How to Fix Error: 1 Logical Drive(s) Degraded on Dell PowerEdge 2800 Server

Hardware:

• Dell PowerEdge 2800 Server
• Maxtor ATLAS 15K II, 3.5 Series, 146 GB Ultra320 SCSI HDD SN: 250CT2005, DP/N: 0GD088, F/W: JNZY

I went ahead the pressed any key after getting the message I copied above and the server booted up fine.  The problem in all that Bios lingo is the “1 Logical Drive(s) Degraded.”  The LED on drive 1 was also flashing amber as seen below:

If you look up in the Dell PowerEdge 2800 Installation and Troubleshooting Guide found here you will find that a flashing amber LED indicates a bad drive (see page 14 of the pdf):

I took out the drive with the server running and it was quite hot to the touch.  The type of drive is as follows:

Maxtor ATLAS 15K II
3.5 Series
146 GB Ultra320 SCSI
HDD SN: 250CT2005
DP/N: 0GD088
F/W: JNZY

You can buy this drive amazon.com here
.

Maxtor ATLAS 15K II 146GB Ultra320 SCSI Drive

And the 80-pin connector:

Maxtor ATLAS 15K II 146GB Ultra320 SCSI Drive 80-Pin Connector

I was able to find new replacement drives for $45 a piece with free shipping on Amazon.com here.  I purchased 2 so we have one on hand after I replace this one.

I’m waiting on the drive to come but they are hot-swappable so all you need to do is insert the new drive in the caddy and then insert it into the server.  The drives I ordered come mounted on a caddy so I shouldn’t even need to do any re-mounting.  The RAID controller will re-populate the drive with a mirror of the other two drives.  You gotta love duplicity.

Other Useful Links

• Dell: Manuals & documentation for your PowerEdge 2800
• Buy the replacement drive at amazon.com: Maxtor ATLAS 15K II, 3.5 Series, 146 GB Ultra320 SCSI HDD SN: 250CT2005, DP/N: 0GD088, F/W: JNZY