Alternate file share witness in Failover Cluster

Bahram Maleki 61 Reputation points
2021-02-21T03:08:01.1+00:00

Hello,

How I can setup alternate Fileshare witness in Failover Cluster 2019?

Thanks

Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Clustering: The grouping of multiple servers in a way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to client computers on a network. Clustering is a means of increasing network capacity, providing live backup in case one of the servers fails, and improving data security.
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  1. Xiaowei He 9,871 Reputation points
    2021-03-10T03:03:34.593+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for your feedback. Actually, there are few cases that people configure two file share witness for the cluster, usually, we just use one witness.

    Thanks for your time!
    Best Regards,
    Anne

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  1. Xiaowei He 9,871 Reputation points
    2021-02-22T02:21:43.777+00:00

    Hi,

    Do you mean you would like to configure two fileshare witness?

    We could only configure one witness for the cluster, if you already have a file share witness for the cluster, we are unable to configure alternate fileshare witness.

    Thanks for your time!
    Best Regards,
    Anne

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  2. Alex Bykovskyi 1,681 Reputation points
    2021-02-25T16:26:52.56+00:00

    Hey,

    As mentioned, only one witness should be configured for the cluster. It could be either fileshare witness or disk witness. The following article will help you understanding cluster quorum.
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/storage-spaces/understand-quorum

    In addition, you can use StarWind VSAN to create redundant disk witness for the cluster. Check the following guide for more information:
    https://www.starwindsoftware.com/resource-library/starwind-virtual-san-for-hyper-v-2-node-hyperconverged-scenario-with-windows-server-2016/

    Cheers,

    Alex Bykovskyi

    StarWind Software

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  3. Bahram Maleki 61 Reputation points
    2021-02-25T16:57:27.767+00:00

    Thanks Alex and Xiaowe,

    Actually I did once with PowerShell command, but I forgot.72120-witness.png

    Attached screenshot of my config.

    Thanks

  4. Xiaowei He 9,871 Reputation points
    2021-02-26T07:05:16.627+00:00

    Hi,

    Please check if we can use the "Add a resource type to this cluster" to add an additional file share witness:

    72336-image.png

    Resource DLL: clusres.dll

    Powershell command: Add-ClusterResourceType

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/failoverclusters/add-clusterresourcetype?view=win10-ps

    Thanks for your time!
    Best Regards,
    Anne

    -----------------------------

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