RAID arrays only rebuild when you replace a failed drive with a good one
of identical size. This looks to be time to dump the contents to a
backup of some kind, build a new RAID array with the bigger drives, than
reload. Norton Ghost or similar software may make the process a little
less painful. :)
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'? If so, about how much time will be needed
> for the array to rebuild on a dual Xeon, 4GB RAM server? 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:.)
>
> 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?
>
> 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)?
>
> Sorry to sound like such a noob, but this is the first time I've had to make
> such a potentially significant configuration change with the RAID hardware.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.
>
> Paul A. Shippert
> Library Media Specialist
> Margaret Brent Middle School
> Helen MD
>
> The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website,
> web based bulletinboard for questions and answers:
> Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com
>
>
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