WHS file duplication question (reformatting)

[daphatgrant]

Hey [H], I've got a quick question for you. I've got a home server currently running the original WHS, installed are (8) 1TB drives, (2) 2TB drives, and a 160GB OS drive. I'm a little concerned with the OS drive and would like to replace it. This would seem like a perfect opportunity to switch to WHS 2011, especially since the system has 8GB of ECC ram that isn't being completely used. Of the usable space, 11TB, I am using about 9TB with file duplication turned on.

Here's my question, I don't have enough room on my other computers to back up my files on the server. If I turn off file duplication can I somehow remove a couple drives from the "array" so I can use them for storage while I add the new HDD and install the new OS? I apologize if this sounds overly complicated I just don't have the room to back up the files elsewhere and in order to buy 4TB's worth of space I'm looking at about $300.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Franko]

Yes, if you turn off duplication you can then remove drives from the array as the storage space is freed up.

 

[Old Hippie]

Yep.

Turn off file duplication and remove as many drives as you can to consolidate your data.

Good Luck!

 

[daphatgrant]

Awesome, thanks guys!