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Windows Server 2003 hard drive replacement

I have a Dell Poweredge 1800 server running Server 2003. I am replacing the system hard drive because it is showing signs of failure.

Is this as simple as cloning the existing C: drive contents over to the new drive and then replacing the drive? Or, am I missing something unique to the server OS that I need to consider?

PS: Yes, I am already backing up the C drive on a regular basis so I am not concerned about losing data.

Seth Simmons

Unless there are financial issues, I suggest replacing the server entirely. 8g servers are at or near end-of-life and in my opinion, not worth spending money on.

If that isn't an option, how is this configured? Just one drive or a raid array?

Ken Herr

ASKER

Thanks for the feedback and questions. We cannot afford to replace the server - wish I could.

It has two discreet SATA drives - no raid array.

Seth Simmons

as long as the second drive is equal or greater size, you can try cloning it
depending on what kind of issues the first drive has, it may or may not work
if it does work, you can try removing the first drive and booting from the second and see how it behaves

does the first drive have an amber light? any warning/error messages in the system log related to the drive? just wondering the extent of the issue to see if cloning is a viable option

Ken Herr

ASKER

No warning lights or system errors specific to the drive. Just that I ran a chkdsk on the drive recently and it had to recover a bunch of bad sectors so I don't want to take a chance. The server was given to our school so we don't really know the history of it. Maybe I am just being overly cautious.

As long as replacing the HD in a server is no different than on a standard PC, I am totally comfortable keeping this box running.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Seth Simmons

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