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Just added two more drives to a 4 drives RAID 1+0 array on my ML350 G6+SA P410i+FBWC. I also have to add an expander card (yes, I should have begun with it :/ ) but the array expansion takes a long time.

  • So, I'm wondering if I can halt the server to plug the board and have the transformation continue upon restart?
  • Can a server be rebooted while an array transformation?
  • Could the addition of the expander board mess the array configuration if added while the array is transforming?
longneck
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Silopolis
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    I can't tell you for certain, but I can say that I rebooted a server once while in a "rebuilding" phase and it had only lost a single drive in a RAID 10 (so not full loss of the array). Next thing I knew I was restoring from backup because the controller got confused and lost the array completely. So if it were me I'd simply wait. – TheCleaner Jul 22 '13 at 16:04
  • @TheCleaner thank you for your lightning fast answer... and indeed it seems safer to wait ! – Silopolis Jul 22 '13 at 16:08

2 Answers2

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You can reboot under normal conditions... you shouldn't for the reason you plan to, though. Changing the port order (which the HP expander card will do) is risky mid-transformation.

Wait for the array transformation and make your changes once everything is settled.

ewwhite
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I really wouldn't - when I first read your question I thought you meant could you reboot the OS midway through the operation and the answer to that is yes - but I really wouldn't power off the server mid-operation at all sorry, you really could kill the array.

Chopper3
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