HDDs in a server

[Chuckster]

I have 3 HDDs in a HP ML350 G5 in a RAID 5 setup and was wondering if I pulled all three out (whilst server is switched off) and reinserted them back in again in the order that they were pulled out in, would the server rebuild them or will it leave the HDDs alone as they are?

 

The reason I ask is, is because I want to stick in 2 HDDs and RAID them as 0+1 and then reinsert the other HDDs back in. Just wondering if this is safe to do so.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Michael]

Yes this is perfectly safe to do.

[dyoung5]

I don't understand why you need to remove the drives that are in there. You should be able to put the new drives in and create an array without affecting the current disks. Have I go the wrong end of the stick?

 

 

David

[steveg]

I was a bit confused as well, not sure what you want to achieve?

 

Also you can't have 2 drives in a Raid 0 + 1 array, that needs a minimum of 4 drives.

 

Steve

[Michael]

I'm wondering if it's a physical problem, requiring to install new drives (for a seperate array) then re-insert the other drives for the existing array. You're right though RAID 0+1 requires four physical drives. RAID1 would be the best option for two physical drives.

[Chuckster]

I've been told by my NM to go visit this primary school to install an OS for them and nothing more. I figured if I take out the current HDDs I have in the server and put in theirs, I could create the RAID1+0, install the OS and when I go to visit the primary school I could simply insert their HDDs into the server and leave them to it.

 

I realised I got my RAID setup the wrong way. Sorry for the confusion earlier.

Edited November 23, 2009 by Chuckster

[dyoung5]

I think I understand. You want to use one of your servers to pre-install the OS and then take the HDDs to the primary and just insert them and fire it up right?

 

This could present a lot of problems. Are the servers identical? What RAID controllers do they have?

 

Regards,

 

David

[Chuckster]

Yeah, that's right. They use the HP RAID controller. Has a the number 400 in it. My boss brought the server (one for my school and one for the primary) so I'm assuming everything should be identical. If not, I don't mind rebuilding the RAID and reinstalling the OS again. I just hope the technican there doesn't bang on about MILFs this time.

[dyoung5]

In that case, I would suggest that you don't activate Windows before you put it in the new server, and run Sysprep before you remove the disks from your server.

 

The HP controllers should be able to detect that you are connecting disks that already have an array setup.