2x4T -> 2x18T Array upgrade questions

[Digital Shamans]

Hi everyone!,

 

I have doubts about the next step when upgrading an array, hence writing this post.

 

My array was comprised of 2x 4TB drives which I desire to replace with 2x 18TB and remove both 4TB from the array.

The setup was such that one 4TB was the Parity disk and the other one was (still is) Disk1.

 

I have precleared 2x 18T and one of them has already swapped with the parity 4TB disk. The array is rebuilt.

 

I wondered whether as the next step should I swap 4TB Disk1 with 18TB, assuming data will be copied from the parity drive. Would it? If I'd swap 4T Disk1 with 18TB, would data be copied from the Parity onto 18TB or would it stay on the 4TB disk and be gone? Because one can't add the disk into the array without erasing it? This also makes it impossible to make offline backups, right?

Regardless, I didn't risk it and added the second 18TB as Disk2. I have effectively 20TB atm.

 

Now I wonder whether I need to copy the data from Disk1 to Disk2 manually. Use a tool or a command/operation in the array configuration.
What would you suggest?
 

Many thanks,

Artur

 

Edited September 17, 2024 by Digital Shamans

[JorgeB]

26 minutes ago, Digital Shamans said:

I wondered whether as the next step should I swap 4TB Disk1 with 18TB, assuming data will be copied from the parity drive. Would it?

Yes, and you can keep the old disk intact for now during the rebuild, if everything goes well you can then add to the array.

 

 

[Digital Shamans]

Rebuild of the parity is done. I wonder whats the next step.

 

[itimpi]

1 hour ago, Digital Shamans said:

Because one can't add the disk into the array without erasing it?

This is only true if adding it to a NEW drive slot.  
 

If replacing a drive then the data is restored to the replacement drive as described here in the online documentation accessible via the ‘Manual’ link at the bottom of the GUI or the DOCS link at the top of each forum page. The Unraid OS->Manual section in particular covers most features of the current Unraid release.

[Digital Shamans]

I have stopped the array and removed the new disk from the array, but Unraid doesn't want to forget it. Keeps emulating it and claiming that array is not protected (which is expected according to the documentation.)

 

My next step was to replace the Disk1 with the new Disk.

I guess I need to force Unraid to forget that disk2 somehow or reinstate this array config in "New Config" (hope not...)?
I keep starting and stopping the array.

 

When attempting to add the new Disk in place of Disk1 I have a wrong configuration.

Edited September 17, 2024 by Digital Shamans

[JorgeB]

9 hours ago, Digital Shamans said:

I have stopped the array and removed the new disk from the array, but Unraid doesn't want to forget it.

What was disk2? If I understood correctly you only mentioned having parity and disk1.

[Digital Shamans]

"Regardless, I didn't risk it and added the second 18TB as Disk2. I have effectively 20TB atm."

Yeah. I am now trying to remove it.

 

[Veah]

Will need to do a New Config to remove the unwanted disk.  Be sure to preserve your cache drives and assign the correct HDDs to their place... Parity and Disk1.  If you mix those up, the parity build will write over your data.