How do I convert a RAID drive into a normal HDD?

[iKeebs]

I have a RAID drive installed on my PC and I want to convert it into a normal hard drive with a drive letter for storage. I can't see the RAID drive when I go into Disk Management, so I am at a loss for how to do this. My PC is using the LSI Configuration Utility to access the adapter. I need a walkthrough. Thanks Much!

 

[jitpublisher]

RAID is an array consisting of more than 1 drive. You will have to break the array (doing this will most likely destroy all data on all the drives in the array depending on the array type, but for all practical puposes, just plan on this happening.) You can simply go into your BIOS, and disable the RAID controller. Set the drives to standard SATA devices, and then they will show up as individual drives to format or do with as you please. Be warned, if your OS is operating off this RAID array, IT WILL BE GONE TOO AND YOU WILL HAVE TO START OVER FROM SCRATCH BY REINSTALLING YOUR OS.

It is obvious that you have little experience working with RAID arrays, I would whole heartedly suggest finding someone knowledgable to help you do this, you may be starting something you will regret later......

 

[Ijack]

What level of RAID does the array use? What logical volumes have you configured? How many disks are there in the RAID array? Do you have any other disks apart from the RAID array? As you are using the LSI Configuration Utility does this mean that you have a RAID card rather than RAID built in to the motherboard? And why do you want to revert the RAID array to ordinary disk drives?

I think we need a few more details of your system, and what drives you actually see. From the sound of it you aren't using the RAID array at all, and can't see it in Windows. In that case it probably means that you have a separate drive that Windows is installed on and just need to install the appropriate device driver to see the RAID logical volumes.

 

[jitpublisher]

Is this an external RAID storage type of array?