Question : Problem: HP Proliant DL380 G4, Smart Array 6i -- running Windows 2k3 Server as a Fileserver.   How do we configure so that we can expand array and data partition as needed?

Hi!

We have a DL380 G4 to be used as a fileserver.  It came with a Smart Array Controller 6i (version 2.58) and 4 x 300gb 10k HDDs, set in a RAID5 array with 1 hot-swap HDD.  



The remaining 600gb of useable space recognized by Windows Server 2003 will be split amongst a 10gb C partition - and the rest will be for a seperate partition used for storage (user home folders/profiles and public network shares).

My question is this:

We will most definitely need to expand the array within 1-2 years to allow for more storage space.  

1: How will we do this?  

2: How should we configure the system to allow this to be as seamless and safe as possible?  Ideally, I would like to avoid having to mount folders into the existing datastorage partition in order to utilize the new space (in other words, I want to EXPAND the RAID5 array and also EXPAND the data partition within Windows).

Thanks in advance.

Please let me know if other information is needed in order to facilitate answering our question.

Answer : Problem: HP Proliant DL380 G4, Smart Array 6i -- running Windows 2k3 Server as a Fileserver.   How do we configure so that we can expand array and data partition as needed?

The smartarray controller's firmware/utility software allows you to expand an array easily, if you have setup the partition as dynamic, you can use diskpart to extend an existing partition on the fly. Otherwise you can use 3rd party tools like diskdirector suite from acronis or bootit-ng to enlarge the partition. Of course you still need a good backup before attempting anything like that!

http://acronis.com
http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/