ML350 G6 Raid 5 to Raid 10 migration possible?

[Dennis Severt]

I currently have 3 x 300 10k sas disks configured as a RAID 5.
It's running Windows 2008 SBS with also a virtual instance with Windows 2008 Terminal Server.

The server has a 512 mb. cache with battery, but the maximum write speed is at: 70/80 mb/s.
Now this isn't that bad for a RAID 5 config.

But is there a way to add a 4th disc and simply hit an convert to RAID 10 button?

Please advice,
Dennis

[Dennis Severt]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that my raid controller is a P410i

[Michael A. McKenney]

I have never seen it done. How much free space is available? You would need more than 1/2 free to convert. I would never do a conversion from 5 to 10. I would do two full backups and restore. Is this your active directory server? Do you have a second one? Is this your DNS server? What else is on it?

[gregersenj · Accepted solution]

Yes, that's possible.

insert the new disk.
Open ACU.
Using the wizard:
Add new disk to array.
Using the wizard:
perform a RAID level migration.

I'm not sure if the P410/i require the battery to do this, but since you have the battery, you are able to do the migration.

Do ensure, that you have a good backup.
And that you have got a recovery plan.
Better safe than sorry.

Also:
Before you begin. Check that the running disks is ok.
Best tool to use is the SMH (System Management Home page).
Select the disk system, and check all disks.
The must be error free.

BR
/jag

[Dennis Severt]

Thanks guys, I'm going to try this in the next comings days.

[gregersenj]

Read the manual.
http://bizsupport2.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02289065/c02289065.pdf

BR
/jag

[gregersenj]

And good luck.

[gregersenj]

If you have more questions, for me.
Ask today, I'm not available next week.

BR
/jag

[Dennis Severt]

Hi guys,

I know it's been a whlie, but the migration have never took place and is planned for the upcoming weekend.
But before I proceed with it I just want to know how you guys create offline backups.
As suggested I would like to make a complete backup of the environment in case of a failure.
In the past I used Norton Ghost, but I'm not sure if that's the right approach.

What do you use for complete offline backups in case of a failure?

Thanks!
Dennis

[gregersenj]

Hi Dennis

Well.

First of all I have learned, this week, that my answer for you is wrong. Sorry :(

It was claimed by some other folks, that it has not previously been possible to got from RAID 5 to RAID 10,  on the Smart  Array Controller.

It is however on the new P420.

You could try it. and prove them or me wrong (most likely me).

So under all circumstances, you must prepare for a complete rebuild of the server.

Is it possible for you to make a one button disaster recovery imgage, on tape or DVD?

BR

/jag