Reinstall ZFS pool

[robertjan11]

bequase i created a ZFS pool in FreeNAS 8.3.1 with a pool sector size from 512bytes i need to reinstall the ZFS pool in FreeNAS 9.1.1 with 4k sector size..

the next action i want to do is remove the current ZFS pool and setup a new one so i have no problems in future any more when a disk is broken.. but what is the best way to do this without loosing any of my data and user settings and windows shares? i already make a backup from my files to a external hard drive

 

[warri]

To change to 4k sector size, you have to destroy and re-create the pool. It should default to 4k sector size in FreeNAS 9.1.1, but you can double check this after pool creation by issuing "zdb | grep ashift" in the console. A value of 12 confirms that you are using 4k sectors.

Your config shouldn't be affected by this. To make sure, do a config backup through the GUI before you start, so if some config gets lost, you can just restore your old config again.

 

[robertjan11]

Hi but when i destroy the pool and create a new one will the drives be formatted?

 

[warri]

Yes, they will be formatted. Backup your files first and then restore from backup.

 

[robertjan11]

best way to backup? just use FTP logging in as ROOT user and copy all the files and maps from the root of the FTP to a external drive?

 

[warri]

Depends where the root of your FTP points to ;)

You only need to backup the files which are on your current pool, and not any system files. This can be done via the protocol of your choice, e.g. FTP, CIFS, SCP/SFTP.. Keep in mind that FTP doesn't do file integrity checking (at least I read that somewhere on the forums). Maybe you want to use CIFS or SCP instead.

 

[robertjan11]

ok great.. i am a lilte scared to realy do this but it is the best way i think..

so i just make a backup of 1tb from my total volume.. so now i just must click on "volume manager" and select "detach volume" ?? amd create a new one and it will automatically create a new one with 4k sector? and then copy the data back?

like this:

sorry if i ask stupid questions but i just want to be sure before i make a stupid mistake :)

 

[warri]

Yes, looking good. I see that you have jails on there. Those will be gone as well and you'll have to re-install and re-configure the plugins.

Also it never hurts to double-check the backups, i.e. check if the files are ok and can be opened (paranoia mode) ;)

After creating the new pool, check your ashift value as described above.

 

[robertjan11]

ok but is it possible that when i copy the data back on his place and restore the settings from a config that my plugins and jails also work again with out re-configure them?

 

[warri]

I'm not sure since I'm not using jails myself. If you create the exact same datasets and put all the data back you might be lucky.

You always can try to do it in a VM and see how it goes before attempting it on your real system.

 

[cyberjock]

ok but is it possible that when i copy the data back on his place and restore the settings from a config that my plugins and jails also work again with out re-configure them?

Nope. In fact, you should be in a position where you'll have to "delete" the jails in the WebGUI, then reinstall them. The FreeNAS config doesn't back up the actual plugins or their data. The only thing the WebGUI does regarding the jail is store where they are stored and whether they should be on/off and other basic settings in the WebGUI.

 

[robertjan11]

ok i removed it and create a new raidz pool but if i have a look on my pool size it is still 512???? how is this possible?

 

[robertjan11]

[root@freenas ~]# zdb -C Volume1 | grep ashift ashift: 12 ashift: 12 ashift: 12

"ashift: 12" is a 4k sector size correct??...

 

[cyberjock]

ashift of 12 = 4k sector size. the 12 represents 2^12.. which equals 4096.

 

[robertjan11]

great!! i just start with copy all the data back... will take some time.. if there is more after that then i will ask my question here :) thanks a lot!!