Is this Normal for XP Install?

[ohnnyj]

I have three hard drives, 2 Raptors and one 400GB Seagate and have the two Raptors setup in a RAID0 array. The WinXP install went fine but I found that Windows decided to install the boot information on my 400GB Seagate. I didn't ask it to but it did anyways. So if I set the Seagate as my first boot device the system will boot like normal since that is where the NTDLR is, but when I try to boot from the Raptors it gives me the NTDLR is missing error. Should this have happened? Will it impact my performance having the boot info on the Seagate? Should I reinstall with just the Raptors connected?

Thanks.

 

[coejus]

I'd reinstall with only the Raptors.

 

[biostud]

Originally posted by: coejus
I'd reinstall with only the Raptors.

 

[Jiggz]

Remember, for Win XP to detect your RAID you have to press F6 during the installation process. Win XP will require the raid driver to be installed before proceeding with the installation so it can detect the RAID drive. If you did not do this, then the RAID drive is invisible to WinXP and will not be an option during the installation. Try re-installing again.

 

[CraigRT]

Just remove the Seagate and install on the Raptors like has been mentioned above.

 

[ComatoseDelirium]

Follow Jiggz advice.

 

[ohnnyj]

Do I need to do a long format on the drives again?

 

[ComatoseDelirium]

probably.. no.. a quick fat 32 does me well.. though you only need to format the one drive.. and install xp on the raptor.

 

[jvarszegi]

Once you set up the RAID array, you should set BOOTABLE = YES in the RAID configuration utility before you start. Then you'll still need to hit F6 and proceed as normal.

This time, I'd disconnect your 400GB drive just to make sure you're getting it right; it'll be a snap to hook it back up afterwards, reformat if you want, etc.

 

[Farmer]

I would do a complete reformat, if I were you. A few times, too. Maybe twice.

 

[ohnnyj]

Why twice?

 

[Baked]

Ok, where's the thing. If you partitioned and formatted the Raptor RAID 0 when you installed WinXP on the Seagate, you don't have to format the Raptor RAID 0 again, but you still have to load the driver so installation can see the RAID 0. Make sure you disconnect the seagate before you start winxp installation, so the only available drive to install winxp on is the RAID 0, don't change anything, install. Once WinXP is installed on the RAID 0, plug the Seagate in. Since SATA HD is hot swappable, the seagate will show up as another drive letter. Get into Disk Manager and format the seagate. Done.

 

[ohnnyj]

Thanks all, that is exactly what I intend to do.