Best way to replace a single drive in a RAID 0 array?

2is

Diamond Member
Apr 8, 2012
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One of my boxes is running a pair of drives in a RAID 0 array and recently one of those drives has started triggering a SMART warning. As of this post, everything is still functioning normally. I'd like to get the drive replaced before it dies on me. I have a few ideas on how to do that, but not sure what the best method would be.

I was thinking maybe cloning the array to a single drive, replacing the suspect drive, rebuilding the array, booting off the sinlge drive and cloning it back to the array. I'm not sure if there's a simpler way to do it but that's my working theory ATM.

Suggestions welcomed.
 

MrX8503

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2005
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That sounds a good way. I would back up the array ASAP.

I'm not sure if you'll be able to boot the single drive that's been cloned from the array. You could try.
 

nanaki333

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2002
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either clone or make an image of your install. lots of utilities out there that will do it. like mrX said, back that up ASAP.
 

Lorne

Senior member
Feb 5, 2001
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Cloning over to a single drive works, Cloning back to a raid0 sometimes has a boot issue, hit or miss.
 

Enigma102083

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Dec 25, 2009
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I'd use Partedmagic to clone the current array. Replace drive, rebuild the array, and then restore the image.
 

Old Hippie

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Oct 8, 2005
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I already own Acronis True Image 2012, will that work?

While I have cloned my 3 drive RAID0 array with Acronis I have never tried to move the clone back to a new array.

But I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Just copy the clone to your new array and you should be good to go.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
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Mar 4, 2000
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Rick, I have done it. Cloned the array to a single external drive. TRhen rebuilt the array using new and bigger drives. Once it was active and happy, I cloned the external to the new array using Acronis, bootable media, manual mode, proportioanal. Not a problem.
 

2is

Diamond Member
Apr 8, 2012
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Thanks all. I've successfully cloned it over to a single drive. Going to pick up a couple fresh ones to rebuild the array.
 

Emulex

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2001
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LSI raid controllers can use a hot spare to migrate data off a failing raid-0 ssd dataset - it's great reason to spend $50-100 on an LSI or oem branded controller.

Not many other brands will recognize a failing raid-0 lun and migrate the sectors as fast as possible to prevent your raid-0 from cratering.
 

Old Hippie

Diamond Member
Oct 8, 2005
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Rick, I have done it. Cloned the array to a single external drive. TRhen rebuilt the array using new and bigger drives. Once it was active and happy, I cloned the external to the new array using Acronis, bootable media, manual mode, proportioanal. Not a problem.
I believe you.

I couldn't see why this method wouldn't work.

Although a little different, I do it with Acronis images all the time.

I'm sure restoring from a clone will be just fine.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
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Mar 4, 2000
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... I'm sure restoring from a clone will be just fine.

The beauity of cloning is that restoration in the technical sense is not necessary. It is also usually faster than backup/restore.

I think you mean restoration in terms of rebuilding the array.
 

Old Hippie

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Oct 8, 2005
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I think you mean restoration in terms of rebuilding the array.
Not really.

I'm just thinking that restoring a dual disk RAID0 array from a single disk clone will be fine.


I was addressing this issue/question......
I was thinking maybe cloning the array to a single drive, replacing the suspect drive, rebuilding the array, booting off the sinlge drive and cloning it back to the array.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Gotcha. It should work if the RAID0 array is removed from the boot list.