RAID question

Chveu · 08-14-2005, 03:22 AM

I have a system with one Maxtor SATA disk of 80 GB. I'm running Win XP Pro. I would like to add a second identical disk, and configure RAID 1, mirroring. The question is, how is it done, and can it be done without reinstalling the whole system? The mainbord is a A7V880. Thx in advance for the response.

Law · 08-14-2005, 10:13 AM

Depend on your OS, you can only setup RAID on 2000, Server and XP Pro, but you have to convert both harddrive to dynamic in adminstrator tools/computer management/disk management.

It's usually done via software, your motherboard should provide you with one. Connect the second harddrive (make sure they are identical, same size same brand) to the secondary sata connector and whatever software you will use follow the instruction on how to set up mirroring.

You don't have to reinstall your OS, it's just like adding a new hardware.

You can not go back to basic if you are in dynamic.

CJJohnson · 08-14-2005, 10:59 AM

Why do you want to mirror? Is it for security? Seems overkill on a home PC system.

Chveu · 08-14-2005, 11:10 PM

My girlfriend has a lot of important school documents on that PC. We also have 15 GB of digital pictures, an amount wich is growing each few weeks. They all are pictures of holidays, party's, weekend trips, reunions, family,......pictures you don't wan't to lose. And not to forget, a lot of music we ripped from our own CD's, wich took a lot of time.

08-14-2005, 03:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chveu Newb Techie Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 7	RAID question I have a system with one Maxtor SATA disk of 80 GB. I'm running Win XP Pro. I would like to add a second identical disk, and configure RAID 1, mirroring. The question is, how is it done, and can it be done without reinstalling the whole system? The mainbord is a A7V880. Thx in advance for the response.

08-14-2005, 10:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
CJJohnson True Techie Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 147	Why do you want to mirror? Is it for security? Seems overkill on a home PC system. __________________ If it wasn\'t for Electricians you would be using your computer by candle light Computer: Athlon 64 3500+ ASUS A8V-E Deluxe Motherboard 2x512MB 400MHz DDR Dual Channel Gigabyte X800XL - 256MB Mem Maxtor Y160M0 - 160GB SATA Maxtor 80GB PATA Xaser III Case Win XP Pro SP2 ViewSonic VX924 19\"LCD 4mS(ish)

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08-14-2005, 10:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Law Wizard Techie Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,171	Depend on your OS, you can only setup RAID on 2000, Server and XP Pro, but you have to convert both harddrive to dynamic in adminstrator tools/computer management/disk management. It's usually done via software, your motherboard should provide you with one. Connect the second harddrive (make sure they are identical, same size same brand) to the secondary sata connector and whatever software you will use follow the instruction on how to set up mirroring. You don't have to reinstall your OS, it's just like adding a new hardware. You can not go back to basic if you are in dynamic.

08-14-2005, 11:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chveu Newb Techie Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 7	My girlfriend has a lot of important school documents on that PC. We also have 15 GB of digital pictures, an amount wich is growing each few weeks. They all are pictures of holidays, party's, weekend trips, reunions, family,......pictures you don't wan't to lose. And not to forget, a lot of music we ripped from our own CD's, wich took a lot of time.