How Do I Run A Microsoft SQL Cluster Validation Report?

The following article will describe how to validate a high availability SQL 2008 cluster.  This is a very useful tool to ensure that a high availability cluster will function as it should in in the event there is a problem.  This report can also be used to go over your configuration with Hosting.com Entourage Support to determine if any changes should be made to an existing configuration.

1)Log into one of the nodes within the cluster and go to Start - Administrative Tools - Failover Cluster Manager.

2)Once you have launched the Failover Cluster Manager you will have the primary window come up with all of the cluster configuation options.  For now we only want to validate an existing cluster.  You can select this on the right hand side and select "Validate A Configuration"

3)Now you will see the Cluster Validation screen which describes validation testing and what testing that should be done.  If a cluster has never been validated you should select Run All Tests.  You should only select  "Run only tests I select" if there is a specfic problem you are attempting to troubleshoot.

4)The screen screen you are presented with is how the online storage of a cluster should be tested in cluster validaton.  There are two options which can be selected to leave the disks online or to take them offline for more thorough testing.  This option should only be selected if a cluster is not yet in production or during a planned window so end users will not be affected.  Picking this option will render any SQL databases inaccessible.

5)Now you can begin to run the Validation test.  Once it has completed you will be able to view the full results which will open up on a local browser window on the server.  It is recommended that any warnings or faliures should be shared with your Entourage Support team.

NOTE: While validation testing is a useful tool to determine if a cluster is operating correctly it should not be the only mechinism used in ensuring a SQL cluster is ready for production.  Physical failover testing is recommended to ensure a cluster will operate as it should.  Hosting.com Entourage support can assist in setting up a physical failover test.