Question : ProLiant DL380 G5 RAID Drive replacement procedure

So one of my DL380's is reporting a imminent drive failure. 6 146GB Drives, replacement # 432320-001, with one Spare in the array. This is my first failure with this model of box so I want to make sure I'm handling this right.  Considering my first attempt, downing the box and replacing the drive just got me a non system disk error upon reboot.

1. I'm assuming the spare assigned to that array(I can see the configuration in the HP Array Config Utility I have installed) won't kick in unless the drive fails completely?

2. Since the box is up and running fine (just with a flashing orange light for the failing drive), and the spare hasn't kicked in, how can I confirm the drive is actually hot swappable? AFAIK this server is suppose to support hot swapping but....

3. If I pull the flashing drive while the server is up the spare should kick in right? What if the drive I'm pulling ISN'T hot swappable? What are the consequences of that move?

4. Should I wait til the array is finished rebuilding the array on the spare before I insert a new drive back in the slot of the failed drive?

5. Finally with the new drive in place will the array rebuild again and then set the spare BACK to spare mode?

Answer : ProLiant DL380 G5 RAID Drive replacement procedure

I am answering the questions baed on standard configuration.  Some RAID tools can be configured otherwise, but in MOST case, they all function the same way.

1.  ONce a drive fails, the spare kicks in automatically (Most of the time), but under some configuration you MIGHT have to MANUAL tell the spare drive  to activate.  Also, make sure the SPARE drive is covering the right array and also the same size as the failed drive.  There is no fail partially, or completely, just fail.  :)  This way they can keep you buying new drives, and make sure you can never accused them of taking chances with your partially failed drive.  

2.  Hot-Swapple depends of the RAID Controller, and the actual hard drive MUST be hotswap version also.  You must double check the Model # and the RAID Model #.

3.  Yes, if hot swapable, just remove and reseat with a new drive.  Done.  But if NOT hotswappable, you might cause a crash to the system.  Some RAID will not, but some will.  I won't take the chance until you are 100% sure.  Just to be on the safe side.

4. No need, the rebuild has nothing to do with failed drive.  You can insert the new drive as long as the failed drive is already out of operation.  

5.  Yes.  Usually, but as I have mentioned, some RAID does not convert back and leave it as is.  So you actually have to set the new drive to space manually.

Good Luck