I got an email from Drobo support yesterday with the following instructions:
“Since Drobo1 is only a back up, then instead of just reformatting, you might try starting the array from scratch by performing a Clear Disk per the attached instructions. Once this completes, verify that “Tools” tab indicates that this Drobo is running v1.3.1.
Set up Vice Versa to run on your Drobo and if you hit any problems then run CHKDSK to see if it finds any problems. After that, try generating a fresh diagnostic file. If you get the “I am unable to save the diagnostic information.” message again, then try rebooting the Drobo and the computer and trying again.”
The “Clear Disk” instructions were pretty straightforward: shutdown the Drobo, straighten out a paper clip, pull the USB cable, pull the power cable, stick the paper clip in a little hole in the back of the Drobo while plugging in the power cord, hold the paper clip down until the Drobo is all booted.
I did all that, formatted the virtual drive with the Drobo Dashboard, and wrote about 600 GB of data.
So far, so good.
In an unrelated Drobo event, I had a hard disk fail on Drobo2. I swapped in a new one. The rebuild (of about 2 TB of data), took more than 24 hours. Not on a par with a conventional RAID, but adequate for the intended use.
I too have two Drobo 2. One was to back up the other.
However, I’ve had issues of my own causing, and now power connector issue.
I’ve also experienced what appears to be files that are copied, but they do not show up in Explorer or Total Commander (my DOS utility). HOWEVER, when I try to copy the file again, it asks me if I want to overwrite the file! Say yes, and the file is copied, but not visible.
I feel very insecure about this so-called secure data.
In my contacts with Drobo, they mentioned file corruption. This was when I first formatted the drive.
FWIW, I may not know much, I’ve used PC based systems since the first 8086, using Iomega drives, later moving to Zips, external drives, and NEVER had a file corruption during normal processes.
Files that do not show up (display) during routine transfer, or loose power connectors make me a bit leary of the ‘proprietary’ technology. They have great support, but poor resolution. Guess you might call it great bedside manners while the patient dies.
Good luck, I’ll keep an eye on your blog. I can be found on Drobospace (which is run by Drobo), as Equifoto.
Christian,
If you can’t see files that your utility thinks are there, it’s suspicious; of course, that’s not news to you. Have you tried running chkdsk on the Drobos? That should find (and maybe fix, if you use the /f option) file system corruption.
Jim