Need to setup Raid 1, current drive is split into C&D

[imported_PHarmer]

Want to switch to Raid 1 on a sata controller on as Asus motherboard. Currentlly running off 1 hard drive on ide 1 which is split into C&D.

Question is can the raid drives be partioned into C&D, so that I can copy all the info over and maintain the C&D partitions.

 

[boomerang]

Yes, you can partition drives in a RAID array.

 

[imported_PHarmer]

Do I need to split the second drive into the same partions sizes before I let the controller build the raid? Or will the controller split the drive for me automatically.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

First you setup the RAID array. When it is done, it creates a RAIDed disk. After that, you format it just like you would a normal single disk, and create partitions during that time.

 

[PhoenixOrion]

you can partition a raid array.

but if you plan to partition a raid 1, i think you're better off just not having a raid and keep the physical drives as each own separate partition.

i guess it really depends on what you plan on doing with your setup.

 

[imported_PHarmer]

Have a lot of programs loaded so I don't want to reload the computer. This is a projection pc that needs to be up 100% of the time when needed. Just wanting to help insure this by using raid 1.
I don't want to repartition my original drive. I have the operating system on c with programs on d. Just want to add another sata drive to mirror the original drive. Didn't know if I could just install the new drive and tell the controller to build the raid array and it would take care of partitioning the drive or if i need to partition the drive before I install it in the array.

 

[wpenhall]

I'd like to do the same thing - I currently have a partitioned SATA drive that I'd like back up using RAID 1 (not the OS - M: music / V: video). Should I remove the partition, set up the raid, than repartition? Or can I just set up the raid and let the controller build the partition on the new drive?

Also, is there a way around the F6 floppy driver install? I don't have a floppy drive in my system.

Thanks!

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: PHarmer
I don't want to repartition my original drive. I have the operating system on c with programs on d. Just want to add another sata drive to mirror the original drive. Didn't know if I could just install the new drive and tell the controller to build the raid array and it would take care of partitioning the drive or if i need to partition the drive before I install it in the array.

Correct me if I'm wrong -- you want to add just one SATA drive, and use that as a RAID 1 mirror of your current PATA drive.

Which motherboard / chipset / RAID controller are you using?

Which OS? (Might not matter much, just for clarification.)

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: wpenhall

Also, is there a way around the F6 floppy driver install? I don't have a floppy drive in my system.

Yes, in theory at least, you can create a custom OS installation CD incorporating your OEM driver. Search Microsoft's web site for instructions on this.

But instead of going to this trouble, most people get a floppy drive, temporarily connect it to the system (it doesn't even have to be in the case), and remove it afterwards. Considering the ~$10 cost of a floppy drive, and the potential to use it for other tasks, this is usually reasonable. OTOH, if you're going to be installing such an OS image many times, it might be worth the trouble to learn how to customize it.