Convert Windows 7 Ultimate to RAID but NOT into the array

[broshm]

Hi guys,

So far I had one HDD with 500GB, with a smooth running Windows 7 Ultimate installed.
With recent HW changes I found myself with an additional 2 identical WD Raptors (150 GB each) and I want to RAID-1 both of them WITHOUT having the the original 500GB disk in that array.

• 
  ■ Here comes the catch - My motherboard has only 1 RAID controller.

So, bottom line - I need to convert my original 500GB to RAID without formatting it while actually having only the 2 raptors in the RAID-1 array.

Thanks!

 

[glamdringfh]

One option is is:

- Backup and remove your current 500GB drive
- Install your two new raptors in RAID
- Put your original HD in an external enclosure that supports eSATA
- Plug your external 500GB drive back into the eSATA port on your PC and set BIOS to boot from there

This way you can play with your RAID setup without ever having to actually mess with your core HDD at first (other than putting it into a different enclosure)

**For this solution to work you would need to make sure you have an eSATA port on the back of your motherboard I/O plate.

 

[broshm]

Thanks for the answer.

Don't have the eSTAT ext. device and I'd rather just reinstall the OS instead of all that.

I was hoping maybe someone can explain how to reconfigure the current windows to RAID for a quick solution.