Write Cache message and RAID card questions

[BG250]

I see a Write Cache enabled warning message in the event viewer for my HDD.
I understand that I could loose the data sitting in the cache, however, When
I turn it off, apply the settings, exit and go back in, it is back on. I
can't disable it.

I have 4 146 GB drives in a 2x2 RAID 10 configuration Using an Intel SRCU42L
controller. It has a read/write cache the manual recommends that should be
left on. Now the questions.

1) Is the write cache in windows its own software based cache? If so, how to
disable?

2) Does the RAID card I'm using have a memory backup for power failures?
Manual does not mention (server will be on a UPS).

3) The card has a delayed write setting that is on. Is this the same as a
write cache? If not, what is its purpose?

Thanks, bg

 

[BG250]

I see a Write Cache enabled warning message in the event viewer for my HDD.
I understand that I could loose the data sitting in the cache, however, When
I turn it off, apply the settings, exit and go back in, it is back on. I
can't disable it.

I have 4 146 GB drives in a 2x2 RAID 10 configuration Using an Intel SRCU42L
controller. It has a read/write cache the manual recommends that should be
left on. Now the questions.

1) Is the write cache in windows its own software based cache? If so, how to
disable?

2) Does the RAID card I'm using have a memory backup for power failures?
Manual does not mention (server will be on a UPS).

3) The card has a delayed write setting that is on. Is this the same as a
write cache? If not, what is its purpose?

Thanks, bg

I did manage answer a couple of my own questions. Delayed write is the same
as the write cache. Disabling it in the firmware of the RAID controller has
no effect in windows (server 2003). I still can't turn it off! This server
has active directory, DHCP, DNS and WINS and from the various warnings in
the Event viewer, it does not like having the write cach turned on in the
system volume.

Thanks for any advice, bg

 

[Bjorn Landemoo]

BG

You can ignore this message, as long as your UPS works, see this MS
Knowledge Base article:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=316504

Best regards

Bjorn