CentOS

Hi,

I would like to know if its possible to install a hdd into a dell server without rebooting the device? It's a dell server and it has 8 bays for 3.5 hdd's. 6 is taken (configured in raid) and 2 is open, doesn't matter which bay right?

Please let me know if this will be possible.

Thank you.

I've moved your post to the CentOS Social forum as it doesn't have anything to do with CentOS as such.

The answer is that it depends on what sort of server you have and what sort of backplane it has and what sort of RAID controller the disks are attached to. It is possible to get a Dell server with hot-plug disks so you can just remove them and install them at will. Once installed you might then need to use utilities to tell the RAID controller what to do with the new disk.

Hi,

No problem. I do understand.

It's a Dell PowerEdge 2900, and the panel is in front? Space for 8 disks and bay 6 & 7 is open.

What kind of utilities can you use to check that, we would prefer not to bounce the server as there is critical applications running.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi,

Any feedback would be appreciated?

Thanks.

It is possible to get a Dell server with hot-plug disks so you can just remove them and install them at will. Once installed you might then need to use utilities to tell the RAID controller what to do with the new disk.

Exactly this, it's possible but I would not recommend it at all. Especially since you have already stated that there is a critical application running on the system. Which controller are your running?

If the controller supports hot swapping of disks and you have OMSA or iDRAC access you should be able to check. Again, I would not recommend this at all. At best if you don't want to shut down the OS, at least stop the database(s) and/or the application BEFORE adding the disk, that way if the OS bugs out you'll minimize the chances of data corruption.

I'd disagree. If you have hot swap capability then it's designed to be used.