brentokc
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Changing Drive Sizes in an Existing Array
I have a Dell CERC ATA100/4-channel RAID Controller(LSI Logic) in a server. The OS is Win 2003 SBS. There were two 80-gig drives in a RAID 1 configuration; one drive failed and was removed. I now only have the single 80 gig drive. I plan to install 3- 160 gig drives for a new RAID 5 array with a 4th as a hot spare. Is it possible to create the new array without re-installing the OS? And, if so, how would one go about that - the documentation I have read has not addressed this circumstance, at least in a way that is clear to me. I thought that I could add 3 of the new drives and the array could be rebuilt with all 4 drives (that's 1 80 and 3-160 gigs). Then pull the 80 and let the array rebuild itself as a 3 drive RAID 5. Then add the hot spare. Any guidance and help would be appreciated, I don't have much experience with RAID configuration. Thanks Brent
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You will have to back-up then reinstall the OS.
You will have to chose which RAID you want 0, 0+1, 3 or 5 once its built install the OS then recover your backup.
All these work best if all the drives are the same Size, Type, and Mfg for best performance.
You will have to chose which RAID you want 0, 0+1, 3 or 5 once its built install the OS then recover your backup.
All these work best if all the drives are the same Size, Type, and Mfg for best performance.
You can not convert a single or RAID 1 to RAID5 in most controllers.
You can certainly try, but make sure that you have a full backup of the 80 GB drive ( preferably on TAPE and perhaps also a spare Imaged drive that has been tested ).
I hope this helps !