Creating a RAID 1 from an existing drive?

[ActorMW]

I have a question that I haven't seen specifically addressed.

I have two PCs that currently do not have any active backup measures. I keep multiple copies of important files but I'd like to add drives to create a RAID 1 for redundancy.

For example,
I have 1 640GB drive that is my current OS drive. Can I install another 640GB drive and put them into a RAID 1 configuration now?

Again, I haven't seen this done so I'm not sure if or how it would work.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Yes it is possible. But it can be tricky, and you should most definitely back up the other drive before attempting the RAID 1 migration. Most importantly, don't initialize the new array once it is created. I'm not sure what controller you are using, but read the manual on it. Doing so will make the process go much smoother.

 

[corkyg]

Yes! I have done that a few times when I upgraded my RAID 1 array from 160 to 320 to 500GB. As Chocobo says, it is a good idea to back up the good drive. Most RAID controllers have initial boot software that allows you to BUILD or REBUILD THE ARRAY, and you can use an existing HDD in that process. That usually brings up the choice of JBOD, Mirror, or striping. For RAID 1 you want Mirror.

 

[ActorMW]

Thanks for the replies. I should be able to figure it out!

 

[ihyagp]

What controller do you have? If the drive is already on an intel ich?r its a piece of cake.