Replace drive in RAID 5 with used one

[KvH]

I have a Proliant ML350 G4 with 3 disk drives configured in RAID5. One of the drives failed and has to be replaced.
I have an unused, retired ML 350 with exactly same disks. Can I use one of these disks to replace the failed one in my server?
On the disk from the old server there is old data on it. Have I to format that disk or will the data be replaced during the rebuild process?
Is ther any risk by using a used disk with data on it to replace a failed disk in a Read5-array?
Koos van Harmelen

[Michal Kapalka (mikap)]

hi,

i think you oculd use it.

the array controller should re-use this disk as a clear.

mikap

[Michal Kapalka (mikap)]

hi,

i forgot to mention that you should check the firmware on the disk.

mikap

[gregersenj]

True Mikap
It will rebuild on the used drive, if you hotplug it.

It won't hurt if you have the possibility to format and delete the array, on the disk you want to use.

BR
/jag

[wobbe]

Zolang de server loopt kun je die schijf er gewoon indrukken en vervolgens zal de controller hem gaan rebuilden. Vaak genoeg gedaan, geen probleem werk altijd.
Staat de server uit en vervang je dan de schijf zou dit een probleem kunnen zijn omdat er op de vervangende schijf ook een raid configuratie staat.
Het is trouwens een kleine moeite om m.b.v. de oude server de boel even te wissen en de firmware naar de laatste versies te brengen.
Wel zo netjes, niet echt noodzakelijk.

[KvH]

Hi,

Replaced the defect diskdrive by the other, used one. Controller did not recignize this replacement disk. Same capacity, same RPM, same interface.

[gregersenj]

That's not due to it's a used disk.

Please post a screenshot friom ACU.
So we can see if its another of these ghost ID issues.

Or the used disk may be defective.

BR
/jag

[KvH]

I placed an other used disk in an other controller and deleted all data by performing a surface test. Now the 641 array started rebuilding just after placing the disk.

Thanks all for replies!

[gregersenj]

Greate :)

Maybe you should test the first disk, you tried in the other controller also.
So you will know for sure if it is defective.

BR
/jag

[KvH]

Thanks all for the tips,