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EMC VNX BBU Replacement Failure Fix – Manual System Refresh
EMC VNX2 Manual System Refresh After BBU Replacement to Clear Fault / Failure Message
After installing a new Battery Backup Unit (BBU/SPS) in a VNX2 array, Unisphere may continue to show a prior state until the management services are restarted.
Dell documents using the Storage Processor /setup page to restart the Management Server as a corrective, non-disruptive action performed on each SP.
BBU part numbers covered on this page
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 078-000-092-07 | VNX2 BBU / Standby Power Supply (SPS) assembly |
| 078-000-123-05 | VNX2 BBU / Standby Power Supply (SPS) assembly |
| 078-000-132-00 | VNX2 BBU / Standby Power Supply (SPS) assembly |
Non-disruptive: Restarting the Management Server via the
/setup page targets Unisphere management services, not data I/O. Dell forum guidance notes this action is non-disruptive and should be performed on both SPs.
Manual Refresh Procedure (Restart Management Server on each SP)
- Open a browser to the SPA setup page:
http://<SPA IP>/setup - Sign in with a Unisphere account that has administrative privileges.
- Click Restart Management Server, confirm Yes, then click Submit.
- Repeat the same steps on SPB:
http://<SPB IP>/setup
Notes (per Dell references): use the /setup page on each SP, and perform the restart on both SPA and SPB for the refresh to be effective.
After the Refresh
- Allow charge/test to run: After a BBU is replaced, the system may initiate a battery test and/or show “charging” before clearing related alerts. During this period, status can remain faulted until charging/testing completes.
- If an BBU alert persists: Verify BBU power and status lights, review events, and check for messages like SPS/BBU fault codes. Persistent issues can disable write cache; address BBU faults before proceeding.
CLI alternative (same action as the /setup button):
navicli -h <SPA_IP> networkadmin -restartcimom navicli -h <SPB_IP> networkadmin -restartcimom
Documented by Dell here: Source
Model Applicability (VNX2)
This procedure applies to VNX2 systems, including VNX5200, VNX5400, VNX5600, and VNX5800.
Dell References
- Restart Management Server via
/setup(step-by-step with screenshots):
Dell Community: “EMC VNX Questions and Answers” - Restart Management Server using
http://SP_IP/setupas a corrective action:
Dell KB 000060420 - Charging/test behavior after BBU replacement:
Dell Community: VNX5200 SPS/BBU fault message - SPS/BBU faults can disable write cache; investigate and resolve:
Dell KB 000099142 - VNX2 family pages / model context:
Dell Support: VNX2 Series,
VNX5200 Support,
VNX5400 Manuals
