Adding Drives - Drobo 8D User Manual

1.6.2

Adding Drives

When you find that the Drobo 8D is running low on space, you can easily add capacity by either
replacing a smaller capacity drive with a larger one, or by inserting a new drive in an empty drive bay
of the Drobo device. Note that once you add the new drive, it becomes part of the overall storage
pool, with all drives functioning as a unit or "pack."
You can use drives from most manufacturers and with any capacity. For more information, see
Selecting Drives.
Warning:
Any pre-existing data on the drives you add will be erased during installation.
Tip:
In the event that the Drobo device becomes nearly full and all the drives are of the same
capacity, you will need to replace two drives, one at a time, in order to increase the overall
amount of protected capacity. Replacing one drive will not increase your overall protected
capacity in this situation.
1. Ensure that the drive lights on the Drobo are not blinking yellow and green, which indicates that
the Drobo device is working to protect your data. Wait until all the bay lights are solid green.
Warning:
Removing or adding a drive during this process may result in loss of data
2. Remove the bezel (faceplate) from the front of the Drobo device by pulling it off.
3. If you are replacing a smaller capacity drive with a larger one, first remove the smaller capacity
drive by using your thumb to depress (and open) the drive lock for the data bay that contains the
drive you would like to remove. Refer to the image below.
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