To start would you confirm if you have a complete backup, if anything changed prior to this happening, and if the data is still accessible.
Now to the error you're seeing on your SC5020s controllers:
HTTPMainRequest::TimerCallback - Oldtimeout
is typically associated with controller communication delays or failures in the internal HTTP service used by the Storage Center OS for inter-process messaging and management interface operations. The error suggests that a timeout occurred while the controller was waiting for a response from an internal service or peer controller.
This can happen due to
One controller is unresponsive or failed. There is a lead controller election issue. The system is stuck in a boot or failover loop. There is a firmware mismatch or corruption.
What I would suggest is the following;
1. Check Controller Status Connect via serial console or SSH. Use the CLI command: Chassis show This may show controller status even in safe mode.
2. Attempt to Bypass Controller Election If one controller is down, you can force the other to become leader:
fm leader ignore <HSN of failed controller>
You’ll be prompted to confirm. This allows the healthy controller to boot and assume leadership.
3. Reset HTTP Service (if applicable) If the web interface is inaccessible but CLI works, you can try restarting the HTTP service: service restart http Now this command may not be available in safe mode or without elevated support access.
4. Firmware Validation
Ensure both controllers are running matching firmware versions. If one controller was recently updated or replaced, mismatch can cause boot and communication errors.
Now on a side note, do not attempt to reinitialize or reset both controllers, as that can result in data loss. Also, always document the current state and collect logs before making changes.
Let me know if this helps.
DELL-Chris H
Social Media and Communities Professional
Dell Technologies | Enterprise Support Services
#IWork4Dell
Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’. ‘Thumbs up’ the posts you like!
I apologize, so you would need to restart the I would ensure both controllers are running the same SCOS firmware version, as mismatched firmware or corruption can cause HTTP service failures.
I made a mistake in the previous message, as the only supported method is to restart the entire controller, which can be done via the CLI or by physically rebooting the controller.
For CLI i believe it is
system reboot controller
DELL-Chris H
Social Media and Communities Professional
Dell Technologies | Enterprise Support Services
#IWork4Dell
Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’. ‘Thumbs up’ the posts you like!
Hi, as i know yes, the system reboot controller command is safe to run. It won’t wipe your configuration or data it just performs a reboot, similar to a power cycle. Make sure you target the correct controller and avoid rebooting both at the same time unless instructed.
DELL-Erman O
Social Media and Communities Professional
Dell Technologies | Enterprise Support Services
#IWork4Dell
Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’. ‘Thumbs up’ the posts you like!
We turned off one controller, and the alarms continued—so it's not a matter of interaction between controllers...maybe the controller is trying to access some external resources? We turned off the support assist service just in case, but it didn't help.
DELL-Chris H
7 Practitioner
•
9682 Posts
•
48046 Points
0
1
Posted October 6th, 2025 15:35
Serge_1980,
To start would you confirm if you have a complete backup, if anything changed prior to this happening, and if the data is still accessible.
Now to the error you're seeing on your SC5020s controllers:
HTTPMainRequest::TimerCallback - Oldtimeout
is typically associated with controller communication delays or failures in the internal HTTP service used by the Storage Center OS for inter-process messaging and management interface operations. The error suggests that a timeout occurred while the controller was waiting for a response from an internal service or peer controller.
This can happen due to
One controller is unresponsive or failed.
There is a lead controller election issue.
The system is stuck in a boot or failover loop.
There is a firmware mismatch or corruption.
What I would suggest is the following;
1. Check Controller Status
Connect via serial console or SSH.
Use the CLI command:
Chassis show
This may show controller status even in safe mode.
2. Attempt to Bypass Controller Election
If one controller is down, you can force the other to become leader:
fm leader ignore <HSN of failed controller>
You’ll be prompted to confirm.
This allows the healthy controller to boot and assume leadership.
3. Reset HTTP Service (if applicable)
If the web interface is inaccessible but CLI works, you can try restarting the HTTP service:
service restart http
Now this command may not be available in safe mode or without elevated support access.
4. Firmware Validation
Ensure both controllers are running matching firmware versions.
If one controller was recently updated or replaced, mismatch can cause boot and communication errors.
Now on a side note, do not attempt to reinitialize or reset both controllers, as that can result in data loss.
Also, always document the current state and collect logs before making changes.
Let me know if this helps.
DELL-Chris H
Social Media and Communities Professional
Dell Technologies | Enterprise Support Services
#IWork4Dell
Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’. ‘Thumbs up’ the posts you like!