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task: replace failing disk drive in RedHat 9 server (software RAID)

risk: site downtime, data loss, sleep loss, hair loss

step 1: test RAID disk swap procedure on spare hardware
- oops, spare hardware runs RH7. Begin upgrade.
- oops, RH9 CD won’t boot. Try bootdisk image.
- oops, networking dies during image download?
- restart networking. download. repeat.
- finally, make bootdisk.
- make a driver diskette too.
- scan CD during install. Scan fails. Need new RH9 CD.
- Download CD image to laptop.
- oops, browser puked. Force-quit; retry.
- oops, browser puked. Reboot.
- oops, browser puked. Force-quit. Try a different browser.
- Burn CD-ROM from image.
- Repeat for CD#2.
- finally, begin installation from floppy and CD-ROM.
- can’t select RAID options with keyboard. Find mouse.
- oops, mouse not recognised. back up; try again.
- mouse still not recognized. Reboot; try again.
- finally, installation (graphical mode) is working.

step 2: to be continued?
- unfortunately, yes.