How to Perform RAID Array Growing
Here you will find out:
- what you need to do before RAID starts growing
- how to perform RAID array growing
- when DiskInternals can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
What you need to do before RAID starts growing
Backup is the first thing to do before RAID starts growing. Since the data must be distributed to the new disk, the old disks must be overwritten.
Perhaps your RAID requires formatting; as a rule, RAID cannot save data after this operation.
DiskInternals RAID Recovery can help you in case of loss of part or all of your data. You can also create a disk image and use it in the future if necessary. The application runs on Windows 7, 8 10, Vista, and Windows Server 2003-2019. While the application is running, the current state of the RAID array, controller file system and automatic file return, where possible, are checked.
Use the instructions below for this application, as this will facilitate the recovery process.
Download RAID Recovery, and then install the software on a supported OS.
Open RAID Recovery and launch the Recovery Wizard. You can also continue to work manually.
Then select the desired array to restore.
Decide on the scan mode:
- Fast recovery mode
- Full recovery mode
As soon as the search is completed, all found files will be displayed on the computer.
Browse these results for free.
To export recovered files to the location of your choice, buy a license for RAID Recovery.
The Export Wizard will help you complete the process. Technical support from the company's specialists will be available with a license as well.
4 steps to grow the RAID
- 1. Create a partition on the new disk (the one to be inserted).
To do this, use parted and create a GPT partition and set it to 3 TB, because it’s important for you to use the entire disk. Then, using parted, verify that the partition was created correctly.
- 2. Add a partitioned disk to the array.
If you just add this disk, then most likely it will be considered by the array as a backup; for example, for hot backup. If you want to use this disk to increase the available space, you need to set certain parameters. It should be noted that the speed of mdadm add drive to RAID 5 may vary, but in any case, this process lasts about a day.
- 3. Work with LVM, where the logical volume is abstracted from the physical.
At this stage, the array has already grown, but LVM is not yet up to date with this event. Therefore, inform LVM using the command:
pvresize/dev/md0
After that, the new additional space will be ready for use and the logical volume will be completely separated from the physical disk.
- 4. File system extension.
To complete the entire process of RAID growing, you need to expand the file system. It is recommended to do this after checking the system’s integrity; it will take several minutes.
To do this, disable the file system, and then run e2fsck. After that, you can safely proceed to the file system extension. This is what you will end up with (as an example):
First:
Then:
