Recreate mirror in another server?

[Joakim Rengbrandt]

Hi!
We have a DL360 with two disks in a RAID 1 running windows 2000 server. Can we break this mirror and take one disk out and put it in another 360 and create a new RAID 1, so the new server will be exactly the same as the old?
Thanks
/Joakim Rengbrandt
Projectleader ITI
DaimlerChrysler A/S

[Uwe Zessin]

This type of operation is *NOT* supported!!

(It might work if you put the disk into the same slot number it was on the other server.)

Do not attempt drive roaming with reduced disk arrays when you have multiple arrays - you can loose all your data.


And remember that the new server will have the same SID like the old one after you have 'cloned'. I think there is software to change it, but I don't have any pointers.

[Joakim Rengbrandt]

Thanks Uwe!
But should is it only to take out disc one from the old server and put it into slot 1 in the new and just power on. Or do we have to create a new logical disc on the new server?

[Uwe Zessin]

A SmartArray controller stores the configuration on the disks.

[JohnWRuffo]

Joakim:

Uwe is correct that drive roaming is not supported because it has been known to cause problems with O/S's that signature the installation. (things like the SID, MAC addresses, Server name and the like are unique)

That said, you can roam the drive set (i.e., all the drives in the mirror.

Move the drives to the new server and then perform a fail / rebuild scenario.
With the server off the network, but up and running, pull the first drive and then replace it with the new one. After the drive has "completely rebuilt", then you can insert the next drive and rebuild. Now you have a clone.

The original drives can then be placed back in the original server in their correct order. This method should work, but like we have stated, it not supported.

Here is a document that can help:
ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/products/servers/proliantstorage/drives-enclosures/hp%20hard%20drive%20replacement.pdf

Be sure you have a real good backup and make sure all the bios on the controllers and servers are up to date and/or match.

G'luck! -john

[Joakim Rengbrandt]

John!
Thanks for the answer!

Regarding the SIDs we will use SysPrep from Microsoft to regenerate thoose.
Will give at try next week.

Thanks again.
//Joakim