I think that the array is probably unrecoverable at this point - from the sounds of it. I would suggest you call Dell Tech Support (800.822.8965) - it will be much easier to explain things and ask/answer questions that way. There is not cost, and as always, server support is handled by techs in the States.
"I booted from a Windows PE disc I've got I could see the two partitions on the array, but it wouldn't display any partition size information for C, D could be read fine however."
So the C partition is corrupt, good news at least your data is safe. Had this happen a number of times in the last 20 years on raid 5s, with two partitions, and have never lost the data on that partition if the first is lost.
Sounds like an "over the top repair install" from the Windows OS disk is unlikely to find the C partition, but you might try this first.
Search google for partition repair , there are free utils for that. If it does work,and the C partition resurects, you may have corruption, run chkdsk, possible an "over the top repair install" may be needed if the OS does not boot properly.
If a partition repair does not do it, you will have to reinstall Windows, deleting the C partition in the process, recreating the partition and reinstalling all programs (bummer); slight possibility you will need to delete the partition outside of the install, as in with DOS Fdisk or other util. Once Windows is reinstalled, the D partition/data should be fully intact but your share and file permissions will need to be reinstated. Unlikely there is damage to the D drive but use chkdsk.
Years back, SCSI drives were so expensive, raid 5s were commonly setup with two partitions such as your setup, it is not acceptible with present drive costs..in the future go for a separate raid 1 for the OS, it is far far safer.
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
February 26th, 2010 13:00
I think that the array is probably unrecoverable at this point - from the sounds of it. I would suggest you call Dell Tech Support (800.822.8965) - it will be much easier to explain things and ask/answer questions that way. There is not cost, and as always, server support is handled by techs in the States.
pcmeiners
4 Operator
•
1.8K Posts
0
February 26th, 2010 14:00
"I booted from a Windows PE disc I've got I could see the two partitions on the array, but it wouldn't display any partition size information for C, D could be read fine however."
So the C partition is corrupt, good news at least your data is safe. Had this happen a number of times in the last 20 years on raid 5s, with two partitions, and have never lost the data on that partition if the first is lost.
Sounds like an "over the top repair install" from the Windows OS disk is unlikely to find the C partition, but you might try this first.
Search google for partition repair , there are free utils for that. If it does work,and the C partition resurects, you may have corruption, run chkdsk, possible an "over the top repair install" may be needed if the OS does not boot properly.
If a partition repair does not do it, you will have to reinstall Windows, deleting the C partition in the process, recreating the partition and reinstalling all programs (bummer); slight possibility you will need to delete the partition outside of the install, as in with DOS Fdisk or other util. Once Windows is reinstalled, the D partition/data should be fully intact but your share and file permissions will need to be reinstated. Unlikely there is damage to the D drive but use chkdsk.
Years back, SCSI drives were so expensive, raid 5s were commonly setup with two partitions such as your setup, it is not acceptible with present drive costs..in the future go for a separate raid 1 for the OS, it is far far safer.