Paul A. Shippert wrote:
> Greetings list--
>
> I have some knowledge about configuring a RAID array at the hardware level,
> however; it's not something I do every day. A server I support has a RAID 5
> array consisting of 3 hot-swap Ultra320 hard disks approximately 40 - 50 GB
> in size each (not certain of exact individual size). The total array yielded
> around 60 - 75 GB for volume space. In any case, the property management
> office is to acquire new software requiring 50 GB (not certain) of free
> space. This leads to my question.
>
> Since this is a hot-swap RAID 5 array, is it possible to purchase 3 larger
> drives, then replace the drives in the array one-at-a-time, giving the array
> time between swaps to 'rebuild'? 
It is possible...
> If so, about how much time will be needed
> for the array to rebuild on a dual Xeon, 4GB RAM server? 
Time is more dependent on the amount of data
> Will it then be
> necessary to extend one of the partitions to occupy the unallocated space,
> once all three drives have been replaced? (The OS is on C: and all the data
> is on D:.) 
>   
I believe the unallocated space is only seen by the RAID controller, the 
OS partitions what the controller tells it the drive is so you would not 
be able to enlarge the partitions

> Or will it be necessary to run a full tape backup, replace the disks,
> install the Server 2003 operating system, install the backup software, then
> restore from the backup?
>   
That would be tedious specially if there's a lot of permissions and 
things of that nature already configured
> Or will the need for so much storage for the database in question to run
> make it advisable to acquire a NAS box (also RAID 5 for data protection and
> performance)?
>   
That would be up to you I guess. If there's space to add more drives, 
you could add 2 more drives like the existing ones, that would take you 
above the 50GB you need and you can then extend the partitions into the 
unused space the RAID will now posses.

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