RAID change rollback after inserting original drives?

[vleeuwen]

Hi,

we want to change the RAID configuration on a ProLiant DL380 G6. Currently, it's one array, RAID5 with 6 disks. We want to change this to one array, RAID1+0 with 6 disks.

Our customer wants a rollback scenario and according to him, the array config is (also) stored on the drives itself, so if we take out the drives, and re-insert them in case of problems, the original setup has been restored.

The scenario would be:
- shut down server
- take out all 6 disks and note the correct bay
- insert 6 new disks
- configure correct RAUD config (1+0)
- restore data from backup
In case of failure:
- shut down server
- take out the 6 new disks
- re-insert the 6 original disks in the correct bays
- start up server
- RAID config is taken from the disks (back to RAID5)

Is this correct behavior? Or should you clear the array config before inserting the original disks? Or is this reollback scenario not possible?

Thanks!

[Ali · Accepted solution]

Hi Vleeuwen,

that's absolutely correct and you can go ahead with this configuration.

RIS copy is stored in hard drive only.


However, would like to let you know that if you have BBWC installed in the server, there are chances that some information is stored in the BBWC that needs to be written back to the hard drives, may contain imp information and would not be written to new drive due to RIS information that is missing.

So we need to take few precautions:
1. make sure you have complete backup for raid 5.
2. System bios, smart array controller firmware is update to date.
3. Run the ACU utility to make sure no backgroud operations are running before taking out the disks.
4. Run the Array diagnostic report and save the report for future reference.
5. takeout the raid 5 disks.
6. insert the new set of disks
7. Run the erase options from smartstart CD or clear NVRAM disk and NON volatile memory from RBSU.
8. Now create your new raid volume with 6 new disks (Raid 1+0)

follow the sequence as it was tested in my configuration
Hope this helps,
thanks
Aftab

[vleeuwen]

Thank you for your quick reply.

I will add the precautionary steps to our plan, and execute as suggested.

Thanks again!.

[vleeuwen]

Thank you for your quick reply.

I will add the precautionary steps to our plan, and execute as suggested.

Thanks again!.