Can I build a Raid Array without loosing data?

[reicherb]

I have an Abit KT7-RAID with 1 45GB IBM 75GXP drive and am going to add another identical drive and setup a RAID 0 array. Is it possible to build the array without loosing data on the first drive?

Thanks

 

[JustStarting]

Borrow a friends hdd and back up data to it. When you create the array in the highpoint bios it wipes the drives clean. You will need to format and partition again. I had the most luck using the whole array as 1 partition. I have a third hdd that i back up my data to periodically. Its a pain, but my disk performance in sandra was 36175. Highpoint-Tech's test setup scored 29500. It is a smokin' setup- just keep your stuff backed up in case one drive dies. CDRW's are perfect for this now that they are so inexpensive.

 

[reicherb]

Could I do it without formating if I went raid 1? I dont have time right now but want to get this drive in use.

 

[ErikaeanLogic]

You can either burn an image(or, better yet, Ghost one) to back up your system in case a drive fails, or you can go either RAID 01 or RAID 5. Both of these RAID types involve striping and mirroring for parity. If one drive fails, the parity drive(s) recover the lost data on the fly. Expensive, but a great way to keep your data secure. This is what servers with critical data use. . .

Just my $0.02.

 

[SDsucka]

RAID? HuH? i've seen it around everywhere... got any websites that would tell me the basics about it? I would like to know more about it. Thanks..