Server cloning: is possible to clone a server using the arrays of another?

Scenario:

• 2 Server HP Proliant recently bought (exactly the same config), below described.
• EDIT:HP Proliant DL360 G7 (rack form)
• 4 (500Gb SATA) disks in RAID 10 configuration
  • Array Alfa: Disks of Bays 1&2
  • Array Beta: Disks of Bays 3&4
• I don't think is relevant, but SO is Windows Server 2008 R2 x64

It's possible that using disks of two arrays (ex.: disks of bays 1 & 3 ) of the Server A to replicate it on Server B ( still non-configured )?

Solution 1:

Yes, this is possible and is a supported and documented process. The term is breaking or splitting and recombining a RAID 1+0 mirror. See HP's documentation and step-by-step instructions for splitting and recombining the array.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00378986/c00378986.pdf

What model of ProLiant are you using? Do you have the details on the controller being used?

Solution 2:

Yep, called mirror-splitting, assuming you have a HP E/P-class controller - just remove (the right) two disks from server1 , replace them with two blanks, that'll then rebuild. Meanwhile boot server 2 from JUST the two disks you removed from server 1, wait for boot to finish (it'll error like crazy) then stick two blanks in server 2 and again wait for rebuild.

Be aware however that this will not change the server name, IP or SID.