[SOLVED] I need to setup RAID 1 on an XP machine using a RAID controller card

[PrimeRibFat]

Can I RAID 1 a computer, and not lose the OS by adding a controller card, hooking up the HD currently on the motherboard to the card, and then add another HD to mirror too, without losing existing OS and software?

 

[faalin]

Raid cards will normally try to format both drives before creating the raid.

What is your reasoning behind trying to raid 1 your drives?

 

[PrimeRibFat]

I have a computer running windows XP that uses security software that is not compatible with win7 and up. If this drive crashes I cannot reinstall the old software because the cds and serials are misplaced. I was wondering if I could RAID 1 on the fly as a way to backup and maintain current OS and software.

 

[faalin]

Your best solution would be to do a full system backup, i normally use macrium reflect.

another solution would be to buy 2 new drives, set them in raid 1 on the card and then clone your main C: drive over to the raid.

 

[PrimeRibFat]

Great. What would you recommend for a good RAID controller card? Thanks

 

[faalin]

LSI is a good brand, i normally use a HP card. The server i have now has a HP 420 card, cost around 30-50$ on ebay.

ether card you go with you will have to buy one of these cables https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matter...ocphy=9016243&hvtargid=pla-570532547423&psc=1

 

[PrimeRibFat]

LSI SAS3442E-R PCI Express SATA / SAS Controller Card Single Pack?

 

[faalin]

That will work, but you will need to get this cable to hook harddrives to it https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Internal-SFF-8484-S502-20N/dp/B0027JQI9O.