Is it possible to downsize an array, or are we just really talking about doing a new config with less disks? I do have docker installed and a single windows VM, is there a way to remove disks from the array without blowing it away?

You always have to do a new config, there's a way of keeping parity valid by writing zeros to the disk, but array has to be offline during that period.

So if I do a new config, am I going to lose my docker image and VM setup?

 

 

Only if they are on the disk you're removing.

The technique Johnnie mentioned r.e. keeping parity valid still requires a New Config -- it simply lets you do that without ever running "at risk".    The process is to (a) write all zeroes to the disk you want to remove (clearly you should first move any content you want to keep off of that disk);  and then (b) do a New Config without that disk and with the "Parity is already valid" box checked.    Writing zeroes to the disk requires a single Linux command line -- I don't recall exactly what that is but a search of the forum should find it (Johnnie may know what the command is).

 

I don't mind if it wants to do another parity sync and no the disks I want to remove do not contain the docker image or vm info.

Then just do a new config without the disk(s) you want to remove. And of course make sure you don't accidentally assign a data drive to the parity slot.

Thanks Trurl, that is what I'll do.