So here's a question. I've reached 'capacity' drive wise of my un-raid using 500gb drives. I'd like to reclaim some of drives that I've used and upgrade to bigger overall drives. What I plan to do is replace the 1 500 parity with a 1TB, Then slot 2 with a 1 TB, then slot 3, with a 1TB. That should give me 1000gb overhead. Now what I'd like to also do is reclaim 2 additional 500gb drives so I can build a separate array (thus I need them all at the same time). I assume what I would do in this case, is:

1) Upgrade my software to 4.3

2) Copy the Disk 4 contents from the user shares into that of disk 2 (which should show up properly under 4.3)

3) Pull Disk 4 and run a parity sync

4) Copy Disk 5 contents from user shares into that of disk 3

5) Pull Disk 5 and run a parity sync.

 

The end result being 5 drives in hand, same capacity, and two open slots.

 

Am I missing something?

have unraid rebuild the files on the open space of another drive, and then do the same for slot 5? The end result being 5 drives in hand, same capacity, and two open slots.

 

Unraid would not rebuild the files of a drive based on open space of another drive.

You would replace the three drives, 1 at a time,

1. Stop array, Replace Parity, start array, rebuild parity onto new expanded drive. wait till complete

2. Stop array, Replace data 1 drive, start array, Rebuild, Data 1, wait till complete.

3. Stop array, Replace data 2 drive, start array, Rebuild  Data 2. wait till complete.

 

Then after all is rebuilt,

MOVE the data files from drive 4 to free space.

MOVE the data files from drive 5 to free space.

 

After you are satisfied all data is where it should be, then you can unassign drive 4 and 5 and rebuild parity once more.

 

Some one correct me if I missed a step, I've never gone through the process this way.

That will take forever - and put your array at risk for several drive rebuild steps.

 

I'd recommend something a bit different.  You said that you were planning to set up another array.  This technique assumes that you have the second array hardware ready to go.  If not, post back and I'll suggest another way to proceed.  This does not require a second unRAID license (it only needs a basic (free) setup).

 

Make sure to record the serial numbers of the drives so that when you pull them out of the computer, you'll know which is which!!

 

0.  Disable user shares.

 

1.  The first step is to run a parity check on your current array.  There are a number of reasons to do this. Ask and I will elaborate.  But do this before you do anything else.

 

2.  Next, set up your second array.  Disable user shares.  Install 2 1TB data drives - but do not install parity (you can physically install the drive, just don't assign it as parity yet).  Copy data over the network from the drives you want to pull from the array onto the 2 1TB drives.  It should copy pretty fast (~45 MB/sec) because you have no parity on the new array.

 

3.  (optional) Assign the 3rd 1TB drive as parity, start the array, and have it rebuild parity.  Then do a parity check.  This will help you gain confidence in the 1TB drives.  I'd run smartctl before and after these operations and see if there are any problems with the drives.  After you convince yourself that the disks are good, unassign the parity drive.

 

4.  Physically move the disks to their final configurations.  You should have your 3 1TB drives in the same computer, along with the 500GB drives that you want to stay in the array.  Assign the 2 1TB and the 500GB drives that will remain in the array to their disk slots.  Finally assign the 1Tb parity drive.  This is a very imporant step and double checking the serial numbers is very important.  Don't assign the wrong drive as parity.  That is deadly!  Check the main page and ensure that all the disks are formatted.  If you see anything that indicates that a drive is unformatted you have a problem.  DO NOT START THE ARRAY IF DRIVES ARE SHOWING AS UNFORMATTED!

 

5.  Start the array.  Parity will be built on the 1TB drive.  Afterwards, do a final parity check to ensure that all is well.

 

6.  Turn user shares back on.

 

 

In true programmer fashion.

 

A step 0.