Re: RAID 0

Do NOT try to use RAID0 for an SBS server. Please. RAID0 is NOT redundant
and actually means, in this configuration, that you are 4 times MORE likely
to have a total, irreversable, loss of all data on the machine. Add to that
the miniscule C:\ partition, and you are setting yourself up for nothing but
problems. What I would do at this point:

1.) Make sure you have the driver disk for your RAID controller. You'll need
it during installation.
2.) Start the server and go into BIOS for the RAID controller. Delete the
current array and create a new array that is RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 (if your
need for storage isn't particularly high). THIS WILL COMPLETELY DELETE YOUR
EXISTING ARRAY AND CAUSE PERMANENT DATA LOSS. Sorry, but you'll need to do
this, just be warned ahead of time.
3.) Once the array has been created, insert CD1 in your CD drive and boot
into the installation process. When you first boot into the blue Windows
Setup screen, you'll see "Press F6 to install additional storage drivers" at
the bottom of the screen. Press F6 and then when it prompts you, press S to
specify additional storage drivers, insert the floppy for your RAID
controller, and load the drivers.
4.) Create two partitions on the hard drive (which is actually your RAID 5
array of approximately 240 GB) - one that's ~30 or 40 GB, and one that's the
rest. Then install onto the 30-40 GB first partition.
5.) Personally, I'd then interrupt the install process when it first boots
into Windows and take the time to format the other partition so that I could
specify it as the target for some of the SBS components, but if you've made
the initial partition at least 30GB, you don't absolutely have to do that.

Finally, on adding additional, non-RAID disks as backup targets- yes, you
can. But a better bet is to use a USB2 or FIrewire or eSATA drive as your
backup target.


--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64


JohnnyD wrote:
Hi
Just received new SBS 2003 with RAID 0 Array over four disks. I think that
this was a supplier error as was hoping for two sets of two drives each
striped, with the operating system on one pair, as well as file, and
backup & other files to be put on the other pair of disks.
(SBS preinstalled) Having switched it on and gone through the SBS Setup, I
have discovered in the Disk Management console I have only one Logical
Hard Disk (0) - with a 12Gb C drive and 285+GB D-drive...
I can only assume that it is striping over all four disks - am I correct
in thinking that if one of the disks goes down then little data will be
redeemable? If so then surely there no point in doing a system backup,
since if there is a single hard drive corruption then It will all go down.
Can one add a normal basic disk for systems backup purposes? (there will
be offsite backup for data)

Than you in advance for any advice

JD


.

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