"Kernel stopped running" issue (4224118)

This knowledge article applies to the following unsupported hardware appliances:

• SCB N1000(d)
• SCB N5000
• SCB N10000
• SSB N1000(d)
• SSB N5000
• SSB N10000

Issue with the Adaptec 5405 SATA/SAS hardware RAID controller when the firmware version is lower than 5.2-0 Build 18960.

After a power cycle the following message is shown at the Adaptec RAID card's POST screen:

Error: Controller Kernel Stopped Running...
<< Press any key to continue ... >>

It is strongly advised to upgrade the controller's firmware to the latest supported version to eliminate the risk of this issue appearing.

The exact version can be queried from the controller using this command in the boot shell[1]:

arcconf getconfig 1 ad

If this shows a Build 18960 or higher version, then you do not have to do anything. When the error message has already been shown, follow the method below:

1) Download the Upgrade CD from the link below
2) Shutdown the appliance
3) Remove every disk from the RAID controller by pulling out the disks
4) Boot from the downloaded CDROM
5) Use the Adaptec Firmware Utility (AFU) to upgrade the controller's version to 5.2-0 Build 18960 by running "afu.exe update"
6) Stop the appliance again
7) Push back the disks, preferably to their original place
8) Start up the appliance and let it boot in the normal way

If you have a lower version firmware than Build 18960, but the erronous situation discussed above has not happened yet, you are advised to do the firmware upgrade, but it is not needed to disconnect-reconnect the discs in the array.
The detailed steps are the following:

1) Download the Upgrade CD from the link below
2) Restart the appliance
3) Boot from the downloaded CDROM
4) Use the Adaptec Firmware Utility (AFU) to upgrade the controller's version to 5.2-0 Build 18960
5) Restart the appliance and let it boot in the normal way