DL580 embedded smart controller 1

[stonetown]

We have a few DL580 shipped with embedded controllers controlling 2x 9Gb (mirrored, system) and 2x 18 Gb (mirrored, data), running SmartStart5.1 Question is this: Is it possible to re-build server OS (NT4) without destroying 18 Gb partition, ACU just wants to destroy and recreate both partitions when booting with SmartStart CD??

 

[Sunny79]

Yes that is possible, because the 18GB is just formatted space with data on it. If you have an OS which is formatted similarly then there is no problem to see the additional data which has been formatted the same.
So, to answer your question yes you can rebuild the OS without a problem to the 18 GB partiton of Data.

 

[stonetown]

Thanks Sunny, the problem is related to the SmartStart setup from boot. Building NT from the NT disk would be OK as you can choose which partitions to format/install to/destroy etc. But when using SmartStart the Compaq Array Configuration Utility (ACU) doesn't seem to give me the option of retaining the 18Gb mirrored partition.

Using a non-embedded controller card will give the option, but we haven't got any spare at the moment.

 

[Sunny79]

Hi again,
Go ahead and pull the other 18.2GB harddrives out of the server and only leave the OS drives inside. Run the system erase and do the whole operating system install. once youre done installing the OS reinstall the 18.2GB data drives back in and in the OS run the ACU, you should see the 18GB drives automatically show the logical drive without you having to do anything because the raid information is saved in the RIS sector of the harddrives. Press Controller and Save Configuration and exit out. You should now see your new logical drive also and see all your information.
The best way to do it though would be to backup all the data too and install the OS from scratch and once at the OS restore the backup information.
Good Luck. I hope this helps.

 

[stonetown]

Thanks Sunny, that cleared that one up nicely.