Sunday 8 March 2015

Putting Bigger Disks in a Server ..... Without Rebooting

Yes, you read that right.  It really is possible to swap the disks, in a running server, without rebooting.  I know, because I was that soldier.  This is how I did it.

What you will need:
  • A server with one or more RAID-1 arrays.
  • Enough RAM to run without a swap area.
  • Quick-release drive carriers, preferrably including one spare.
  • Enough new drives, preferrably identical, to replace the little ones.
  • Another computer with at least two SATA ports.
  • A USB stick with System Rescue CD installed.
  • The usual tools, spare parts &c.