Upgrading Or Re-installing The DX System Using
The Dell Restore Manager
Introduction To The Dell Restore Manager
The Dell Restore Manager (RM) utility is used to restore or re-install system software in the event of a non-recoverable
error.
The DX system is designed to be highly fault-tolerant, incorporating features such as dual redundant power supplies, a
RAID protected virtual disk for the system software and operating system, and a RAID protected virtual disk to store
data. Even with a robust design, unforeseen events may occur and render the system inoperable. Normally, a failure
requires repair of one or more hardware components. After the defective hardware is replaced, the DX system software
may need to be re-installed to bring the system back to a fully operational state. RM can restore the DX system back to a
fully operational state with minimal effort.
Restore Manager Operating Modes
The following are the operating modes of the RM:
•
System Recovery Mode — RM re-installs the system software and attempts to recover your settings and data.
•
Factory Reset Mode — RM re-installs the system software and erases all your previous settings and data.
CAUTION: The Factory Reset mode permanently erases all your settings. Use this mode only under the
guidance of Dell support.
System Recovery Mode
System recovery mode (Appliance Mode option) is the most commonly used option to recover a system after failure.
This option is used when the system software becomes non-functional, typically as a result of a non-recoverable
software failure. Use the system recovery mode when no critical hardware failures have occurred on the hard drives.
In system recovery mode, the RM re-installs the system software and operating system, and restarts. During this
operation, the system attempts to save your settings and the DX cluster configuration and settings. After the system
software installation is complete, manual steps are required to complete the recovery process.
NOTE: This mode is also used to update the DX system software on your system from an earlier version. For
example, version 2.1.1 to version 3.1.x. For more information, see
Factory Reset Mode
CAUTION: The Factory Reset mode permanently erases all your settings. Use this mode only under the guidance of
Dell support.
The Factory Reset mode is used only when you do not intend to recover the DX cluster configuration and settings. In this
mode, all of the CSN hard drives are erased and reset back to the factory default state.
Executing The Restore
Manager.
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