add new hdd's to Windows 2003 server
Greetings Experts!
Here is the scenario: Currently in production is a Windows 2003 server that has 3x 36GB HDD's running in a RAID 5 format. Because of our conversion to VMWare, we have a few identical hard-drives in spare servers (VMWare migration that allowed us to retire some older servers) that I would like to move to this server. For the life of me I can't remember the steps to take to add the drives to the server so that the server A) recognizes the extra drive space and B) I can use that extra space to increase one of the existing partitions.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Here is the scenario: Currently in production is a Windows 2003 server that has 3x 36GB HDD's running in a RAID 5 format. Because of our conversion to VMWare, we have a few identical hard-drives in spare servers (VMWare migration that allowed us to retire some older servers) that I would like to move to this server. For the life of me I can't remember the steps to take to add the drives to the server so that the server A) recognizes the extra drive space and B) I can use that extra space to increase one of the existing partitions.
Thanks in advance for your help.
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Thanks experts. I failed to mention that the server is an HP DL380 G4 and is using a smart-array 6i controller (hardware raid). I am going to run a quick back-up and run the update accordingly. Updates to follow.
##edited to fix grammar
##edited to fix grammar
From memory that one allows expansion as described above.
Good luck :)
Good luck :)
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andyalder, thanks for the post. I stopped the mini-project when I read your post. Now that I am preparing to proceed again, I wanted to know how you would recommend proceeding. Please advise.
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Got it!
Ok. So I extended the volume and now there is Logical Drive 1 which states (Transforming x%) and Logical Drive 2 (Queued for Transformation).
What does the transforming mean?
Once the transforming is finished, I'm "assuming" I would open Computer Manager > Disk Management and add the new drive space to the existing Disk 1 (which is logical drive 2)?
Ok. So I extended the volume and now there is Logical Drive 1 which states (Transforming x%) and Logical Drive 2 (Queued for Transformation).
What does the transforming mean?
Once the transforming is finished, I'm "assuming" I would open Computer Manager > Disk Management and add the new drive space to the existing Disk 1 (which is logical drive 2)?
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Greetings!
The transforming is complete. In the array config utility, I have a new "unused space" listed below the two logical drives. What is the next step? I see these options on the right hand of the screen.
Migrate RAID/Strip size
Extend Logical Drive
Delete
More Info
I have a hunch that I need to click on the logical drive that I want to add the new space to and then select "extend logical drive" option on the right hand side of the screen. Before I go off and try something, I figured I would check with the mega-minds.
The transforming is complete. In the array config utility, I have a new "unused space" listed below the two logical drives. What is the next step? I see these options on the right hand of the screen.
Migrate RAID/Strip size
Extend Logical Drive
Delete
More Info
I have a hunch that I need to click on the logical drive that I want to add the new space to and then select "extend logical drive" option on the right hand side of the screen. Before I go off and try something, I figured I would check with the mega-minds.
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New drives are in and the server now has extra disk space! Thanks for all of the help and detailed steps. Your time was much appreciated!
1. Install the new disks in the server.
2. Open your RAID controller software or BIOS configuration, and add the new disks to the existing array.
3. Apply the changes and allow the array to rebuild online.