Removing an Encryption Management Server cluster member fails

Products

• Encryption Management Server
• Encryption Management Server Powered by PGP Technology
• Gateway Email Encryption
• Gateway Email Encryption Powered by PGP Technology

Issue/Introduction

An Encryption Management Server cluster member may need to be removed from the cluster for various reasons. For example:

• You have added a new cluster member and then wish to decommission an existing cluster member running on old hardware or in a different data center.
• You wish to simplify the cluster topology in order to make it easier to maintain.
• Your requirements have reduced and you no longer need so many cluster members.

If an Encryption Management Server cluster member needs to be removed from the cluster, please do the following:

1. Login to the administration console of a cluster member other than the one you are removing from the cluster.
2. Navigate to System / Clustering.
3. Click the delete button next to the cluster member that you wish to remove from the cluster.
4. Login to the administration console of all cluster members and check that the deletion of the cluster member replicated around the cluster.

Sometimes, clicking on the delete button causes you to be returned to the administration console logon screen. When you login again, the cluster member has not been deleted.

Environment

Symantec Encryption Management Server release 3.4.2 and above.

Resolution

In order to delete a cluster member using the administration console, you must be logged into Encryption Management Server using an account that has the SuperUser role. Navigate to System / Administrators and check that the account you are using has a role of SuperUser:

If removing a cluster member using an account with the SuperUser role does not work first time, please do the following:

1. Login to the administration console of all cluster members.
2. Navigate to System / General Settings.
3. Click on the Restart Services button. This will restart the replication service.
4. Try to delete the cluster member again.

It is possible to remove a cluster member by making changes to the database but this needs to be done very carefully to avoid serious consequences. Therefore, if the cluster member deletion still fails, please open a case with Technical Support.