Hello Everybody.

 

Just a quick question (couldn't find the answer by searching the forum):

 

After running out of space in my current server case, and slowly upgrading to larger and larger drives, I've decided to just start a new (2nd) unRaid server. Can I start a new unRaid server with data already on drives and just move them over to the new computer, or do I need to start with empty (probably pre-clreared) drives and move the data with either Win10 or Midnight Commander? (or a good xfs command).

 

I understand that I'll need to run the New Config Utility (and run a new Parity Check) on the first server, to shrink it. Would that same theory work on the 2nd server, to grow it? Its been I long time (v.4.?) since I started a new unRaid system.

 

BTW I already have a spare unRAID Pro Registration Key.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Michael

A couple of questions for you.  Do you plan to move all your data drives over to the new server at once, or just a few of them?  Also, are you still running unRAID 5 (in your signature) or have you upgraded to 6?

First thing!  Running the New Config utility does NOT move data from the drives that you remove.  (Someone just lost some data not realizing that!) 

 

Here is a link to the the section of the Official Doc's which discusses Storage Management:

 

    http://lime-technology.com/wiki/index.php/UnRAID_6_2/Storage_Management

 

I am assuming you are now running version 6.X.X  as that is where you have posted.  I would suggest reading through it and (hopefully) it will provide you with a step-by-step sequence.  Oh, and don't forget to turn 'Help' on in the GUI...

That was a bit embarrassing. I hadn't noticed that my signature was so out of date. Sorry.

 

My plan was to pull two of four drives from Server #1 (dual Parity). Run New Config. Run Parity Check.

Meanwhile, insert those drives into Server #2 (also with dual parity). Run New Config and Parity Check on Server #2 (avoiding the disk clearing phases, the drive formatting, and the moving of data across the network).

Repeat for the remaining two of four drives from Server #1

 

It seems that would be a little less time. But neither this idea, nor the traditional way of just starting Server #2 with fresh (but used) drives, is going to be exactly quick. Of course, that is if it even works.

 

I guess Plan #2 would be to just set up Server #2 with a bunch of spare drives, move 24TB of data over the network, then shrink Server #1 two drives at a time (running New Config and Parity Check each time).

 

@Frank1940

Thank you for mentioning your warning. While I was aware of your concern, someone else, searching the forum might have misunderstood. I know that I've been that person before. Often.

That was a bit embarrassing. I hadn't noticed that my signature was so out of date. Sorry.

<<< snip >>>

 

  You were not the only one who has been posting in this thread.  (LimeTech has been releasing updates so fast that I can't seem to keep everything current.  That reminds me--- about time for another backup of both flash drives...)

I'm not sure I understand your goal of moving two disks at a time.  Are you trying to keep all your data "up" and available on Server #1 while Server #2 is being built out?  If so, you can't do a new config since a new config is telling Server #1 to forget about the two disks you just removed.

 

Anyway, if you have two valid unRAID data disks you should be able to plug them into another computer, define parity, and build a new array.  Or, if the new computer already has an unRAID array you should be able to move them over and do a new config on Server #2 which will result in a parity sync and a new array that includes the two disks you just moved.

 

HUGE CAVEAT - your data is not protected by parity while the initial parity sync is underway.  And, if you mistakenly assign one of those data disks as parity it will be overwritten resulting in data loss.  You should have backups of your irreplaceable data before starting this.

 

At any rate, if Server #2 is built, why not just move all the data drives over from Server #1 and then either define parity or do a new config (if Server #2 already has an array on it)?  Unless I'm missing something it seems like you can do this with a single move.