Adding Disk Space to Server
I have a Dell Power Edge 2500 that I need to add more disk space. It is running 2000 Server. It has three 36gig disks running raid 5. I have two partition drives. I purchased three more 73gig drives.
I was hoping to add the 73gig drives to the current setup and allocate more space to both partition drives. I would like to keep the 36gig drives and add the 73 to the current array. Can you add different size drives to a raid5 config? If so, How and are there any drawbacks to doing this. I do not have the dell open manage server app loaded, but I have no problem loading that or any other app needed to accomplish this.
I was hoping to add the 73gig drives to the current setup and allocate more space to both partition drives. I would like to keep the 36gig drives and add the 73 to the current array. Can you add different size drives to a raid5 config? If so, How and are there any drawbacks to doing this. I do not have the dell open manage server app loaded, but I have no problem loading that or any other app needed to accomplish this.
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Normally there is no problem moving the data from D to the new Disk (E or whatever it'll be). I'd keep the OS on C as it is now, 4GB is enough for win2k. If there is any software installed on C, move that to the old D. You don't need the DOSA for that, but I'd install it nevertheless, it should help you monitor the array's state.
I agree with rindi....
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Would I be able to combine the old array together. In other words, merging the 4gig and 63gig partitions to make one C: drive with the space combined? Does that make sense??
Combining the old array would mean rebuilding it, that would erase all your data on your partitions. Right?
Instead of using DOSA, why not try using the RAID BIOS, during boot up look for the RAID Utiliy being loaded and CTRL+S to go in. It's a bit more complicated but you'll learn and be proud of it.
Instead of using DOSA, why not try using the RAID BIOS, during boot up look for the RAID Utiliy being loaded and CTRL+S to go in. It's a bit more complicated but you'll learn and be proud of it.
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Yes. This will definetly be an afterhours/weekend project. Thank you all for your input. It gave me a better understanding of what is ahead.
I think I will add the new drives and create a new array. Move what data I can without causing any errors to apps(Employee folders,etc). That will relieve the disk space issue for the 63gig partition. Then allocate more disk space from the 63gig to the 4gig. What is the safest way to move space from the 63 to the 4?
I think I will add the new drives and create a new array. Move what data I can without causing any errors to apps(Employee folders,etc). That will relieve the disk space issue for the 63gig partition. Then allocate more disk space from the 63gig to the 4gig. What is the safest way to move space from the 63 to the 4?
You will have to reconfigure the raid configuration and that will repartition (wipe) the drives.
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Would I use the DOSA or do you recomend something else?