Upgrading the disk subsystem


Before proceeding with a hardware upgrade, perform a full backup of drive D (assuming the DS-System storage is on drive D:\). Verify this backup (the best way is to fully restore the data to an alternate location).

Plan in advance: This is likely to take some time (consider the customer down time).

Avoid running "chkdsk": On a large volume with millions of files, "chkdsk" could take several days.

1. Run a full tape backup. (If you run an image backup, you are forced to run "chkdsk" after the disk upgrade, since this is the only way to inform NT / 2000 for the changes, and for the MFT to be updated.)

- OR -

1. Alternatively, you could "move" your data to an alternate location.

2. Verify your backup. It is up to you to make the decision whether the backup is OK.

3. Some RAID controllers allow you to expand on-the-fly without reinitializing the RAID. If you are using such controllers skip the remaining of the items listed below.

4. Remove or format the old drive D with Disk Administrator (this avoids unnecessary error messages for missing disks. (If you do not format the drive, in 99% of cases you must run "chkdsk" to update the MFT)

5. Upgrade the hardware. In case you have to reinitialize the RAID, make sure you format the volume (or disk) with Disk Administrator. This method prevents unnecessary "chkdsk".

6. Restore from tape or by whatever means used to backup drive D. Make sure there are NO errors during restore.



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