OS upgrade without affecting RAID arrays

P

Philj

n00b
Joined
Dec 30, 2011
Messages
57
Hi All

I have a self-built server running Windows Server 2008. It has an LSI 9260-8i installed with a couple of RAID 5 arrays running off it.

I'd like to upgrade the OS to Windows Server 2016 but I'm not sure if I need to 'prepare' the RAID arrays. Do I power the arrays down? Do I do something on the card? Or do I just boot off the OS install drive and install the new OS?

Also, when the new OS is installed, how do I go about getting the arrays up and running again?

Many thanks

Phil
 
As long as you have a separate boot volume like HammerSandwich is asking, you'll be fine. Are you doing a clean install or an inplace windows upgrade? I moved from Server 2012 to 2012 R2 doing a clean install with my 9260-8i in place, just make sure you install Windows on the correct disk and you'll be fine. 2012 has the LSI drivers built in if I remember correctly but you'll want to install the MegaRAID software anyway.
 
2016 should have the storage drivers, do you have a separate OS partition / drive?
 
worse case is you will need to load the controller drivers in the windows setup (winPE) it can be done with a. USB stick, pice of cake. But I think server 2012 + should have drivers for that card baked in.

Unlike the days when floppy drives were MIA but windows OS still required (F6) one to load controller drivers.
 
ahhh, calming blue windows loading screens and the good ole F6 key.. memories ;)
 
Thanks for all the replies. Yes, the OS is installed on a separate disk.

So when the new OS is installed, do I need to do anything in Disk Management?
 
Well if you don't see th RAID drive then you likely need to instal drivers for it. But ill be it just works.
 
I'd probably disconnect the arrays during install, but there's no real reason you should have to.
 
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