Windows 2008 x64 installation issues.

[burthold]

I've got some comments and issues maybe you can address.

Server:
Windows 2008 x64
Intel Q6600
8 Gigabytes of ram

There is nothing else installed on the server.


One, the GUI doesn't seem to stop or start the service I have to do it
from the service control manager.

Two, If you have a disk configuration that won't start for some reason
you can't launch the GUI to correct it you have to edit the INI file.

Three, It doesn't seem to use anything beyond the lower 2 Gigabyte
memory boundary so if you have multiple disk shared you can run out of
memory and get this error on disk start.

2009/2/18 10:50:16 : Memory available = 4095 MB, cache=960 MB
2009/2/18 10:50:16 : ***ERROR*** cache_init : malloc base_buf addr
failed

2009/2/18 10:50:16 : ***ERROR*** start_disk : cache_init failed
2009/2/18 10:50:16 : disk 3 start: \\.\G:,
capacity=1144318MB,access_control=auto,superclient=disable,CHAP=enable,iotype=0,cache_enable=0

if I keep the amount of ram used for cache for all drives around 1.5
Gigabytes they always start.

Four, What is the maximum size on the ram drive? I haven't been able
to create one above 64GB.

Five, Can't get the superclient to work.
2009/2/18 16:35:32 : **************Start**************
2009/2/18 16:35:32 : Version = 1.8.0126
2009/2/18 16:35:32 :
ip=0.0.0.0,port=3260,cache_size=512MB,nodelay=1,262144

2009/2/18 16:35:54 : Manager connected from 127.0.0.1
2009/2/18 16:37:05 : ***ERROR*** start_disk : Open drive exclusively
failed
The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another
process.


2009/2/18 16:37:05 : ***ERROR*** scsi_target_init_module: filp_open
returned an error -1

There is is nothing on the volume and no activity that I can see using
process monitor from sysinternals ether.
This doesn't happen on my windows 2003 server.

Is there any additional info you need?
Thanks,
Wes

[Jin]

1. The stop service in GUI just pauses iSCSI function not stop
service. Anyway, it is confusing and I may change it later.
2. I will check that. I think you mean those disk could not start
because of some error.
3. Native 64 mode is not supported so far. The major cause is
encryption program does not support that. This issue in be solved
soon.
4. The maximum size of ram drive depends on the available ram in you
system, and it is also limited by 32bit mode which is less than 2G.
5. The drive or partition may be hold by Windows.

On Feb 18, 5:50 pm, burthold <sql...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I've got some comments and issues maybe you can address.
>
> Server:
> Windows 2008 x64
> Intel Q6600
> 8 Gigabytes of ram
>
> There is nothing else installed on the server.
>
> One, the GUI doesn't seem to stop or start the service I have to do it
> from the service control manager.
>
> Two, If you have a disk configuration that won't start for some reason
> you can't launch the GUI to correct it you have to edit the INI file.
>
> Three, It doesn't seem to use anything beyond the lower 2 Gigabyte
> memory boundary so if you have multiple disk shared you can run out of
> memory and get this error on disk start.
>
> 2009/2/18 10:50:16 : Memory available = 4095 MB, cache=960 MB
> 2009/2/18 10:50:16 : ***ERROR*** cache_init : malloc base_buf addr
> failed
>
> 2009/2/18 10:50:16 : ***ERROR*** start_disk : cache_init failed
> 2009/2/18 10:50:16 : disk 3 start: \\.\G:,

> capacity=1144318MB,access_control=auto,superclient=disable,CHAP=enable,ioty­pe=0,cache_enable=0

[Jin]

This is a x64 demo version http://us.iscsicake.com/iscsi/ccdisksetup1.8.0220.x64.exe
Can you help me to test it? Thanks.

On Feb 18, 5:50 pm, burthold <sql...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I've got some comments and issues maybe you can address.
>
> Server:
> Windows 2008 x64
> Intel Q6600
> 8 Gigabytes of ram
>
> There is nothing else installed on the server.
>
> One, the GUI doesn't seem to stop or start the service I have to do it
> from the service control manager.
>
> Two, If you have a disk configuration that won't start for some reason
> you can't launch the GUI to correct it you have to edit the INI file.
>
> Three, It doesn't seem to use anything beyond the lower 2 Gigabyte
> memory boundary so if you have multiple disk shared you can run out of
> memory and get this error on disk start.
>
> 2009/2/18 10:50:16 : Memory available = 4095 MB, cache=960 MB
> 2009/2/18 10:50:16 : ***ERROR*** cache_init : malloc base_buf addr
> failed
>
> 2009/2/18 10:50:16 : ***ERROR*** start_disk : cache_init failed
> 2009/2/18 10:50:16 : disk 3 start: \\.\G:,

> capacity=1144318MB,access_control=auto,superclient=disable,CHAP=enable,ioty­pe=0,cache_enable=0

[Jin]

I forgot to mention x64 version does not support VMDK file so far.

> > Wes- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[burthold]

I've tried to download the file and keep getting connection interupted
error.

[Jin]

Sorry, you can try this one http://www.iscsicake.com/iscsi/ccdisksetup1.8.0220.x64.exe

> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Wes Brown]

it installs and allows you to create larger ram disk I did 4 GB and it started up just fine but I can't connect any initiators to it. This is a clean install no leftover files.
Also, the new demo mode that limits to 1TB disk keeps me from testing since this server only has a single 5TB volume.


2009/2/24 21:35:12 : Starting CRxThread 2, conn 000000000184E670, sock 676
2009/2/24 21:35:12 : 192.168.1.10:49545 connected

2009/2/24 21:35:12 : full
2009/2/24 21:35:12 : ***ERROR*** check login failed

2009/2/24 21:35:12 : 192.168.1.10:49545 negotiation failed

2009/2/24 21:35:12 : ***ERROR*** Trouble in handle_login

2009/2/24 21:38:14 : 192.168.1.10:49545 disconnected

[Joseph Diefenbach]

Honestly, I think you guys should make the product a lot more solid before introducing limitations like this.  You won't get comprehensive "free" testing, or even a user base, if you narrow the scope of functionality this early.  I'm using XP x64 and am encountering some of the same problems.  I actually had to restore my machine to a state prior to installing Cake (twice) because explorer would lock up after I would stop a Super Client enabled drive.

[Wes Brown]

Joseph,

I don't think there is a "you guys" for one, I'm pretty sure its just Jin.
Also, this is CLEARLY a beta version for x64 and Jin is looking for some testing so I don't expect it to be rock solid.
And for the price he is cheaper or as cheap as anything else out there.
With that said, I would put a trial version out that is unrestricted so people can sample your highest end product before they decide to buy.

There is a real lack of iSCSI targets for Windows.
MS bought Sting Bean.
StarWind is much more expensive, they offer a free version that allows you to mount a 2 Gigabyte drive and I have yet to recive a copy of after multiple request.
MySan from nimbus which hasn't seen any development in a long time but is free if you don't mind not patching your server and getting zero support.
iStorage Server I can't get a volume to show up on the initiator even though it is connected the english on the site is just horrible and it is also a little more expensive.

So, with all that in mind I don't think Jin is too horribly out of line.

-Wes

[Joseph Diefenbach]

Well I agree that Cake is filling a void, and that's why I'm here.  And being but one man, Jin is obviously the David in this battle, and I appreciate that.

Cake already has a 15-day fuse, and that is highly reasonable for a product at any price.  Make Cake the go-to target vendor by having that deadline be the only restriction.  The big boys such as Adobe and MS know that crippled trial software doesn't make a market.

While StarWind and MS demand ridiculous prices, keep yours highly functional from the start and you will win customers.  In fact, StarWind's 2GB limit is what brought me to Cake in the first place.  I will buy Cake if I can test large partitions (and not have it freeze my Explorer).

Best,
Joseph

[Youngzsoft]

Thanks for Wes and Joseph. I am Yaoer from Youngzsoft. Not only Jin in the battle :-). We have two battles - Cake and CCBoot. Both are using iSCSI technology. Obviously, we got difficulties in x64, AWE, and Cache. Give us more time. We are also will to build a solid Cake. If both of you have interesting in testing Cake or help us catch the bugs, we can provide 3 users free version for you. English is not my native language, forget it. I have try my best to explain it :-)

Regards,

Yaoer
Youngzsoft

[Joseph Diefenbach]

Hi Yaoer,

I'd be glad to help test.  My basic system info:

System #1
Windows XP x64
Supermicro X8SAX (X58 chipset)
Intel PRO/10Gbe CX4 (PCI-X)
Areca 1680ix-16 with SAS drives
12GB

System #2
Windows XP x64
Asus P5Q WS (P45 chipset)
Intel PRO/10Gbe CX4 (PCI-X)
Areca 1220 with SATA drives
8GB

Let me know how to proceed.


Best regards,
Joseph

kusta...@gmail.com

[Youngzsoft]

Which functions of Cake are you using? How do you implement Cake in
your network?

On Feb 26, 2:30 am, Joseph Diefenbach <kustardk...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Yaoer,
>
> I'd be glad to help test.  My basic system info:
>
> System #1
> Windows XP x64
> Supermicro X8SAX (X58 chipset)
> Intel PRO/10Gbe CX4 (PCI-X)
> Areca 1680ix-16 with SAS drives
> 12GB
>
> System #2
> Windows XP x64
> Asus P5Q WS (P45 chipset)
> Intel PRO/10Gbe CX4 (PCI-X)
> Areca 1220 with SATA drives
> 8GB
>
> Let me know how to proceed.
>
> Best regards,
> Joseph
>

> kustardk...@gmail.com

> > kustardk...@gmail.com>wrote:

[Joseph Diefenbach]

I deinstalled it yesterday, because it was freezing the explorer shell on the target machine.

Before that, I was trying to expose a 5TB partition (coincidentally this is the same size that Wes is working with) on my Supermicro (target) to my Asus (initiator) using the latest Microsoft Initiator 5.2.3790.3825 (dnsrv(wmbla-s).081113-2201)

It worked fine when I did *not* use the Super Client.  That is, I configured a target *partition* and a separate working directory.  However, my intent is for the client to actually modify the files on the target.

So, I tried enabling the Super Client.  A drive letter came up for the new Super Client enabled target, but it asked me if I wanted to format it.  I admit I was afraid to format, since there was underlying data on the real drive and I wasn't sure what would happen.  I then tried to "stop" the iscsi drive, which seemed to work since the real drive reappeared to the OS.  However, when I would try to do anything at the top-level of any drives (My Computer), the whole explorer shell would lock up.  On reboot, I would have the same problem *unless* I stopped the iSCSI service first.  As mentioned by someone else (Wes?), the Cake GUI's "stop service" didn't work.  I had to stop it manually via Services.

I'd be glad to reinstall and be more scientific about it, and provide steps and logs.

Best,
Joseph

[j...@iscsicake.com]

I' still working on x64 version. A new build will be released soon.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

---

From: Joseph Diefenbach
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:09:28 -0500
To: <iscs...@googlegroups.com>

[Youngzsoft]

I have to confirm the things again -

1. Only freezing the explorer on the client (initiator). NOT on the server?
2. After stop iscsi service at client, the explorer is still freezing?

I think our program has bugs in x64. Maybe it's bug in read/write client data file in the working directory. We need you test it again as the following steps -

1. DONOT enable super client.
2. connect the cake target at client with initiator.
3. add a client account in cake. Fill with the client IP, Disk name and check "Save client data".
4. create a new file in the iscsi disk at client.
5. reboot client PC and see whether the new file still exists in the iscsi disk.

We need confirm the bug is in the writing data into real disk or writing date into client data file in working directory.

Thanks,

Yaoer

----- Original Message -----
From: <j...@iscsicake.com>
To: <iscs...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2009 3:09 AM
Subject: Re: Windows 2008 x64 installation issues.

> I' still working on x64 version. A new build will be released soon.
>
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joseph Diefenbach <kusta...@gmail.com>
>
> Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:09:28

[Youngzsoft]

Sorry. I make a wrong order of the steps. They would be -

1. Add only one disk in cake, DONOT enable super client.
2. Add a client account in cake. Fill with the client IP, Disk name

and check "Save client data".

3. Connect to the cake target at client with initiator.
4. Create a new file in the iscsi disk at client.
5. Reboot client PC and see whether the new file still exists in the
iscsi disk.

> > On Wed, Feb 25, 2009 at 1:40 PM, Youngzsoft <youngzs...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >> Which functions of Cake are you using? How do you implement Cake in
> >> your network?
>
> >> On Feb 26, 2:30 am, Joseph Diefenbach <kustardk...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> > Hi Yaoer,
>
> >> > I'd be glad to help test.  My basic system info:
>
> >> > System #1
> >> > Windows XP x64
> >> > Supermicro X8SAX (X58 chipset)
> >> > Intel PRO/10Gbe CX4 (PCI-X)
> >> > Areca 1680ix-16 with SAS drives
> >> > 12GB
>
> >> > System #2
> >> > Windows XP x64
> >> > Asus P5Q WS (P45 chipset)
> >> > Intel PRO/10Gbe CX4 (PCI-X)
> >> > Areca 1220 with SATA drives
> >> > 8GB
>
> >> > Let me know how to proceed.
>
> >> > Best regards,
> >> > Joseph
>

> >> > kustardk...@gmail.com- Hide quoted text -

[Joseph Diefenbach]

I'll reinstall and run through everything again.  First, I'll run your steps.  Should I wait for Jin to provide a new binary, or should I go with

ccdisksetup1.8.0220.x64.exe

?

[Youngzsoft]

Yes. Waiting for the new version is better. I will discuss the bugs
with Jin much more. Waiting for our good news.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Yaoer

> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Jin]

Here is build 1.8.0225
http://us.iscsicake.com/iscsi/ccdisksetup1.8.0225.x64.exe
http://www.iscsicake.com/iscsi/ccdisksetup1.8.0225.x64.exe

This one is supposed to be "solider" than last one which is the first
x64 version.
The capacity limitation is removed and trial time is extended to 60
days.
By the way, iSCS Cake does not support GPT partition. So you'd better
use physical disk mode if you are using GPT partition.

> ...
>
> read more »- Hide quoted text -

[burthold]

I've got it dl'ed and will give it a quick test today. is GPT
supported on 32 bit?

On Feb 25, 10:31 pm, Jin <j...@iscsicake.com> wrote:
> Here is build 1.8.0225http://us.iscsicake.com/iscsi/ccdisksetup1.8.0225.x64.exehttp://www.iscsicake.com/iscsi/ccdisksetup1.8.0225.x64.exe

> ...
>
> read more »

[j...@iscsicake.com]

No, GPT is not supported in 32 version. .

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

-----Original Message-----

From: burthold <sql...@gmail.com>

Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:51:03
To: iSCSICake<iscs...@googlegroups.com>

[Joseph Diefenbach]

I'll be testing on x64 *without* GPT in a few hours.  I can also try GPT if you'd like.

Joseph

[j...@iscsicake.com]

No, GPT is not supported by 64 bit version either.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

---

From: Joseph Diefenbach
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:30:35 -0500
To: <iscs...@googlegroups.com>

[Joseph Diefenbach]

OK, I ran through the steps below, and file does NOT exist on reboot.  This is the expected behavior, right?  Note that I used "Disk", not "Partition"

1. Add only one disk in cake, DONOT enable super client.

2. Add a client account in cake. Fill with the client IP,  Disk name
and check "Save client data".

3. Connect to the cake target at client with initiator.

4. Create a new file in the iscsi disk at client.
5. Reboot client PC and see whether the new file still exists in the
iscsi disk.

Also, to answer your prior questions:

On Feb 26, 3:46 am, "Youngzsoft" <youngzs...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I have to confirm the things again -
>
> 1. Only freezing the explorer on the client (initiator). NOT on the server?

> 2. After stop iscsi service at client, the explorer is still freezing?

 
Correct, previously freezing on the client.  In build 225, it is so far NOT freezing the client.

Please note that in Services, even after clicking "Stop Service" in the Cake GUI, the "iSCSICake" service is still running.
 

Summary:
- With super client NOT enabled, files are gone after reboot
- Client explorer is NOT freezing thus far (when disk is stopped and also when service is stopped)


Shall I try with Super Client now?

Joseph

[Jin]

I think you can go ahead with super client.
The stop service button does not stop cakeservice from running. It
just stop all disks. I'd say it is confusing.

[Joseph Diefenbach]

OK, the Super Client seems to be working just fine.  I'll hammer it a bit and let you know how it performs.

Now a question:  Is it possible to do a "loopback" and expose the target to the machine itself?  That is, have an initiator on the target machine directed at the target machine itself?  I looked at the StarPort initiator's manual and it indicates that the target must be an image file for this to work - real disks are not supported for loopback.

Joseph

[j...@iscsicake.com]

You might get locked when write data to iSCSI disk using loopback.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

---

From: Joseph Diefenbach
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:36:02 -0500

To: <iscs...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: Windows 2008 x64 installation issues.

[Joseph Diefenbach]

So I tried using a .vmdk file, and got "Failed to open VMWare disk file.  VMDK file NOT supported in x64 mode"

Is this in the works?

Joseph

[j...@iscsicake.com]

No, VMDK is not working for x64 so far. You can use .img file.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

---

From: Joseph Diefenbach
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:19:29 -0500

[yrizan]

Will it take long before a working x64 version is ready?
Is there a new beta version coming soon?

On Feb 27, 12:47 pm, j...@iscsicake.com wrote:
> No, VMDK is not working for x64 so far. You can use .img file.
>
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
>
>

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joseph Diefenbach <kustardk...@gmail.com>
>

> Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:19:29

> To: <iscs...@googlegroups.com>
> Subject: Re: Windows 2008 x64 installation issues.
>
> So I tried using a .vmdk file, and got "Failed to open VMWare disk file.
> VMDK file NOT supported in x64 mode"
>
> Is this in the works?
>
> Joseph
>
> On Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 4:40 PM, <j...@iscsicake.com> wrote:
>
> > You might get locked when write data to iSCSI disk using loopback.
>
> > Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>

> > ------------------------------
> > *From*: Joseph Diefenbach
> > *Date*: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:36:02 -0500
> > *To*: <iscs...@googlegroups.com>
> > *Subject*: Re: Windows 2008 x64 installation issues.

> >> > Joseph- Hide quoted text -

[Jin]

No feedback has been received. No new beta version so far. Official
version may be released in a few weeks.

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[yrizan]

Strange.

Like i read from earlier posts.
There is a problem with loss of data if the guest or the host is
rebooted.
If this is solved ill be happy to try a newer build.

[Jin Ren]

Actually, this is the only report we have received to have this issue
among our 3000 customers. And we haven't received any response from
this client after sending him instructions to diagnose the problem. So
I would rather believe it is just a problem of misconfiguration.

[Joseph Diefenbach]

Hi - I'm not sure if you're referring to me on "any response from this client" since I'm in the thread.  Just in case, I'll restate my current issue:

I'm NOT losing data.  I was at one point, but that was resolved on a different thread.  At the moment, I just need a solution for GPT, so I'm waiting to see if it comes up, or if I have to try a different product.

Regards,
Joseph