how can i remove an array from an array?

Remove drive from RAID0 Array?

• I currently have a RAID0 Array built of 2x 750gb HDDs and 1x 500gb HDD. I need to remove the 500gb drive while leaving the array intact. Theres 1.29 TB of storage available so theres no reason the data cant all be moved to the remaining 2x 750gb drives. I just need to know if theres anyway to remove this drive from the array using software or what not. Its a software array built in Windows 7 x64 I understand how RAID arrays work so please dont give me a lecture on them, I just need to know if its possible to remove a drive while leaving the array functional. Cheers

• Answer:

  No, you can't remove the 500GB drive without destroying the array. The way RAID-0 works is data is striped across ALL of the disks. There is not a way to segregate and move all of the data to only (2) of the participating disks if you are using software RAID built into Windows. The main reason is because complete files typically do not reside on any single disk, but instead pieces of each file is written across all of the disks. Some hardware RAID cards support what is called Online capacity expansion (or contraction) which allows for you to migrate from say RAID-0 to JBOD or some other format if there is sufficient disk space left to accomplish the task. Your best bet to accomplish what you want would be to maybe temporarily purchase a single 1.5TB or 2TB drive and copy all data to the single drive. Or if you have multiple computers with multiple hard drives spread around your network just move the data off the RAID-0 array to other computers you own. Then destroy the current RAID-0 array and build a new one consisting of only the 2x750GB drives. Then proceed to copy the data back to the new RAID-0 array. Then return the 1.5TB or 2TB drive if you don't have any further need for it if your place of purchase accepts returns that is. Also, if you choose to do this method you should probably wipe the drive you are returning before sending it back, because otherwise anyone re-purchasing the drive could theoretically recover all of your data when they buy it.