Question : Problem: Raid 5 w/SmartArray 5 - Win2K Extend Volume?

Hi All,

   I checked a bit around for some answers but I'm seeing small variances that make me want to post a fresh question.  I am looking to increase the size of a partition on an existing raid 5 array with 2 partitions.  I have the following in place:

HP DL380 G3
Compaq Smart Array 5 Controller
     *Pre-configured for 1 array (RAID 5)
Windows 2000 Server SP4
Disk0 with 2 partitions:
   *C - Boot
   *E - DATA

I've got two bays free - I want to add similar drives and extend E to the max.  Assume 72GB drives.

I'm thinking this, but I'm concerned about  timelines and steps:

1. Power off server - 5 min
2. Install both new drives - 1 min.
3. Boot up, get into BIOS-level raid controller config. - 2 mins.
4. Add new drives to existing RAID 5 config/array. (Is there a length of time for this to happen?  I'm seeing people take hours for this part.  Not sure if there is re-distro of data that is time consuming here.  
5. Boot into Windows 2000 Server - 5 min.
6. Go to disk management and use EXTEND DISK feature.  (Is this another time-consuming event?  Is the system "useable" during this period or is the disk off-line for it?)

Any help would be appreciated.

-A

Answer : Problem: Raid 5 w/SmartArray 5 - Win2K Extend Volume?

A- You do not need to do this offline.  The drives can be hot plugged in, then with the ACU software in Windows, do a rescan, you should find the two new drives.  Add them to the RAID5 array.  This is all done on-line, you will only get a little bit of a server slow down, nut much.  When the RAID 5 is done, extend the logical drive, then from windows Disk Management, do a rescan.  Now use DISKPART to extend the file-system

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325590

and your done, without even taking down the server...