Adding a new HDD to our server

[TomHD]

Hello All,

 

Just a heads up that hardware is probably my weakest area!

 

I have WD WD10EFRX Red 1TB that I have plugged into the server. I can see it in MegaRAID Storage Manager but I have no clue what to do to make it accessible in Windows disk management.

 

Can anyone offer me some assistance please

 

Thanks, TomHD

[adhutton]

I presume it is part of a RAID array?

 

If so, depending on the type of RAID you have on that server, it probably needs to rebuild and become part of the array.

 

That process should start automatically once the new drive is inserted.

 

Andrew

Edited November 3, 2015 by adhutton

[3s-gtech]

You may have the ability in the Windows RAID management utility to expand an existing array using the new disk - never done that myself as I've always built fresh or needed to convert the RAID type when doing it. Have a look in the menus. Otherwise, you may be able to do it in the RAID BIOS.

[TomHD]

Thanks for the responses does it have to be part of the array? Or can it standalone? I ask as this new disk is purely for IT resources, no one else in the school will need access to it.

[3s-gtech]

If it's standalone, much easier. You may need to set it up as an arbitrary 'array' for it to show up in the OS, just accept the defaults (it may want to make it RAID 0 which is fine in this case).

[TomHD]

My only options for the drive in MSM is "Assign Global Hot Spare" or "Assign Dedicated Hot Spare" and I'm guessing I don't want to do this. Do I need to create a new virtual drive from the physical one?

 

Sorry if I'm being thick but don't want to mess this up!

[localzuk]

You would likely need to create a new array, with that single disk as the only disk in it.

[3s-gtech]

Yes, that's correct - create a new virtual drive. Adding a new hot spare is a useful option for the future though!