RAID after Server OS installed

[georgenoise]

I'm pretty sure I already know the answer but I wanted to have a second opinion. I'm taking over a job setting up a server, the previous tech installed S2012, setup DNS, DHCP, AD, and did the basic configuration of them, created a few users. One thing he forgot to do was to configure the RAID Array. I've never had to but it is my understanding that if I run the RAID setup after the OS is installed I'm going to need to either take an image of the server before I configure the RAID and reapply it when done or completely reinstall and configure the OS after the RAID configuration. I'd just like to get verification before I spend the time imaging and what not. Thanks.

 

[lcoughey]

You definitely don't want to do anything without getting a full working backup of the drive, just in case things go wrong. You didn't mention if this was a hardware or software RAID and which RAID type you want to convert it to.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Depends on the hardware. Some of the better RAID controllers allow an Online RAID migration...from no RAID to RAID 1 for example. Or you can take a RAID 1 and migrate it to RAID 5....online.

So...check your servers (and RAID controllers) documentation first...before taking one of the alternative routes...before taking an image and going through the restore process.

(yes of course take a full backup before you do anything...this goes without saying).

 

[TAPtech]

What type of server is this and what RAID card does it have?

 

[georgenoise]

Sorry forgot to include that but its a PowerEdge 530 with the Perc H730 mini

 

[TAPtech]

according to this the PERC H730 does online RAID level migration:

http://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/...ments/Dell-PowerEdge-RAID-Controller-H730.pdf

 

[georgenoise]

according to this the PERC H730 does online RAID level migration:

http://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/...ments/Dell-PowerEdge-RAID-Controller-H730.pdf

I was looking at that last night before you posted it. I was trying to find more information on it as I've never had to do it. Thanks either way though. Guess I'll find out soon enough how well it works.

 

[NETWizz]

Most quality severs let you convert. I know the Dell Power-Edge Raid Controllers let me convert the RAID type with ease last year. Pretty sure it would let you construct a new RAID no problems... It would be helpful if everything is already booting from the option ROM and you have a current RAID of one (1) disk.

 

[TAPtech]

check on youtube!