Quick raid controller question.

[tjmoffa]

Quick question, I have an MSI K8N Neo2-F mobo now, using 2 sammy sp1213c in raid 0 and I just got a K8N Neo2 platinum which is the same board with a couple extra features. My question is, can i migrate the raided drives to the new board without reinstalling windows? It is the same chipset, same controller. Thanks for any help.

 

[Lord Evermore]

You have two questions actually. Can you migrate the RAID array without having to rebuild it, and can you migrate a Windows install without re-installing.

You might be able to move the RAID array without rebuilding it, the controller ought to detect the existing array. But you should naturally have a backup image handy; it's a simple matter to make a backup, see if the array works, and if it doesn't, rebuild the array and then restore the image.

As for migrating Windows, there are many answers, most of them right to some degree. If you do some searches you might (if the search gods aren't pissy) find threads discussing the options.

If the RAID array can be moved, or if you have to rebuild it and restore a backup, you'd be booting to an existing Windows install. Since the basic hardware is the same, you'll probably be safe just booting right up. You may have to go through some major hardware redetection routines though, since things like memory addresses, IRQs or device IDs may have changed. You likely will need to re-activate Windows, assuming you have a legitimate copy.

To make it somewhat more likely to go smoothly and to have a stable install afterwards, you may wish to uninstall all the drivers for your chipset and video card, plus any add-in devices (internal stuff) and any onboard devices, at least for the controller type devices (meaning you don't need to uninstall your hard drive). You probably should not uninstall the RAID controller drivers though, just to be safe, though I think Windows ought to boot to it just fine even if you did.

When you're making your backup, you might want to make two versions: one a backup of your normally running system, and then a backup of the system after you remove the drivers, if you do that. Always best to have as many fall-back options as possible.

Another option which is almost certain to make a smooth transition, but require more work, is a Repair Install, which wipes out all drivers and Windows Updates, but leaves your applications installed and set up. You can find descriptions of that here on the forums or elsewhere on the Web. It comes close to being a clean install.