I purchased a used HPE 3PAR StoreServ 8400, but the M.2 boot drives were removed from every controller node before I received it. The rest of the hardware appears to be present, but the array cannot start without the boot media and 3PAR OS. I have contacted several vendors, yet locating compatible recovery media for this older platform has been difficult. What is the proper way to obtain the required 3PAR OS and restore the system?
3 Answers
This is more involved than simply finding an ISO. A 3PAR array with wiped or missing controller boot drives normally needs a compatible Service Processor and the matching StoreServ software package to initialize the nodes. The SP version and array OS version have to line up, and the installation process may require service authorization. The safest route is to work through HPE support or an authorized 3PAR service partner with the array serial number and proof of ownership. They can confirm whether recovery media and a supported reinstallation path are available.
Legitimately, HPE or an authorized reseller is the best option. Older 3PAR software was not generally distributed like a normal public download, and obtaining an image from an unofficial mirror may leave you with an incompatible release or software you are not licensed to use. A service partner may also be able to provide a replacement boot module or perform the initialization for you.
Before spending time on recovery media, confirm what you actually want from the chassis. If the goal is only to use the disk shelves as generic expansion hardware, the controller and shelf hardware may not be useful without the 3PAR operating environment. If you want to restore the array as a functioning SAN, document the exact controller model, drive types, shelf configuration, and CAN versions first; those details will determine whether a recovery attempt is practical.
That makes sense. I had assumed the controller image was all I needed, so I’ll gather the serial numbers and ask specifically about Service Processor compatibility and recovery support.