Reassigning the second Parity Drive as a Data drive

[hardw1red]

Hey, my setup has 2 parity drives, I want to reassign the smaller one as a data drive.

 

Followed the below instructions :

 

1. Stop the array

2. Select Tools >> New Config >> Keep Pool assignments for ease

3. Unassign the smaller parity drive

4. Assign the drive from step 3 to a Data drive slot

5. Start the Array

6. Wait for the Format to complete

 

At this point I am at step 4 and I'm facing the attached image. Do I continue with step 5?

 

Thanks.

[JorgeB]

You didn't need to do a new config, that will require re-syncing parity instead of clearing the new disk, but it will work, and if that's what you prefer you can continue.

[hardw1red]

Appreciate the quick reply.

 

For reference's sake, what would be the optimal way of doing this?

 

Also, since the new Data drive used to be a Parity drive would it need to be Precleared again?

Edited April 7, 2023 by hardw1red

[JorgeB]

To keep parity in sync you could instead:

-unassign parity2

-start array/stop array

-assign old parity2 to a data disk slot

-start array, disk will be cleared (no need to preclear) but array will be usable, when clear finishes format the disk and it will be ready for use.

[itimpi]

1 hour ago, hardw1red said:

since the new Data drive used to be a Parity drive would it need to be Precleared again?

You never NEED to pre-clear a drive unless you want to stress test it.    Unraid will Clear it (if necessary) when you add the drive.    The Clear operation is faster than pre-clear (albeit still non-trivial elapsed time).