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Before proceeding with the RAID expansion, ensure:

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• The new disk has equal or larger capacity than existing disks

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• You have a complete backup of your data (critical!)

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• Your PERC controller supports online capacity expansion (OCE)

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• The system has sufficient power and cooling for the additional disk

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Using Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA):

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# First check current RAID status via CLI:
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>omreport storage vdisk controller=0
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># Sample output showing RAID 5 with 3 disks:
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>ID    : 0
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>Status: Ok
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>Layout: RAID-5
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>Size  : 1.81 TB
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The graphical method through OMSA web interface:

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1. Log in to OMSA (typically https://[server-ip]:1311)

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2. Navigate to Storage → PERC 4e/Di → Virtual Disks

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3. Select your RAID 5 array and click "Reconfigure"

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4. Check the new physical disk and confirm expansion

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During the expansion process:

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• The system will remain operational but performance will degrade

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• Expansion time varies by array size (estimate 1TB/hour)

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• Never interrupt power during expansion

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• Monitor progress with: omreport storage vdisk controller=0

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After the RAID expansion completes:

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# For Windows Server:
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>diskpart
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>list disk
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>select disk X (your expanded disk)
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>expand vdisk
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># Then extend the volume in Disk Management
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Common issues and solutions:

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• Disk not recognized: Check physical connection and LED status

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• Expansion option grayed out: Verify controller supports OCE

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• Performance issues: Consider scheduling expansion during off-hours

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You have a Dell PowerEdge server with a RAID 5 array consisting of three disks. The goal is to add a fourth disk to expand the storage capacity without losing existing data or reinitializing the entire array. This operation must be performed carefully to avoid data corruption.

• A compatible Dell PowerEdge server with a PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller) card (e.g., PERC 4e/Di).
• The new disk must be of the same or larger capacity than the existing disks in the RAID 5 array.
• Ensure you have a recent backup of your data before proceeding.

There are two primary ways to achieve this:

1. Using OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) in Windows
2. Using the RAID Controller BIOS (Ctrl+R during boot)

If your system supports online capacity expansion (OCE), you can use Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) while Windows is running:

1. Launch OpenManage Server Administrator.
2. Navigate to Storage → PERC 4e/Di → Virtual Disks.
3. Select your RAID 5 array and choose "Reconfigure."
4. Add the new disk to the array and confirm the operation.
5. The expansion process will begin. This may take several hours.

Note: Not all PERC controllers support online expansion. Check Dell's documentation for your specific model.

For most reliable results, use the RAID controller's BIOS utility:

1. Reboot the server and press Ctrl+R during startup to enter the RAID BIOS.
2. Select your existing RAID 5 array.
3. Choose "Manage Disk Group" or similar option.
4. Select the new disk and add it to the array.
5. Choose "Expand Virtual Disk" and confirm.
6. Save changes and exit. The expansion will proceed during boot.

After the physical expansion completes, you'll need to extend the volume in Windows:

1. Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc)
2. Right-click your RAID volume and select "Extend Volume."
3. Follow the wizard to allocate the new space.

• Expansion time depends on array size - can take 24+ hours for large arrays
• Performance will be degraded during expansion
• Never interrupt the expansion process
• Monitor the operation in OMSA or RAID BIOS

If you encounter issues:

- Check controller logs in OMSA
- Ensure the new disk is healthy (no SMART errors)
- Verify the disk is properly seated and recognized
- Consult Dell's PERC documentation for error codes