Convert from Basic to Dynamic Disks to increase partition sizes?

[Guest]

SERVER SPECS
Compaq ML530 G2 w/ 4GB RAM
Compaq Smart Array 642 Controller using RAID 5
Windows 2000 Sever w/ SP4 fully updated
SQL Server Standard 8.00 w/ SP3

This SQL server holds the main database our company depends upon.

We used 3 physical disks using RAID 5 to create 1 logical RAID drive. This
is Basic Disk 0 in Windows. Using Windows Disk Management we partitioned
Basic Disk 0 into 2 drives (C: and E. We now need to increase our drive
sizes.

We have installed another physical disk and added it to the logical RAID
drive. Windows Disk Management now reports the correct amount of unallocated
space on Basic Disk 0. We are now ready to convert the Windows Basic Disk 0
to a dynamic disk with the anticipation of increasing the size of C: and E:.

1) Aside from ensuring a good backup prior to conversion, is there anything
else we should do?
2) Can this basic to dynamic conversion be initiated while the server is in
use?
3) Once Disk 0 is dynamic can we expand the partitions (C: and E while the
server is in use?
4) Will this require a reboot?
5) Can I do this without third party tools?

Thanks to the Microsoft MVPs who are continuosly helping on ALL the various
newsgroups.

 

[Gary Chanson]

SERVER SPECS
Compaq ML530 G2 w/ 4GB RAM
Compaq Smart Array 642 Controller using RAID 5
Windows 2000 Sever w/ SP4 fully updated
SQL Server Standard 8.00 w/ SP3

This SQL server holds the main database our company depends upon.

We used 3 physical disks using RAID 5 to create 1 logical RAID drive. This
is Basic Disk 0 in Windows. Using Windows Disk Management we partitioned
Basic Disk 0 into 2 drives (C: and E. We now need to increase our drive
sizes.

We have installed another physical disk and added it to the logical RAID
drive. Windows Disk Management now reports the correct amount of unallocated
space on Basic Disk 0. We are now ready to convert the Windows Basic Disk 0
to a dynamic disk with the anticipation of increasing the size of C: and E:.

1) Aside from ensuring a good backup prior to conversion, is there anything
else we should do?
No.

2) Can this basic to dynamic conversion be initiated while the server is in

Yes.

3) Once Disk 0 is dynamic can we expand the partitions (C: and E while the
server is in use?

I haven't tried it so I don't know. There could be a period of time
when the drive is locked.

4) Will this require a reboot?

I don't think so.

5) Can I do this without third party tools?

I haven't seen any third party tools which support dynamic disks which
is why I don't recommend this approach. I'd recommend retain the current
setup as basic disks and use third party tools to do the repartitioning.