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Converting from RAID 5 to Mirroring

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5 replies

by agtcna

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Server is Compaq Proliant 6000, NT4 (SP6a) with Compaq Smart Array 3100ES Controller, and three 9GB Drives in RAID 5 configuration. For a variety of reasons we wish to change to Drive Mirroring. Is it possible to install a large enough drive and mirror the array (volume)to the new drive, remove the three old drives, install a second new drive (identical to the first new drive) and set up mirroring. Thus no longer running RAID 5.

5 replies

by estebandelatorre

Remember this: Raid 5 is the best performance solution (and money saving) available.
But..
With the 3100ES you can mirror identical HD from harware (not using NT)
E.G.: Scenario
2 Hd of 9.1GB and 2 HD of 4.3GB
Make two mirrors between the disk
Under NT you will see 2 HD one of 9.1Gb and one of 4.3 available for use. From here is completely transparent what you do with them under NT.
The limit is 4 mirrors per controller.
For large amounts of data consider this:
A hardware mirror of 2 4.3GB only for the O.S. and critical small files., and a BIG Raid 5 array for store data. You controller can mix a mirror with a raid 5!

Good luck

by agtcna

Perhaps I did not make myself clear. Is it possible to install a new hard drive (of sufficient size) and mirror the RAID Array to it? The object being to get a single drive (out of three) that contains all the contents of the RAID array, and be able to boot from it (with the RAID drives removed). Thanks for the prompt answer.

by mgonzales

Yes...Nt only sees partitions not physcial drives...if you take a single drive that is large enough to handle the RAID your should be able to mirror the RAID drives. Once this is complete you can test this by editing the ARC path in the boot.ini file to reflect the new drive and partition...

Once this is tested you sould be able to install a second drive and mirror it...

Good Luck and have a great day.

Mike

by agtcna

Thank you Mike. I need to accomplish this in order to be able to use Ghost Enterprise, for better disaster recovery (I hope) as well as shortening by ever-growing Backup Window.

Graham.

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