Resize ntfs partitions on windows 2000

That would work, but then your disk array will need to be reconfigured to the new size, with most controllers, recreating the raid means a loss of data.

JD,

RAID0 is mirroring, you can remove 1 drive, install a 2nd, and the controller will mirror disk0 to disk1 and vice/versa. No Data will be lost.

However, as planned, and I agree with you, if the user substitutes a 146Gb for a 36Gb drive, the array controller will only see 36Gb, and will not use the rest of that drive until the array is reconfigured.

And we're both in agreement, that reconfiguring the array may result in a loss of data.

This all depends on the controller really... Bob, what kind of hardware are you running on? HP, Compaq, DELL, IBM ?

Raid 0 is striping, Raid 1 is mirroring. Raid 0 has no fault tolerance, so if a single hdd fails or is removed from a raid 0 the array is lost.
Heres a link with more info on some raid levels http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/RAID.html

<<--- [bows down to JD]

Right 'o sir.. I was wrong.

Its ok, seen many people get raid 0 and 1 confused.

aindelicato -- r.e. your comment "RAID0 is mirroring" ==> NO !!!   RAID-0 is a stripped array used for increasing performance.  JD is absolutely correct that you CANNOT remove a drive from a RAID-0 array => if you do you'll lose ALL of the data in the array.

bobsensor -- Did you mean to say RAID-1 in your question?   ... or is is truly a RAID-0 array?   If you're not sure, here's a simple test:  If your current partitions add up to 72GB you have a RAID-0 array;  if they add up to 36GB your array is mirrored (RAID-1).

In either event, the best strategy here is to backup all of your data;  replace both of your drives and re-initialize the array; and then restore the data.   For the system partition, you'll need to use an image backup/restore.   For the other partitions you can simply copy all of the data to the backup and then back to the new array.

TY Gary, its already been established that I mixed up Raid-0 and Raid-1 ..

Please read the thread before scolding !

I was "typing & cogitating"  while the other comments were posted -- I would not have commented otherwise.

acronis makes partitioning (resizing) and imaging software that works really well with raid.  if you use acronis true image you could image your current raid configuration and then increase the size of the partition when you restore the image to the new raid array.

You don't mention the RAID adapter you're using - usually the RAID vendor provides a utility to handle this, but if they didn't, just use diskpart.

It's free!  Note it does data volumes only, not the system volume.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325590/en-us

Thank you everyone for your concerns.

I'm very sorry for the confusion on the raid type. It is RAID1 (MIRROR).
My raid controller is a SCSI Raid 64bits Adaptec 3200S
My HD's are 2x 36Go Seagate U160 80PIN 10KRPM

For now I can live with data volume resize only, so I while check "Diskpart".. I will also take a look at acronis.

I just reinstalled my os on that DC, so I don't want to reinstall…. It will be my last resource.

Tank's again
bob

Symantec Volume Manager (formerly PowerQuest) a complete no brainer.

http://www.symantec.com/Products/enterprise?c=prodinfo&refId=834

You should take a look at Boot-It NG (http://www.bootitng.com/bootitng.html).   This little gem will let you image your system (before you "mess" with the partitions), do an in-place resizing (done it many times & NEVER lost any data), and do a few other partition management actions.  An excellent and very inexpensive partition management tool -- and the free demo download will do everything you need, so you can try it for free.

Thank's garycase, I will take a look at that!... what are the demo restrictions???.. time limit?

Comment from aindelicato
Date: 03/21/2006 11:23AM PST
 Comment  

that would work, but then your disk array will need to be reconfigured to the new size, with most controllers, recreating the raid means a loss of data.

will my original strategy work with the hardware that I listed????

If yes, please detail the procedure

jamietoner

what is the FAST utility from adaptec???

bob
 

The main demo restriction is you can't use the "Boot Now!" feature (doesn't even apply to what you want to do).   No time limit.   When you boot to the Boot-It floppy/CD (whichever you create), just choose Cancel at the first prompt (do not actually install it on your drive).   You'll then go to a Maintenance menu that will let you do whatever partition management you need to do.  The interface is a bit "geeky", but it works perfectly.  Just post back if you have any questions after you've looked at it.

Your original strategy will work fine -- the issue with most controllers is you can't do "in-place" array expansion.  You can almost certainly, however, create another array with the additional space, and then just create logical drives in that array.   Functionally there's no difference.   Nevertheless, I'd still be sure you have a current backup -- a simple way to do that is image your partitions with Boot-It, storing the images on an external USB drive or an internal IDE drive if you have one you could temporarily install.

Fast in the utility that allows you to manage your raid array from windows. It does a few things that the controller bios wont let you do like reconstructing the array.

jamietoner,

I can not find the fast utility that you are talking about???... could you please guide me on that?

bob

... I'd use Boot-It, which works outside of Windows.   I NEVER do "live" imaging or partition restructuring (working with partitions from within the same operating system that's using them).

Here a link to download the staorage manager software
http://www.adaptec.com/worldwide/support/driverdetail.jsp?sess=no&language=English+US&cat=/Product/ASR-3200S&filekey=asr_win2k_sm_v314.exe

jamietoner,

I have downloaded and installed that storage manager, but I can't find the fast utility that you are talking about

thank's
alex

they renamed the fast utilty to storage manger and i still have the bad habit of calling it fast.