RAID-5 Disk Failure - Next Steps?

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Pwalex

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Jul 17, 2013
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Hi folks, hoping someone can help me out here.

I just had a single disk in my RAID-5 array fail, and I just wanted some clarification on the proper procedure from here. This is what my RAID controller software tells me to do:

We recommend that you rebuild the degraded volume to a new disk to return the volume and overall storage system status to normal. However, you can try resetting the disk to normal, which will prompt the volume to start rebuilding automatically. But if the read/write data access consistently fails, the disk will likely return to a failed state immediately and you will need to rebuild the volume to another disk.

If a disk is compatible, available, and normal, follow this procedure to rebuild the volume:

1. In the Volumes pane, select the degraded volume's icon.
2. In the Volume Properties pane, click 'Rebuild to another disk' next to the Status property.
3. In the Rebuild Volume dialog box, select the disk you want to use to rebuild the volume and then click 'Rebuild'.
4. The rebuild operation starts immediately. You can follow the progress by pointing at the notification area icon. You also can view the status of the rebuild in the Volume Properties and Information panes.
5. Once the operation is successfully completed, the array disk and volume status will display as Normal.

If reconnecting or rebuilding the missing disk does not resolve the issue, there is an alternative to turning off your computer and installing another disk. If you have previously enabled the rebuild on hot insert feature, you can unplug the degraded disk and replace it without turning off your computer.

To enable rebuild on hot insert, follow this procedure:
1. In the Devices pane, select the controller for which you want to enable the feature.
2. In the Controller Properties pane, click 'Enable' next to the Rebuild on hot insert property.
3. In the confirmation dialog box, click 'Yes'. The operation begins automatically.

If a rebuild operation is interrupted, the application resumes the rebuild at the last known location.
Click to expand...

When it says "rebuild the degraded volume to a new disk" does that mean that I need to connect a new drive and run a backup of the ENTIRE raid volume? Or is it just referring to the single disk in the array that failed (i.e. remove the failed disk and replace it, and then the RAID will rebuild)?

Apologies if this is a basic question. This array was my first foray into RAIDs and this is the first time a disk has failed on me.
 
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Pwalex

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Jul 17, 2013
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That part seems clear, but I'm trying to clarify the specifics. The way I see it this could be interpreted as:

A) Remove dead drive. Insert replacement in same slot. Allow RAID to rebuild.

or

B) Insert new drive into new slot. Point to it for rebuild. Allow RAID to rebuild.

If it is option A, then that seems straight forward. If it's option B, I would have some more questions.
 
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Pwalex

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Jul 17, 2013
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Thank you for the clarification. Much appreciated!

If you don't mind, I'd like to bother you for a couple of additional questions, just to ease my paranoia. My RAID controller is built in to my motherboard, and I think I set things up a bit screwy by conventional standards, so I'm always panicky about this RAID. Once I can afford an external one, I will definitely be switching.

Will I have to do anything to the new disk to enable it? Something BIOS-side or anything, or should it just detect the new disk and go to town?
 
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