Redefining Space in an Array

^{IBM-AUSTRIA - PC-HW-Support 30 Aug 1999}

Redefining Space in an Array

Redefining Space in an Array

You can redefine space in a disk array in a number of ways. For example, you can combine a number of small logical drives to create a larger one, or you can redefine the existing logical drive into several smaller drives. Also, you can install additional hard disk drives and create a larger logical drive than was possible with the existing storage capacity.

One method to redefine space in an array is to change the RAID level assigned to a logical drive. For example, if you assigned RAID level 1 to a logical drive and then decided you needed the capacity offered with RAID level 5, you can use this procedure to replace the existing logical drive with a logical drive assigned the new RAID level.

To redefine the space in a disk array, first you must delete the array. The last disk array defined must be the first deleted. In all cases, when you delete an array, all the data and programs in the array are lost.

If you have data and programs that you want to save, they must be backed up and then restored. You might want to use a high-speed backup device, such as a tape drive, to backup large amounts of data.

To redefine the space in an array:

Back up all data and programs in the array.
If needed, install additional hard disk drives.
Refer to the User’s Reference for information about selecting drive sizes.
In all cases, when you delete an array, all the data and programs in the array are lost.
Insert the IBM SCSI-2 Fast/Wide PCI-Bus Adapter Configuration Option Diskette into the primary diskette drive, then press Ctrl+Alt+Del to start the RAID configuration program.
Select Start RAID Configuration Program from the PC DOS start-up menu, the Main Menu appears.
Delete the existing array:
1. Select Create/delete array from the Main Menu. The Create/Delete Array menu will disappear.
2. Select Delete disk array. The cursor will be active in the Bay/Array list.
3. Review the Logical Drive List Date Created column, then press the Up Arrow ( ) key or the Down Arrow ( ) key to highlight the most recently defined array.
  NOTE: You must delete disk arrays in descending order, the last one created must be the first one deleted.
4. Press Del. The Confirm pop-up window appears.
  All the data in the array will be lost during this procedure. Be sure to back up all data and programs that you want to save.
5. If you do not want to delete the array, select No. To delete the array, select Yes.
  NOTE: To use the hard disks from the existing array when creating a new array, you must confirm the deletion of the existing array. After you make your selection, the Confirm pop-up window will disappear, and the cursor will be active in the menu.
If you want to define a hot spare drive, refer to 'Defining a Hot-Spare Drive' for step-by-step instructions.
Create a new disk array and define logical drives.
See 'Creating a Disk Array' for instructions on creating a disk array and defining logical drives.
After you have established the new array and logical drive or drives, select Initialize/synchronize array from the Main Menu, then select Initialize logical drive to prepare the drives in the array to receive data. This sets the drive to a predetermined state. Any data existing in the drive is overwritten with zeros, and corresponding parity is initialized to the proper value.
Insert a 3.5-inch formatted diskette in the primary diskette drive, select Advanced functions from the Main Menu, then select Backup config. to diskette. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Exit the RAID configuration program by pressing Esc or selecting Exit from the Main Menu. A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm your action.
Reinstall the operating system and device drivers, then restore the data and programs.

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