Changing data disk to parity

[idealpink]

Hi,

 

I have two disks in an array without parity. I'd like to move the second disk in the array to act as a parity disk instead. As far as I can tell it should have no data on it (says 1% utilization). Is there some sort of operation that can migrate the data if there are any? How do I actually go about changing it from a data disk to parity?

 

I tried spinning down the array and just moving it but it warned med that the disk would be missing, which I guess is no surprise.

[JorgeB]

1 hour ago, idealpink said:

Is there some sort of operation that can migrate the data if there are any?

You can use Unbalance, but first you can explore the disk to see if there's tactfully any data there.

 

1 hour ago, idealpink said:

How do I actually go about changing it from a data disk to parity?

Tools -> New config then re-assign the disk as parity and start the array to begin a parity sync, the data on the remaining data disk won't be touched.

 

[idealpink]

11 minutes ago, JorgeB said:

You can use Unbalance, but first you can explore the disk to see if there's tactfully any data there.

 

Tools -> New config then re-assign the disk as parity and start the array to begin a parity sync, the data on the remaining data disk won't be touched.

 

 

Thank you! I checked the drive and it was completely empty.

Worked as a charm and it's fixing the parity now. 👍🏻

 

Very new to Unraid so I can't find my way around everything just yet. Thanks again for the help.

[GeorgeJetson20]

I have several disks in my array, i went to add another 14tb drive as parity 2, but i added it as a data drive (it's already cleared and online).   When i change to assigned.   It says disk missing.   How can i remove it and make it my 2nd parity disk without causing any problems.   I looked at New Config but i want to be absolutely sure how to do this before i cause a problem with the rest of the array.

[ChatNoir]

6 hours ago, GeorgeJetson20 said:

I have several disks in my array, i went to add another 14tb drive as parity 2, but i added it as a data drive (it's already cleared and online).   When i change to assigned.   It says disk missing.   How can i remove it and make it my 2nd parity disk without causing any problems.   I looked at New Config but i want to be absolutely sure how to do this before i cause a problem with the rest of the array.

If you already have a Parity drive and you want to use one of your Data drive as Parity2, then your situation is different than the OP.

You should open a new thread with details and your diagnostics.

[HappyFrogTower]

On 12/19/2021 at 6:08 AM, JorgeB said:

You can use Unbalance, but first you can explore the disk to see if there's tactfully any data there.

 

Tools -> New config then re-assign the disk as parity and start the array to begin a parity sync, the data on the remaining data disk won't be touched.

 

I know this is an old thread, but think this is the correct place, without opening  a new thread.  

I have Parity 12 TB

Disk 1 12 TB (I used MC to move the few directories adn files to Disk 4, the are there and seem okay- then deleted the date from Disk 1)

Disk 2- 5 are 4 TB drives and likely will add more down the road.

 

Question- If Disk 1 is all cleared (only ISO directory is left on that Disk), how would I then turn that into my 2nd Parity.  Do I simply to Tools>New Config stop the array, and change that Disk 1 to a Parity Drive?  Or is it more complicated than that?  If so, what would be the steps?  Hope I provided enough information.  

 

[JorgeB]

5 hours ago, HappyFrogTower said:

Do I simply to Tools>New Config stop the array, and change that Disk 1 to a Parity Drive?

That will work, parity will need to be re-synced.

[HappyFrogTower]

Did New config, ran that, stopped the array, moved the Disk 1 to Parity Drive, but now showing this:

 

[itimpi]

Looks like you may have done something wrong with the New Config - did you hit the Apply button?

 

You should have been able to switch the disk1 to the parity slot immediately after you ran New Config.

[JorgeB]

New config wasn't done correctly, like mentioned make sure you click apply.

[HappyFrogTower]

Yeah... probably would be smart to use the correct Tool.. I was using Docker Safe New Permissions - had that in my head for something else I was working on.  Trying  correct tool now.  

 

[HappyFrogTower]

I need to ensure I select all once I move Disk 1 to Parity... and on the New Config Tool,  "Preserve current assignments"  I should likely select All?  

[JorgeB]

You can preserve all, then do the changes.

[HappyFrogTower]

Thank you all.... Parity Sync in progress.  looks like all my dat is on the other disks.  Appreciate you!