Compaq Smart Array 431, how to expand partition?

[sm8000]

My boss is worried that the Smart Array 431 won't support a resize of the array. The server in question has a three-drive RAID 5 array, plus a spare. These were 18GB drives, they're now 36. It's in a ProLiant server, can't remember which model.

I put the last drive in today, let it rebuild, what does one do to make use of this extra available disk space, both at the controller and OS level?

EDIT: Forgot to mention the OS is Windows 2000 Server, I think.

[Midknyte]

I've never tried to resize an array. I don't remember seeing that option in any system, and we just installed a brand new IBM x3650 with RAID5 SAS drives. If the option isn't in that server, then I highly doubt it exists in yours.

When you replace and resync drives, the array is expecting them to be exact replacements. Anything larger will be treated like the original size drive. you'd need to create a new array with the larger drives.

how are you backing up the server? You could make a backup image (tape, usb external, etc), create a new array, then restore the backup. This is a good way to test that your backups are working properly also.

Depending on the backup software, you can resize the partitions during the restore. Otherwise, you can just create a new partition from the extra unallocated space.

[sm8000]

It's at a client's site. Pretty sure it's a tape backup, that's what he usually uses. He's probably going to go the image/restore route. A shame though as the client will have some downtime - this is their PDC.

[BipolarBill]

I'd bet that Partition Magic can handle this - while Windows is running.

It really shouldn't matter how the drives are connected. Windows sees one drive, sends the command and the controller does the translations.

Back up the system "in case" and give PM a try.

[sm8000]

PM is what he's thinking too.

[BipolarBill]

I have never seen PM fail. The worst that can happen is that you are forced to load DOS drivers for the array on the bootable floppies. Most times the resizing is done while still in Windows.

[Midknyte]

Partition Magic can resize partitions, but not the RAID array itself. That must be done via RAID BIOS. Moreover, Partition Magic doesn't support server OS.
http://www.symantec.com/norton/partitionmagic

I'd use Acronis Disk Director Server, but it's not cheap.

You could try Swissknife.
http://www.compuapps.com/download/Swissknife/swissknife.htm

[Sterling_Aug]

I would just backup the data, resize the array, then restore the data.

With this much work, he should have upgraded to much bigger drives instead of only 18GB per disk.