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Redefining Space in an Array



Redefining Space in an Array


You can redefine space in a disk array in a number of ways. For example, you can combine a number of small logical drives to create a larger one, or you can redefine the existing logical drive into several smaller drives. Also, you can install additional hard disk drives and create a larger logical drive than was possible with the existing storage capacity.

One method to redefine space in an array is to change the RAID level assigned to a logical drive. For example, if you assigned RAID level 1 to a logical drive and then decided you needed the capacity offered with RAID level 5, you can use this procedure to replace the existing logical drive with a logical drive assigned the new RAID level.

To redefine the space in a disk array, first you must delete the array. The last disk array defined must be the first deleted. In all cases, when you delete an array, all the data and programs in the array are lost.

If you have data and programs that you want to save, they must be backed up and then restored. You might want to use a high-speed backup device, such as a tape drive, for that purpose.

To redefine the space in an array:

Note: You need a 3.5-inch, formatted diskette to backup the configuration file, as described in this procedure.
  1.  Back up all data and programs in the array.
  2.  If needed, install additional hard disk drives.

     See 'Hard Disk Drive Capacities'  for information about selecting drive sizes.

        In all cases, when you delete an array, all the data and programs in the array are lost.

  3.  Start the ServeRAID configuration program (see 'Starting the ServeRAID Configuration Program'

  4.  Delete the existing array:

    1.  Select Create/Delete Array/Log Drive from the Main Menu.
    2.  Select Delete Disk Array. The cursor  will be active in the Bay/Array selection list.
    3.  Select the array that you want to delete.
    4.  Press Del. The Confirm pop-up window appears.
    5.  If you do not want to delete the array, select No. To delete the array, select Yes

      Note:   To use the hard disks from the existing array when creating  a new array,  you must confirm the deletion of the existing array.  After you make your selection, the Confirm pop-up window will  disappear,  and the cursor will be active in the menu.

  5.  After you have established the new array and logical drive or drives,  select Initialize/Synchronize  Log Drive from the Main Menu, then select Initialize Logical Drive to prepare the drives in the array  to receive data. This sets the drive to a predetermined state. Any  data existing in the drive is overwritten with zeros,
  6.  If you define the drive as RAID level 5, select Initialize/Synchronize Log Drive from the Main Menu, then  select Synchronize Logical Drive before storing data. Once synchronization starts, it cannot be interrupted  until the operation is complete.
  7.  Insert a 3.5-inch formatted diskette  in the primary diskette drive,  select Advanced Functions from the Main Menu, then  select Backup config. to diskette. Follow  the instructions on the screen.
  8.  Exit the RAID configuration program  by pressing Esc or selecting Exit  from the Main Menu.  A pop-up window  will appear  asking you to confirm your action.
  9.  Reinstall the operating system and device drivers, then  restore the data and programs.

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