Hello,   You don't require any special software to manage the array, other than a broswer.    Unfortunately, you don't have a support contract, or warranty, so you can't get a support account.  Which allows you access to the documents, firmware and related software.   The license to use the firmware is bundled with the warranty or support contract, not in the HW itself.   All array models work the same as far as setup and operation.  Different controllers, drives, number of NICs, cache will be different but the actual software won't be.    It may still be possible to get the array recertified so that you can put it under contract.  However, the 5000 series goes end of life August 2014.  No support will be possible after that.  Some vendors are selling these arrays with aftermarket drives which would prevent you from getting a support contract.  Basic setup.  Easiest option is connect to the serial port, 9600,n,8,1 NO Flowcontrol. (Not HW nor SW, AKA Xon/Xoff  Hit enter, you should get a login: prompt.   Enter grpadmin with password grpadmin.  It should prompt you to configure the array.  You will have to select which interface.  (ETH0 is default), then an IP address info for that port.  Then you enter in a Member name, that's unique to each member in a group.  Then you enter a GroupName.  I.e. If the group was going to be EQL-SAN,  The member name could be EQL-SAN-Member1.  Then you provide a Group IP (Which is the Management and discovery address).   You then get prompted to create the group.  You will then get prompted for a MemberShip password and an Administrator password.  Once created you'll be at a GrpName> prompt.    You can now use the Web GUI, make sure you have Java installed, and point the browser to the Group IP address.  There manuals are online also.  I.e. psonlinehelp.equallogic.com/.../configuring_an_array_and_creating_a_group.htm There are also many other helpful links you can find via a search engine.  www.confignotes.com/.../dell-equallogic-cli-configuration Once you get logged in you will be able to configure the RAIDset.   Strongly suggest not using RAID5.  It's most vulnerable.  RAID6 would be best bet.  Then don't forget to select the Member Name->Network tab and configure the other network ports.   Finally make sure you cable both control modules.   Regards, 
Hello Everyone I am new to using SANs. We are a small company and our IT budget is almost nonexisant. I purchased a PS500XV from an Ebay seller with the intent of integrating it into one of our VMware ESXi 5.1 servers. I received in it a box with power cables, an RS-232 cable and rails.......NO software NO manual, NOTHING not to mention when I emailed the seller (who looks like the sell a TON of Dell SANs) was pretty short and said they didn't provide ANY customer service...all I asked to was a little direction....... So I'm here now looking for advice. There appears to be precious little on the Dell support page for the product. It appears that when these units are shipped they include management / configuration software and I assume some sort of manual.....I have NOTHING. PLEASE can someone help me and at least point me in the right direction. I have about worn out a keyboard searching the Internet looking for info...........to no avail. Thanks in advance or someone's anyone's help!!!!   Phil
New to SANs need help/advice