Replace failed prod SSD with SSD from lab APIC

[vv0bbLeS]

Hello all,

Kind of a crazy question but here goes. If I have a production APIC with a failed SSD drive, and I need to get it replaced ASAP, could I go decommission one of my LAB APIC's and then go into that LAB APIC and wipe its SSD drive and then take that SSD drive and install it into my production APIC? I know this likely isn't "supported" but could it technically be done in a pinch? I have a TAC case open for an RMA of the failed production SSD drive but I wondered if I could use this alternate method in the meantime? The LAB SSD drive is in good health and the LAB and prod APIC's are the exact same model (UCS C220 M4).

Thanks!

[Sergiu.Daniluk]

Hello,

Technically speaking, it should work. I never tried it so would be appreciated a feedback after the change you know.. for letting the community know if works or not.

And I believe you have this already, but just to be sure, you'll need to partition the ssd using this procedure: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/cloud-systems-management/application-policy-infrastructure-controller-apic/215166-apic-ssd-replacement.html

Take care,

Sergiu

[vv0bbLeS · Accepted solution]

@Sergiu.Daniluk yes I have that document thank you! And I meant to update this thread so I'm glad you replied as it made me remember : )

I'm actually working with Cisco TAC on this and I posed this very question to them and this was their reply:

Yes, you can move the SSD from the LAB APIC just check that SSD model/space /APIC model needs to be same.

So as we thought it is technically possible to do this if you're in a bind, as long as the APIC and SSD models are the same and the SSD drive size is large enough, however I would advise anyone planning to do this to please follow the SSD Replacement Procedure Guide that Sergiu posted above, or do a search on Google to find the latest APIC SSD Replacement document as this post ages. For myself I had an RMA SSD shipped to me so I have not tried this method. Please follow at your own risk and make sure you have a backup of your ACI config before attempting. : )