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How to add more space to a raid 5 on Dell 2800 Dell PERC 4e/Di Raid controller

I have 3 73 GB scsi drives configured from the factory as raid 5. It is setup with a 20 gb partition for the C: drive and the rest is for data. This is my backup server and we are quickly running out of space. I am down to 27 gb on my data partition, down from 36 last month. I would need to add atleast 2 more 73 gb hard drives to the mix. Is this possible with the Dell PERC 4e/Di controller without having to format and start over? If so haas anyone done it to give me some insight. I would of course backup everything before moving forward.

Thanks!

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IPKON_Networks

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jamessa

ASKER

OK, I have a question in responce to your answer. First, I have one virtual disk setup with 3 partitions. Dell utility, C: and D: D: being the data which is the only place I need to add space to. With me adding the new drives on to the existing virtual disk, how will I be able to just expand the d: partition?

IPKON_Networks

Are your partitions created in Dell RAID controller or in OS?

If in RAID controller, you can add in the extra drives into the array. Then you will need to add in the blank space into your partition.

Can you give me some more info about how you have partitioned it up. I am assuming it has all been done via the RAID Controller.

Barny

jamessa

ASKER

I did not really know about the setup process as it was done at dell. How would I tell? In my Dell array manager I have a virtual disk 0 that is show as being split into Dell utility partition 39 mb then c: 20 gb then d: 88 gb.

Thanks

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mcp_jon

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mcp_jon

Take a look at this one ( found it for you ) :

Title : " reconfigure raid on pe 2800 "
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=pes_hardrive&message.id=22030

Documentation Page for " Dell OpenManage™ Array Manager " :
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/software/smarrman/

Hope this helps you out !

Best Regards !

jamessa

ASKER

Should you add the new disks while the system is running?

mcp_jon

I see no problem on that !

Best Regards !