Windows 2003 DC - convert mirror to RAID5 1

[ftldelay]

I have a Windows 2003 Standard domain controller (and also a 2003 std backup DC) and it's currently set up with 2 SCSI 36GB drives mirrored. I'm down to about 1.5GB of space and want to add more space by converting it over to a RAID5 with 3 - 36GB drives. What would be the easiest way of doing this with minimal downtime? Along with being a DC, it's our print server, McAfee update server (talks to corporate McAfee server), and local WSUS server. It's an HP Proliant DL380 (G3), if that makes any difference. Thanks!

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

Add another 36GB drive and then use HP's Array Configuration Utility to convert your current RAID 1 to RAID 5 It can be done with no down time, but it will take a while.

 

[ftldelay]

Thank you for your quick response. Have you done this before? I've added drives to existing RAID5 configs using the HP Array Config Utility, but haven't tried changing to a different RAID configuration. Let's just say I have cautious skepticism... Thanks again!

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

Yes I have. It works fine. It does take a while to convert, but it is reliable.

When you click ont he Parallel SCSI Array, and choose Expand Array, it will bring up the box to check for the new drive. Then when you click OK, it will give you a nice pop up about;
"An even number of phyisical drives is required for this array because one or more logical drives with a fault tolerance of Raid 1+0 HOWEVER, you can migrate all Raid 1+0 logical drives on this array to Raid 5. Press OK to migrate all Raid 1+0 logical drives to Raid 5"

Go with that!

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

Perform a backup first as always.

 

[ftldelay]

Thanks a lot for being so detailed in your responses - that really helps a lot.