How to open HP array configuration utility?

To open the HP Array Configuration Utility (ACU), which is now known as the HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA), you can access it directly from your server's operating system or through bootable media. This utility is essential for managing your server's RAID arrays and storage configurations.

Accessing HP Array Configuration Utility (ACU) / HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA)

The most common method to open the utility on a running Windows-based server involves navigating through the Start menu.

1. Via Windows Start Menu (On-System)

If the utility is installed on your Windows server, you can typically find it by following a direct path:

Click the Start button.
Navigate to Programs (or "All Apps" in newer Windows versions).
Look for System Tools.
Find and click on Array Configuration Utility or HPE Smart Storage Administrator.

This method launches the graphical user interface (GUI) of the utility, allowing you to manage your storage in an intuitive environment.

2. Understanding ACU and SSA

It's important to note that the HP Array Configuration Utility (ACU) is the legacy name. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has since rebranded and enhanced it as the HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA). While the name has changed, the core function remains the same: to configure, manage, and monitor the storage controllers and connected drives in your HPE ProLiant servers. Most modern HPE servers will use SSA.

Alternative Methods to Access HP Storage Configuration

Beyond the direct Windows Start menu access, there are several other critical ways to open and use the storage configuration utility, especially for specific scenarios like initial setup, remote management, or troubleshooting.

a. Using Bootable Media (Offline ACU/SSA)

This method is crucial for configuring arrays before an operating system is installed, or for troubleshooting when the OS is not functional.

Download the HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) ISO: Obtain the latest offline SSA ISO image or an HPE Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) from the HPE Support website.
Create Bootable Media: Burn the ISO to a USB drive or a CD/DVD.
Boot the Server: Insert the bootable media and restart your HPE ProLiant server. Configure the server's BIOS/UEFI to boot from the USB or CD/DVD drive.
Launch SSA: Follow the on-screen prompts to launch the Smart Storage Administrator.

b. Via HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO)

HPE's iLO provides remote management capabilities, including access to the embedded Smart Storage Administrator. This is ideal for managing servers remotely or for headless server configurations.

Access iLO: Open a web browser and navigate to the IP address or hostname of your server's iLO interface. Log in with your iLO credentials.
Navigate to Storage: Once logged in, look for a "Storage" or "System Information" section in the iLO web interface.
Launch SSA: Within this section, you will typically find an option to launch the embedded HPE Smart Storage Administrator, which runs as part of the iLO firmware.

c. For Linux and VMware Environments

HPE provides specific packages for installing the Smart Storage Administrator on Linux distributions and for integration with VMware ESXi.

Linux: Download and install the appropriate hpssacli or ssacli package (command-line utility) or the graphical SSA package from the HPE support site for your specific Linux distribution. You can then run it from the command line or desktop environment.
VMware ESXi: For VMware environments, the SSA functionality might be integrated into the ESXi web client or available via an HPE custom image of ESXi. Management can also often be performed via specific command-line utilities within the ESXi shell or by booting the server to the offline SSA utility.

What You Can Do with ACU/SSA

The HP Array Configuration Utility / HPE Smart Storage Administrator allows you to perform critical storage management tasks, including:

Create Logical Drives: Define new RAID arrays (e.g., RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60) from physical drives.
Monitor Array Status: Check the health, status, and performance of existing RAID arrays and individual drives.
Expand Arrays: Increase the capacity of an existing logical drive by adding new physical drives.
Configure Hot Spares: Assign spare drives that automatically replace a failed drive in an array.
Perform Maintenance: Update controller firmware, check drive firmware, and perform other diagnostic tasks.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues opening or using the utility:

Verify Installation: Ensure the HP Array Configuration Utility (or HPE Smart Storage Administrator) is properly installed on your operating system.
Check Compatibility: Confirm that the utility version is compatible with your server model and operating system.
Update Drivers/Firmware: Outdated storage controller drivers or firmware can prevent the utility from functioning correctly. Check the HPE support site for updates.
Administrative Privileges: Ensure you have administrative rights when trying to launch the utility from the operating system.

Summary of Access Methods

Method	Description	Ideal Use Case
Windows Desktop (Start Menu)	Click Start > Programs > System Tools > Array Configuration Utility / HPE Smart Storage Administrator.	Quick access and management on a running Windows OS.
Bootable Media (Offline)	Download an ISO (e.g., SPP or standalone SSA), create bootable USB/CD, then boot the server from it.	Pre-OS installation, low-level troubleshooting, OS-independent configuration.
HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO)	Access iLO via web browser, log in, and navigate to the "Storage" or "System Information" section to launch embedded SSA.	Remote management, configuring headless servers, servers without OS access.
Linux/VMware Packages	Install specific `ssacli` or graphical SSA packages for Linux, or use integrated tools/custom images for VMware ESXi.	Servers running Linux distributions or VMware ESXi hypervisors.