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Smart Array 221 and RAID 5 upgrade. How to?

 
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Smart Array 221 and RAID 5 upgrade. How to?

Hi,
Here's my scenario:
Proliant ML370 G1 with Smart Array 221 (no battery) and Windows 2003 Server SP1.
1) AT ARRAY LEVEL
- Array 1: 2 x 18GB. SCSI HD in RAID1
- Array 2: 4 x 9GB. SCSI HD in RAID5

2) AT WINDOWS LEVEL
- Volume C:\ 9GB from array 1. Used for Windows and applications.
- Volume E:\ 9GB from array 1. Used only for data and Exchange Server logs.
- Volume D:\ 27GB form array 2. Used for data and Exchange Server databases.

The goal is to replace the 4 9GB disk of array 2 with 3 new 36 GB disks without changes in volumes C:\ and E:\
First step is a good backup of course.
What steps should come next?
I guess I should switch off the server, take out the four 9GB disk, put the three new 36GB disks, switch on the server and start ACU from SmartStar CD to create the new array but I'm very worried about the next Windows boot up because it will not find volume D:\ neither Exchange Server.
Any tips? Thanks in advance.
4 REPLIES 4
Andy_180
Trusted Contributor

Re: Smart Array 221 and RAID 5 upgrade. How to?

Hi Gerardo- windows will boot if it does not see the d drive.

1) backup data
2) install latest PSP. reboot.
2) remove 9gb drives
3) install 36gb drives
4) run 7.40B FW cd to ensure all FW is up to date.
4) set up aray config in F8 on post or through ACU. should give you 70gb +/- a few.
5) set up voplume in windows
6) restore data.
have fun!
--Andy

Re: Smart Array 221 and RAID 5 upgrade. How to?

Thanks for your answer Andy,
I agree that Windows should boot up without problems but what about Exchange Server? It will look for its databases in volume D:\ which no longer exists.
No problem anyway or should I avoid that Exchange Server starts until volume D:\ will be made and restored from backup?
Igor Karasik
Honored Contributor
Solution

Re: Smart Array 221 and RAID 5 upgrade. How to?

Change exchange services startup type to "manual" till you restore drive D.
Your plan and Andy comments seems to be 100 % OK. I did similar operations in the past (also with exchange server) without any problems.

Re: Smart Array 221 and RAID 5 upgrade. How to?

Thanks Igor,
I think switching Exchange Server's services to "manual" will prevent Exchange Server from starting up until volume D:\ is ready again.
Now I have a complete procedure to follow.
Thanks a lot!!