Formatting to advanced function

Before a disk can be used in a disk array or as a hot spare disk, it must be formatted for advanced function.

1. Run the iprconfig utility by typing iprconfig.
2. Select Work with disk arrays.
3. Select Format device for RAID function.
4. From the list of eligible disk units, choose the disks you want to format for advanced function and press Enter.
   Attention: Continuing with this option will format the disks. All data on the disks will be lost. Some disks require that their microcode be updated to the latest level before being formatted for advanced function. These disks will not show up on the list of choices. In some cases, errors may be logged in the /var/log/messages file. For more detailed information, view that log file.
5. To proceed with the format, type c to confirm. To return to the previous menu without formatting the disks, type q.
   Notes:

   • After the formatting is complete, the disks are ready for use in disk arrays. Resource names (such as /dev/sdb) might change when the system is rebooted. This could affect kernel command line entries and fstab entries. You might want to reboot the server now.
   • This task requires rewriting data to the whole disk. The required time varies depending on the disk capacities. For large disks, it might take hours to complete.