[johnyew]

Dear sirs,

Here is the server specifications,(not built by me, already in place when I joined 6 months ago)

Pentium4 2.8G
1G RAM
Microsoft Small Business Server 2000

There are 5 SCSI HDDs(all IBM 18G) connected together using an Adaptec 29160N PCI SCSI card in the following config,

Disk 0 and 1 - Mirror - OS/Programs
Disk 2,3 and 4 - Raid5 - data

I can't perform a complete reinstallation. That's my limitation

The main reason for the upgrade is to increase capacity. As it is, there are 10Gs left in C: and 18Gs in D:.

Is it possible to replace all 5 with 146G SCSI HDD while retaining the OS and data on the old array?

I'm neither a sys admin nor full fledged tech support. Just a basic/intermediate DIYer. I'm the only guy in engineering and tasked with the upgrade. I hope somebody is able to help me out with this upgrade.
Thank you.

Any help or information is deeply appreciated.

[Xaotic]

Yes, it's possible, though a bit complex.

Here's a generally safe method, though some steps are a bit generic.

Backup and reinstall is your safest and best bet. Given that you can't reinstall, back up the data on the RAID-5 to IDE first. This allows free connectors to work from. The best way is something that you will be needing in any event, a disk imaging utility. I prefer Drive Image, though Acronis True Image is excellent as well. Either allows live disk imaging(with Windows running).

First, use the utility to image the data from the data array to a backup disk. Large IDE drives will normally work well and can be hooked to the onboard controller. After backing up these disks, shutdown and pull drives 2, 3 and 4. Store them in antistatic bags in a ver safe location.

Next, install 1 of the 146GB drives with a free SCSI ID jumpered and boot to Windows. Use the utility to image the OS array to this disk.

Shutdown and pull drives 1 and 2 and store as above. Reconfigure the 146GB drive to SCSI ID 0(default bootable on the card). Add another 146GB drive jumpered as 1. Start Windows.

Once booted, configure the 2 disks as dynamic disks in diskmgmt.msc and establish your mirror. Wait for synch...

Once synched, shut down and install the other three drives. Return to diskmgmt and configure as dynamic disks with RAID-5.

Finally, restore the data from the backup on the IDE drive.

Important notes, since the original configuration has not changed on the original disks, it will be a current backup and can be reverted to in case of problems. Note all configuration and system settings prior to beginning and preferrably back everything up to other media before starting. I prefer 2 known good backups in addition to the original disks, which is a good practice to start(always store one safely offsite and in a secure location)

Good Luck!

[johnyew]

Xaotic,

The specs of the SCSI card lists a maximum of 15 devices.

Can I hook up 3 new HDDs to the chain, create a new Raid5 array, copy the data from the previous R5 array to the new one and then reaassign the drive letter to the new array?

Also, i have Norton Ghost installed on the server. Are their backup/imaging utilities up to the task?

Thank you for your reply. It is deeply appreciated.

[Xaotic]

Originally Posted by johnyew

Xaotic,

The specs of the SCSI card lists a maximum of 15 devices.

Can I hook up 3 new HDDs to the chain, create a new Raid5 array, copy the data from the previous R5 array to the new one and then reaassign the drive letter to the new array?

Yes, provided you have sufficient connectors, molex and a large enough power supply to feed that many drives. The spec is generally intended for SCA hot swap enclosures with dedicated power supplies. Most 68 pin cables do not have enough connectors to do this directly on a single channel card. Internal SCA bays are usually also not numerous enough to do this as well.

Originally Posted by johnyew

Also, i have Norton Ghost installed on the server. Are their backup/imaging utilities up to the task?

Most earlier versions of ghost relied on a boot to DOS environment to do their copy process. This led to issues both with NTFS reads and writes and also Dynamic Volume support. You have both issues to contend with... I'm not sure whether the current version uses the same methodology, but check with Symantec. The Dynamic Volume issue is the real killer. It very much limits you to imaging in Windows environments. What you need from the imaging application are the ability to image in 32 bit Windows environment, NTFS and dynamic volume support.

[johnyew]

Originally Posted by Xaotic

Important notes, since the original configuration has not changed on the original disks, it will be a current backup and can be reverted to in case of problems. Note all configuration and system settings prior to beginning and preferrably back everything up to other media before starting. I prefer 2 known good backups in addition to the original disks, which is a good practice to start(always store one safely offsite and in a secure location)

Good Luck!

I have already hooked up a IDEHDD using the mobo IDE1. All data has been backed up to it as well as burned to a DVD.

Regarding configuration and system settings, what do i need to look out for?
Are SCSI HDDs numbering hardware or software based?

Thank you for the help so far.

[bing]

One scary thing about DVD disc before you face it, burn it twice aka two copies, and do verify on both too, anyway its cheap & fast right ?

Yeah, screwed my precious data last time, the burnt disc was fine & verified until it was left overnight, the day after that problems !! Bad unreadable sectors !!

[Xaotic]

Originally Posted by johnyew

Regarding configuration and system settings, what do i need to look out for?

Make sure that you know the settings for any mapped or mounted drives, user accounts, special permissions, back up the Active Directory settings if you are using that. Note any special program settings or installation paths, etc.

Originally Posted by johnyew

Are SCSI HDDs numbering hardware or software based?

SCSI ID is set using jumpers on the drives, with the exception of SCA, 80pin, drives which are set by the interface or adapter(when using SCA to 68 pin adapters).