Problem: Cannot create a clustered system

If an attempt to create a or clustered system has failed, this information can help in determining the cause.

The failure is reported regardless of the three available methods that are used to create a clustered system.
  • USB flash drive
  • Service assistant
  • Service command line

The create clustered system function protects the system from loss of volume data. If you create a clustered system on a control enclosure that was previously used, you lose all of the volumes that you previously had. To determine whether there is an existing system, use data that is returned by Procedure: Getting node canister and system information using the service assistant or Procedure: Getting node canister and system information by using a USB flash drive.

To create a new system, all the following conditions must apply:
  • The node canister on which you are attempting to create a clustered system is in candidate state. The node canister is in candidate state, if it is a new canister.
  • The partner node canister in the control enclosure is not in active state.
  • The latest cluster ID of the control enclosure is 0.

If the create function fails because there is an existing system, fix the existing clustered system; do not re-create a new clustered system. If you want to create a clustered system and do not want to use any data from the volumes that are used in the previous clustered system, go to Procedure: Deleting a system completely, and then run the create function again.

You might not be able to create a cluster if the node canister (the one on which you are attempting to create the clustered system) is in service state. Check whether the node canister is in service state by using the data that is returned by Procedure: Getting node canister and system information using the service assistant or Procedure: Getting node canister and system information by using a USB flash drive. If the node is in service state, fix the reported node errors. For more information, go to Procedure: Fixing node errors. After the node error is corrected, attempt to create a clustered system again.