Expanding existing drive array with smart array 642 controller

[Gbob]

Hi all,

Due to storage constraints I am wanting to add a fourth 300GB drive to an existing RAID 5 array consisting of three 300GB drives in an ML350 server.

I would also like to expand the existing volume to utilise the additional storage capacity.

The OS is Windows 200 SP4.
The disk is configured as a dynamic disk.
My current array configuration utility is 7.20.19.0

Am i able to do this "on the fly" without affecting the existing data. If so how do i go about doing it. I am having trouble finding documentation around this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[KarloChacon]

hi

yes the procedure you want to try is "on the fly" during OS running

just my recommendations are:
- update your firmware controller
- update your driver controller
- install a more recent array configuration utility

after that the procedure you want to try is called Expand / Extend

Expand: you add the new HDDs
Extend: you take advantage of the new space to increase the array.

Check a PDF file I attached which explains the all procedure

any question let me know

regards