A Windows Server 2019 file server uses an HPE Smart Array P440 controller with four hot-swap 10 K SAS disks in a single RAID 5 logical drive that holds the D: data volume. Users suddenly receive "Location is unavailable" when they try to open shared folders. Disk Management shows the D: volume as Offline, and the Smart Array utility reports:
The logical drive is degraded because one member disk has failed. In RAID 5, data remains recoverable as long as only one disk is lost; the controller can rebuild the array after a replacement disk is available. Hot-swapping the failed drive with an identical disk lets the controller automatically begin a rebuild, returning the logical drive to a normal state without altering the file system. Forcing a failed disk online risks corruption, reinitializing the drive destroys all data, and converting the set to RAID 0 eliminates redundancy and also wipes data-none of which safely restore access.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What does 'RAID 5' mean and how does it work?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is 'predictive SMART' and why is it important?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is a hot-swap feature valuable in this scenario?