When expanding volumes in a Dell EqualLogic environment, especially in a clustered environment using iSCSI, it’s imperative to ensure that both the storage array and the connected hosts recognize the new volume size. Below is a detailed guide to address the issue where expanded volume sizes displayed in Windows Explorer do not reflect the updated sizes configured in the EqualLogic Group Manager.
Verifying and Resynchronizing Volume Size on Windows Servers
1. Confirm Volume Expansion in EqualLogic Group Manager
Before making any changes on the server side, verify that the volume expansion was correctly applied in the EqualLogic Group Manager. Navigate to the “Group Configuration” section and check that each volume’s reported size matches the newly allocated size.
2. Rescan Disks on Windows Servers
The Windows operating system needs to rescan the connected disks to recognize newly allocated storage capacity. Perform the following steps for each server that accesses the iSCSI targets:
- Open the “Disk Management” console by running diskmgmt.msc from the Windows Run dialog.
- Once opened, click on Action in the menu bar and select Rescan Disks. This prompts Windows to update its view of the connected storage devices.
3. Extend the Volume in Windows
After rescanning, the additional space should be visible as unallocated space in the Disk Management console. Extend the existing volume to make use of this space:
- Right-click the volume you wish to extend situated within C:ClusterStorage and select Extend Volume….
- Complete the Extend Volume Wizard by specifying the maximum available space to ensure that it reflects the newly increased size, as allocated in the EqualLogic Group Manager.
Considerations for Clustered Environments
In cluster configurations, ensure that all nodes in the cluster can see and access the expanded volume correctly:
- Verify that all nodes in the cluster have performed a disk rescan and volume extension.
- If using Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV), ensure that the cluster service is running and that CSVs are online post-expansion.
Additional Resources
For further information, please consult the official Dell documentation and resources such as the Dell EqualLogic Manuals and the Microsoft TechNet Library for insights on managing iSCSI volumes on Windows Server environments.
