Compaq Proliant Raid Array Howto

Introduction

WORK IN PROGRESS

This HOWTO should provide help for anyone using Compaq Proliant Server that uses the compaq removabale drives (usually 2 or more of these bays in a server or between 7 and 14 in a raid array rack mount).

Will contain subsections for installing for the first time, installing the array if you already use it as an scsi device (without data loss - nice n easy when ya have a cluster) and also replacing a drive on a fail and testing.

Requirements

• Comaq Proliant Server
  • Sort of goes without saying
• Compaq Smart Start CD
  • Versions from 5.1 onwards (Smart Start is backward compatable with previous versions at the time of writing)

limitations

Only Raid 0, Raid 1 and Raid 5 will be discussed in this HOWTO

Please note that data recovery only happens in Raid 1 and Raid 5. The unlikely event of 2 drives failing at the same time, will not be discussed in full in this HOWTO.

Basics

1. tar everything up and post this on a spare machine
2. reboot and run smartstart to setup your raid array(s)
3. reboot and untar filesystem backup from remote machine
4. recompile and install kernel with appropriate hardware raid drivers compiled in (not modules)
5. reinstall/resetup grub
6. reboot and enjoy raid goodness

--Fremen 21:29, 30 Mar 2005 (BST)