Disk Rebuilds

[indiegirl]

OK, quick question.

 

Without physically being at the server, how does one know when a disk array- that's set to have the hot spare automatically rebuild when a disk fails- is complete?

 

I want to pull (well, ask someone near the server) the failed disk but without confirmation that my rebuild on the hot spare is complete I'm a bit nervous to.

 

However this is the first time I've had to do this and the first time I've worked with one of these (HP Proliant with a 6400 SCSI Raid controller and the HP array config utility). Any pointers as to how I know when that hot spare has completed the rebuild?

 

(yes I know it would help if I knew where the hot spare was assigned to in the first place...)

 

Any advice appreciated (I'm on my own today and scrabbling for ideas.. so I thought I'd raid (no pun intended) my favourite forum)

[plexer]

If the disk has failed surely you can pull it at anytime as it will rebuild the array with the hot spare from the info on the other disks.

 

Ben

[indiegirl]

It's a nerve thing... I'm not keen on doing it without the assurance that the spare's built.

 

Think I've found my answer though - the HP array config reports that the rebuild is still in process!! That's 36hrs since it was started... methinks I have a problem...

[wil0]

how big is the drive your rebuilding? it might just be scanning the integrety, if its under load from users, it could take longer too...

have you replaced the broken drive yet?

[leon]

I agree with Ben. If you're using raid 5 then the drive will be rebuilt using the parity information on the other disks. Raid 1 will just clone the drive from it's mirror. The failed disk isn't a factor. 36 hours seems excessive though. :?

[plexer]

If the array is still be accessed by users then it will take longer.

 

The failed disk has failed it is no longer part of the equation.

 

Ben