SUSE Support

Here When You Need Us

MD RAID Array Status not Properly Updated on Removal of Last Component Device

This document (000021664) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 LTSS

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP3 LTSS

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP4 LTSS

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP5 LTSS


Situation

On SLE 12 SP5 LTSS, md0 is running in a healthy status. 

# mdadm -D /dev/md0

             State : clean
...
    Number   Major   Minor   RaidDevice State
       0       8       32        0      active sync   /dev/sdc
       2       8       48        1      active sync   /dev/sdd

 

After all components of the array have failed, failure of the last MD RAID component is not reported correctly.  

# mdadm -D /dev/md0

             State : clean, degraded
...
    Number   Major   Minor   RaidDevice State
       -       0        0        0      removed
       2       8       48        1      active sync

 

The command report incorrect information:

  • RAID status is "degraded"
  • Disks status is "active sync"

instead of the expected information:

  • RAID status is "FAILED"
  • Disks status is "missing"

Resolution

The systems mentioned in "Environment section" will always have this restriction. Consider upgrading the system to newer SLE Version e.g. SLE 15 SP6. 

Cause

Systems running older versions of SLE (before SLE15 SP6) have a kernel issue that prevents them from accurately displaying the status of an array when its last component is removed.  This is because those older kernels lack certain fixes that were introduced in SLE15-SP6. Due to KABI restrictions, we cannot apply these fixes to the older systems. 

Additional Information

Starting with SLE 15 SP6, failure of the last MD RAID component is reported correctly. 

Array healthy.

# mdadm -D /dev/md0 

             State : clean
...
    Number   Major   Minor   RaidDevice State
       0       8       48        0      active sync   /dev/sdd
       1       8       64        1      active sync   /dev/sde

 

Array failed.

# mdadm -D /dev/md0

             State : clean, FAILED
...
    Number   Major   Minor   RaidDevice State
       -       0        0        0      removed
       1       8       64        1      active sync   missing

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Document ID:000021664
  • Creation Date: 10-Jan-2025
  • Modified Date:23-Jan-2025
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

< Back to Support Search

For questions or concerns with the SUSE Knowledgebase please contact: tidfeedback[at]suse.com

tick icon

SUSE Support Forums

Get your questions answered by experienced Sys Ops or interact with other SUSE community experts.

tick icon

Support Resources

Learn how to get the most from the technical support you receive with your SUSE Subscription, Premium Support, Academic Program, or Partner Program.

tick icon

Open an Incident

Open an incident with SUSE Technical Support, manage your subscriptions, download patches, or manage user access.