What should be the first step taken after detecting a NetApp WAFL inconsistency?

When a WAFL inconsistency is detected, the first step is to stabilize the system before attempting any repairs or recovery.

Stabilize the System:

Ensure that the system is not experiencing ongoing hardware or software issues.

Avoid making changes to the affected aggregate or volume until the system is stable.

Assess the Impact:

Determine which aggregates or volumes are affected and the severity of the inconsistency.

Steps to Handle WAFL Inconsistency:

A. Run wafliron:

Running wafliron should only be done after stabilizing the system and under guidance from NetApp Support.

C. Force offline the affected aggregate:

Forcing an aggregate offline without proper assessment can lead to data loss.

D. Run a dump to null:

Dumping data is not relevant for resolving a WAFL inconsistency.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

"NetApp WAFL Troubleshooting Guide" specifies that stabilization is the first step after detecting inconsistencies.

NetApp Support documentation provides guidelines for handling WAFL inconsistencies safely.

References: