How do I add drives to a RAID 5 Array?

[cdjmh]

I have a DEll 2500 server with a 1x6 backplane. It currently has 4 36GB drives running RAID 5. I want to add two additional 36GB drives, but I am not sure how to proceed. Does anyone know of a technical support article or something similar that will provide instructions?
Thanks in advance.

 

[galileo3000]

You cannot dynamically expand a scsi array. Once an array (virtual disk) is defined, the configuration is set. In order to add additional drives, you need to delete the container (virtual disk) and recreate it with the new drives included in the container (virtual disk). This is because of the technical specifications and limitations of SCSI.

 

[NickFerrar]

Uh?

You can add to a RAID 5 set, I've done so many times - using the card firmware-level software (might be able to do it through FAST or OpenManage software to just never tried it). Once you add it to the set it takes a while to build it in to the array, once that's done you need to create a volume set in Windows (assuming the RAID array contains your C: drive and isn't set as a dynamic disk).

 

[ChuckCraig]

Yes, you can do it through the bios or through DOMDA (Dell open manage disk adminstrator) create a new partition or use partition magic or equiv to extend a current partition.... BTW you should always use simple partitions with a RAID controler.