Raid 1 and Drive Replacement

[Saucer Man]

We currently have (2) 320GB drives set up as Raid 1. The drive is partioned
50GB for the boot partition and the remainder for data. We want to replace
the drives with (2) 500GB ones. We want to replace one and then use the
Intel Raid utility in Windows to rebuild it. When that is complete, we want
to replace the other one and do the same procedure. We would like to end up
with the additional space on the data partition. Will this work?

 

[David B.]

No, when you replace the first one and rebuild the array, the partitions on
the new 500GB drive will be the same size as the 320GB drive, and you'll end
up with 180GB or so of free space. You may be able to use a utility like
partition magic to resize the data partition on the first 500GB drive before
you install the second 500GB drive, or after you install both drives and
rebuild.

 

[Saucer Man]

I was afraid of that. I really didn't want to install Partition Magic on
this box. Is there any other way I can accomplish this task.

No, when you replace the first one and rebuild the array, the partitions
on the new 500GB drive will be the same size as the 320GB drive, and
you'll end up with 180GB or so of free space. You may be able to use a
utility like partition magic to resize the data partition on the first
500GB drive before you install the second 500GB drive, or after you
install both drives and rebuild.

 

[smlunatick]

I was afraid of that.  I really didn't want to install Partition Magic on
this box.  Is there any other way I can accomplish this task.







- Show quoted text -

To resize partitionsm, unfortinately, no you need an utilty such as
Partition Magic, unless your are planning to erase / re-install
Windows completely. XP does not let you resize partitions directly
without using third-party utilities. And RAID controls / drivers do
not manipluate partitions, since that is not their functions.

 

[Bob Willard]

I was afraid of that. I really didn't want to install Partition Magic on
this box. Is there any other way I can accomplish this task.

Sure. Backup your data files, maybe to an external large HD, then
replace that pair of 300GB HDs with a pair of 500GB HDs, then reinstall
XP and the apps, then copy back your data files.

Time consuming, yes; but no need to buy PM or equiv.

 

[smlunatick]

Sure.  Backup your data files, maybe to an external large HD, then
replace that pair of 300GB HDs with a pair of 500GB HDs, then reinstall
XP and the apps, then copy back your data files.

Time consuming, yes; but no need to buy PM or equiv.

Also, this method will clean up your Windows XP files. All "extra"
files that got installed / upgrades will be clean out since you will
be doing a new install and latest updates prior to using it.

 

[Saucer Man]

Also, this method will clean up your Windows XP files. All "extra"
files that got installed / upgrades will be clean out since you will
be doing a new install and latest updates prior to using it.

This is a brand new clean build of XP. Just did it a month ago. We
switched email systems and now need the extra space.

I am now thinking about Ghost. I might be able to Ghost the image, replace
both drives, and then bring the image down. I think when bringing the image
down, Ghost allows me to modify the size of the partition of the logical
drive to take advantage of the space.

 

[David B.]

That should work, that's how I usually do what you want to accomplish.

 

[smlunatick]

That should work, that's how I usually do what you want to accomplish.

--

----
Crosspost, do not multiposthttp://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
How to ask a questionhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
___________________________________________________________________________­______










- Show quoted text -

You should note that Norton now own both Ghost and Partition Magic.
It would seem that they have added their unique "structures" to these
and might have renedered them bloated just like their other softwares.

 

[Saucer Man]

You should note that Norton now own both Ghost and Partition Magic.
It would seem that they have added their unique "structures" to these
and might have renedered them bloated just like their other softwares.

Yea but with Ghost, I don't have to install anything on the box. I run
Ghost from a boot disk so the machine stays clean.

Thanks for all the help!