or rebuilding onto that drive.
The source supplies two separate example branches: clearing obsolete foreign metadata on a disk intended for replacement, or assigning a verified replacement to the missing member. They are not interchangeable remedies for every missing/foreign disk. Preserve foreign metadata when it may belong to the array that needs recovery; verify which branch is appropriate before changing state.
Method 1: Clear Foreign Configuration
Select [Make Unconf Good], then click [GO] to execute.
Click [Home] to return to the home page.
A blue hard drive appears displaying the 'Foreign Unconfigured Good' status. Click [Scan Devices].
For the source branch only, after verifying that the selected foreign metadata is obsolete and not needed to recover the required array, select Clear. Clear removes metadata; it does not import or recover the configuration.
A confirmation prompt for clearing appears. Select [Yes].
Back on the WebBIOS home page, the previously reported hard drive now shows a brown 'Rebuild' status. If you need to use it urgently, click [Exit] to exit, then press the [Ctrl-Alt-Delete] key combination to restart the server; the synchronization process can proceed in the background. We recommend waiting until synchronization is complete before use. To check the synchronization progress, click [PD Progress Info] at the bottom left corner.
Check synchronization progress
Method 2: Replace Missing PD
Select [Make Unconf Good], then click [GO] to execute.
Select [Replace Missing PD], then click [GO] to execute.
Select [Rebuild Drive], then click [GO] to execute.
The array begins synchronizing; a percentage progress bar is visible. Click [Home] to return to the home page.
The previously reported hard drive now shows a brown 'Rebuild' status. If you need to use it urgently, click [Exit] to exit, then press the [Ctrl-Alt-Delete] key combination to restart the server; the synchronization process can proceed in the background. We recommend waiting until synchronization is complete before use. To continue checking synchronization progress, click [PD Progress Info] at the bottom left corner.
Check synchronization progress
3. Multiple hard drives display 'Red PD Missing'
Enter the WebBIOS home page. Multiple hard drives are displayed with a red 'PD Missing' status, and the array has failed, showing a red 'Offline' status. At this point, data is unavailable. Click [Physical View] to enter the physical view.
Two black hard drives are detected displaying the 'Foreign Unconfigured Bad' status. Select one hard drive to enter its properties page.
In the properties list, locate the 'Media Error' and 'Pred Fail Count' items (if not found, click [Next] to turn the page). Zero values only mean these displayed counters report no such errors. They do not prove that the drive, cabling, metadata or data are healthy. Review the actual fault and supported recovery path before reusing or rebuilding onto that drive.
Select [Make Unconf Good], then click [GO] to execute.
Click [Home] to return to the home page.
One hard drive has changed to a blue 'Foreign Unconfigured Good' status. Perform the same operation on the other hard drive.
Both hard drives have changed to a blue 'Foreign Unconfigured Good' status. Click [Scan Devices].
A prompt indicates foreign configuration information has been found. Select [Preview] to preview it.
Preview shows how the candidate foreign configuration would look if imported. In the source it displays three Online drives, a fourth Rebuild drive and a Degraded RAID 5. Preview has not imported anything and does not prove data accessibility. Verify the intended members/layout and metadata before selecting Import; the source does not establish that the candidate is necessarily the last valid configuration.
After the intended import, the source describes returning to a Degraded array with the fourth member rebuilding. Verify the actual import result, member states and progress. Its statement that the OS may boot after Exit and Ctrl+Alt+Delete is conditional, not proof that the files or applications are intact. Arrange any restart according to the actual recovery procedure and monitor PD Progress Info through completion.
Check synchronization progress
English references and source scope
- https://www.ieisystem.com/qa/raid/14534.html
- https://docs.broadcom.com/doc/12353347
- https://docs.broadcom.com/wcs-public/user-guide/products/design--reference-guides/user-guide/574/208/pub-005110_db15-001199-08_2017-06-09_mr-6.14-sw-ug.pdf
The original OEM article has no verified matching English page: its English-language navigation did not establish an English edition of this QA. The original figures already use English, so they are retained rather than replaced by a different model’s screens. Broadcom’s earlier WebBIOS guide and 2017 MegaRAID/HII guide corroborate terminology and policy distinctions; they do not certify the exact OEM firmware, licensing or hardware combination.