gmirror + usb problem

[srwadleigh]

On Fri, 27 Oct 2006 01:26:11 -0400
srwadleigh <srw at udor.net> wrote:

> Thinkpad T41
> 6.2-PRERELEASE FreeBSD 6.2-PRERELEASE #20: Thu Oct 26 05:15:07 EDT
> 
> Two usb attached WD myBook 500gb external drives. The first drive is
> setup as a gmirror provider, and mounts/functions fine, when I attempt
> to add the second external drive it detects but will not rebuild, it
> simply remains at 0%, no drive activity.
> 
> Following the attempt to rebuild any attempt to stop the providers or
> remove the stale drive causes the system to lockup or rather become
> almost entirely unresponsive. Responds to pings, moused input works,
> existing ssh sessions still function, but cannot login, execute new
> commands, or get output without serious delays, sometimes--eventually
> the system snaps back and everything is fine but it can take a very
> long time. Nothing seems to entice the second provider to sync up.
> 
> I have tried setting gmirror to auto rebuild and manual, both yield
> the same result. I have also tries each drive as the first provider,
> again with the same results either way. Also tried gmirror compiled
> in and as a mo
> 
> I'm not sure if this is gmirror, usb, or the combo of the two
> elements, or maybe even something with the mybook.
> 

An addition, the second provider does rebuild, just extremely slowly,
according to the activity lights moving data only in short bursts
spaced by long periods of inactivity. In the last eight hours the
provider has reached 2%.

thank you