5GB raid 5 - unable to allocate unallocated space

Created a 5GB raid 5, had windows use 100GB for os partition and 2TB for next partition - but left with another 2TB approx which i cannot allocate -

Thanks,
zingabAsked:
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PowerEdgeTechConnect With a Mentor IT ConsultantCommented:
You cannot reconfigure the array at this point.  It is impossible to reconfigure or remove drives to create a smaller array.  Whichever way you go, you will need to backup/restore what you have up to utilize the space.
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TheBondCommented:
The disk needs to be set up as a GPT disk in order to go over the 2 TB limit.
Here is an article that discusses it. Basically you need to right click on the Disk and upgrade it to GPT. Then you can add the additional partitions.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463524.aspx
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zingabAuthor Commented:
I dont have that option available - its greyed out  - server 2008 r2
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DavidPresidentCommented:
Unless your RAID controller allows you to add a unique SCSI ID / LUN number to the RAID partitions, then it just won't work.  Repartitioning into GPT will be a waste of time because this won't change the fact that you have a single 5TB device.

Partitioning a 5TB into any number of partitions does not change the fact that it is still seen as a single 5TB disk drive to the BIOS.  That is the deal killer.  The BIOS has to see 1 target less than 2.09TB, for booting, and then the rest will be fine.

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DavidPresidentCommented:
(I would personally get 2 small SSDs or disk drives, use windows-based mirroring, then make a 5TB lun for data)
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TheBondCommented:
The reason it is greyed out for you is because the OS is installed there.

When you create the Array, you should be able to set up Volumes that can be set up for the OS (100 gig) and Data (3-4 TB).  

WHat type of hardware are you using?
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PowerEdgeTechConnect With a Mentor IT ConsultantCommented:
The only way you can have a single RAID 5 of that size is if you install 2008x64 (or higher) on an EFI-capable/enabled system (EFI is a BIOS replacement).  Otherwise you cannot convert the disk to GPT, and without GPT, you cannot have a partition larger than 2TB.  I would second dlethe's recommendation to get two disks specifically for the OS and leave your 5TB partition as a data partition.
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zingabAuthor Commented:
so there is nothing i can do - the server is currently live and has data on it...
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DavidPresidentCommented:
That is correct.  You'll have to take it offline to correct the situation, and offline means offline for what could very well be a week-end because it will take quite some time to do a full backup
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zingabAuthor Commented:
are there any tools or anything that i can do to reclaim or re-raid the drives while not destroying the current data?
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andyalderCommented:
Not necessarily impossible, but we'd need to know what controller they have first.
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noxchoConnect With a Mentor Global Support CoordinatorCommented:
Go on through backup and restore. As said by PowerEdgeTech, you will need to reconfigure the RAID in any case.
Backup and recovery approach will keep your data safe. Wait till weekend when you can perform server maintenance and reconfigure the RAID. Right now you can take backup of OS and data partitions.
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