Dot Hill Systems RAIDCore, User Manual

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RAIDCore User Manual 73
Working with Disks
Initialize Disks
When a disk is initialized, RAIDCore configuration information (metadata) is written to the disks. If a disk is
new and has not been used before, it must be initialized before it can be used in RAIDCore arrays. After a disk
is initialized, it shows as Disk in the Disk List.
CAUTION:
Do not initialize a disk that is part of an array.
Initializing a disk in a non-redundant array deletes the array and its data; the array no longer appears in Array
View. (This is especially true for a non-redundant bootable array. Initializing a disk in a non-redundant
bootable array causes the array to Fail and deletes the operating system and drivers).
Initializing a disk in a redundant array causes the array to become Critical. Initializing two or more disks in a
redundant array deletes the array and its data; the array no longer appears in Array View.
CAUTION:
All new disks, and disks that contain existing data (including a disk that contains an operating
system), appear as legacy arrays in the Array View and Array List until they are initialized.
To initialize disks
1.
From the Disk drop-down menu, select
Initialize
. The Initialize Disk window is displayed.
2.
Select the disk(s) to be initialized, by clicking on the box next to the disk(s).
3.
Click
Initialize Selected
.
TIP:
See also Initialize Disks on page 54.
Rescan Disks
The Rescan Disks option:
• Rescans the SATA channels that search for new or removed disks.
• Rereads the configuration information from each disk.
Sometimes when a disk is offline, it can be brought online through a rescan. Rescan also stops and then
automatically resumes all tasks.
To rescan disks, select
Rescan
at the Disk drop-down menu.
TIP:
See also Rescan All Channels on page 60.
Change Cache Properties for Disks
The Read Ahead and Write Back Cache properties can be changed if the disks support this option. The default
settings are:
• Read Ahead is enabled.
• Write Back Cache is enabled.
CAUTION:
Leaving Write Back Cache enabled might increase the likelihood of data being corrupted if the
system experiences a power interruption or unexpected shutdown.
NOTE:
The disk cache settings cannot be changed if tasks are active on the arrays. The option is enabled
when the tasks are finished.