Question : Problem: RAID 5 problem with array of 4 disks.

I have a Dell PowerEdge 4400 server running Windows NT Server 4.0 and having a Dell PERC 3/Di controller.

This system has two arrays 0 for OS (RAID-1 functioning OK) and 1 for data (RAID-5)

Array 1 is not available and its members have this status:
Array Disk 1:0 Is ready            16.96 GB SCSI Port:1 Target ID:0 LUN:0 Seagate ST318451LC Rev 3
Array Disk 1:1 Is ready       16.96 GB SCSI Port:1 Target ID:1 LUN:0 Quantum ATLAS10K3_18_SCA 120G
Array Disk 1:2 Is Degraded       16.96 GB SCSI Port:1 Target ID:2 LUN:0 Seagate ST318453LC 6E03
Array Disk 1:3 Is Offline       16.96 GB SCSI Port:1 Target ID:3 LUN:0 Seagate ST318451LC 0003
Array Disk 1:4 Is ready       16.96 GB SCSI Port:1 Target ID:4 LUN:0 Seagate ST318203LC 0002

I tried to re-scan the data array and the amsnapin mmc replies with an "Array Manager - An unexpected error has occurred".

I added the 1:4 disk and tried to configure it as spare but the recovery process does not start. I also have replaced the offline drive with this one and the recovery does not start either.

I am concerned about this because I have a drive offline and other degraded. Are those two drives broken?

How can I fix the problem?

Can I run "Remove Orphan/Dead Disk Segments" on Array disk 1:2? And what about the offline?

Any help will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer : Problem: RAID 5 problem with array of 4 disks.

Its worth trying (the array is offline anyway and effectively your data is lost) - use Array Manager to force 1:3 online (right-click on the disc and select Force Online). If the disc comes online - make a backup - QUICK!! You can then try removing and re-inserting 1:2 to see if it rebuilds to that disc.

Try that and let me know how it goes. Your next step depends on what happens...