I currently have 4 data disks and 1 parity - all 1.5 EARS drives.

The 4th data disk is part of the array, but is empty and has never been written to (as far as I know).

I would like to remove this disk from the array and save it as a precleared disk to be added in case one of the other drive fails.

I would also like to upgrade the parity disk to a 2Tb EARS.

What is the best and safest way to accomplish both of these operations?

 

I was thinking I could:

1. Do a parity check

2. Remove both the 4th data disk and the parity disk and set aside.

3. Install new 2Tb parity disk and rebuild parity - (initconfig command ??)

 

If there was some problem during the process (such as a data disk failure) I could always shut down the array, re-install the original data disk 4 and parity disks and rebuild from there.

 

Does this sound like a valid plan?

Is there a better way to accomplish my goal?

 

I'm using version 4.6

 

your plan is as good as any.

 

To use the removed drive as a"pre-cleared" drive you'll need to pre-clear it again.  The process of assigning and formatting it writes to the disk, and therefore it is no longer pre-cleared.

You're plan is looks right, as I had do something similar to replace a dying parity disk last weekend.  I didn't have a spare disk, but one of my newly assigned data was still empty.  I removed the data and parity disks from the array and was able to re-assign all the other disks after an initconfig.  I'm pretty sure I didn't have to preclear the parity disk again though...the server was ready to go and run the parity check immediately after assigning the disk, even though it was previously assigned in the array.

You're plan is looks right, as I had do something similar to replace a dying parity disk last weekend.  I didn't have a spare disk, but one of my newly assigned data was still empty.  I removed the data and parity disks from the array and was able to re-assign all the other disks after an initconfig.  I'm pretty sure I didn't have to preclear the parity disk again though...the server was ready to go and run the parity check immediately after assigning the disk, even though it was previously assigned in the array.

You are correct, you did not need to preclear your disk... however, he stated he wanted to use the old drive as a "precleared" drive in case of a disk failure.  for that, he'll need to pre-clear it once more.

Thanks guys.