System information

18 Chapter 2
Rebuilding a RAID Array
If a drive fails, or an interruption in drive-to-controller communication occurs, data
availability is unaffected, but the data is no longer protected. The array is in a degraded state.
The RAID controller that controls the affected array will automatically attempt to reconstruct
the data in order to return the system to a protected state. For example, if a hot spare drive is
available when a drive fails in an array, the controller takes the available drive and integrates it
into the array. The controller then rebuilds the RAID array using the new drive.
Array performance will be diminished until the drive is rebuilt. During this rebuilding
process, an indicator on the drive module being added to the array alternately flashes amber
and green. If an array is rebuilding or degraded, a message with that information appears in
the message section of the RAID Admin window. The button beside the system name also
changes color (to yellow or red) to indicate a problem.
The Xserve RAID system automatically rebuilds a RAID array in certain instances.
m If you have created a protected array (RAID 1, 3, 5, or 0+1) and you have an unassigned
drive (a hot spare), each RAID controller automatically uses the spare drive to rebuild the
array if a drive in the array fails.
m If no hot spare drive is available on the RAID controller, the array operates in a degraded
state until you replace the failed drive.
m If you have a RAID 0 array, the system cannot rebuild the array in the event of a drive
failure or other interruption. All data on the array will be lost.
Deleting a RAID Array
You delete a RAID array in the Delete Array window.
To delete an array:
1 In the RAID Admin window, click Delete Array.
2 Enter the management password and click OK.
Warning Be sure to back up all data before you delete an array. If you delete an array
without first backing up all the data stored on the array, you will lose that data with no
possibility of recovery.