Spare Drive in Array

[jpp_1]

I have a raid 5 array with 4 drives in it. 1 is configured as a spare drive. Can i remove the spare drive and add it to the array to increase my disk space?

thanks

[Steven Clementi]

Server type/model?

Is this on a Smart Array Controller?


Initial instinct would say yes, but without knowing all the facts... ;o)


Steven

[jpp_1]

Sorry,

Its an older Compaq ML 370

Smart Array 5300 controller.

[TTr]

You should be able to. The sa5300 user guide mentions the "online array capacity extension" feature. So go into the ACU, uncofigure the online spare and add it to the existing array group. When the array finishes rebuilding you will see the increase in the total space.

Now the extra space you can either create new LUNs and see new disks on the server or you can add it to existing LUNs.

Be careful if you are going to add space to existing LUNs. It is a two-step process. First, in the ACU increase the size of the existing LUN. The new size will show up in the LUN in ACU but not on the disk in the OS. Second, You need to use an OS based tool to extend the disk/partition size. If you have windows on the server, check for the diskpart.exe tool. It is not available in all windows versions.