Question regarding software RAID on Windows or Linux.

[jtusa]

If you create a software RAID using the built-in RAID function of Linux or Windows, what happens to the array if for some reason you have to format/reinstall or rebuild the OS? Does the array stay intact? Is it recoverable by saving config files or anything like that?

 

[drag]

That gets a bit complicated.

I don't know about Windows, but with Linux it's generally quite possible to recover a software raid setup. There are features to help you autodetect your RAID configuration if it's properly setup. If you save your configuration you can do it that way also if autodetection fails or you can setup the raid device the same exact way you had it before and just don't reformat it or whatnot.

For more details see:
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Software-RAID-HOWTO.html

They have a section on troubleshooting.

 

[yuchai]

I run Linux software raid and have done the following without issue:

1. Wipe out and reinstall linux.
2. Changed motherboards (HD controller stayed the same, and I've read that it can be done just as easily with a different controller).

Like drag said, if it's setup properly and you know what you're doing, Linux software RAID is highly portable. That faq he linked to is actually what I read to get my setup started, and I have never had any issues with it. Been running for 1 year now and am very happy with its performance and stability.

 

[EatSpam]

Linux SW RAID is very flexible. I've reinstalled the OS many times. I've moved an array from a 64-bit Linux install to a 32-bit install on totally different hardware. Works like a charm.

I believe Windows is nearly as flexible, but I'm not sure.

 

[jtusa]

Bump to see if anyone has anymore insight on this regarding a Windows OS.