Install fresh windows 7 on SSD, restore data to HDD's from RAID?

[oatmeal769]

HAVE:
Windows 7 PC
System Drive C as a RAID 1 with two 1TB drives. Windows and all data is on this array.
Backup drive D as a RAID 0 with two .5TB drives. My data is backed up on this using the Windows Backup utility.
I use Intel RST as a driver.

WANT:
I just bought a new SSD 128GB. I want to put Windows 7 and all programs on this drive.
I want to then use the two 1TB drives from System Drive C / RAID 1 as data storage. I'll use them either as a new RAID 1, or just two independent drives - one as my data drive, and one as a backup.
I will retire the two .5TB drives from my RAID 0 / backup.

Questions:
I'm paranoid about not being able to get my data off the old system array when I put the SSD in with the fresh install of windows.
I also don't know if I can restore data from Windows backup off my backup raid onto the old system RAID discs.
Can I access my RAID 0 or RAID one with a new install of windows and the Intel RSA, or will it want to build a new array or something?
Basically, how should I backup and store my data and then restore it using some combination of these drives after I've installed the new SSD. Does this make any sense?
TIA!

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Disconnect the data cable for the HD's, install SSD, make sure AHCI selected and install windows (preferably from USB)

sevenforums.com has all the tutorials ya need.

Do the 27 windows update runs to get up to date, install ay drivers then shut down and connect HDs.

I simply take all data off to an external so if any mishaps occur, I'm covered.

 

[i7Baby]

Copy all data (not apps) from your raid array to a third drive

Remove your drives and install the SSD (use AHCI and no raid, in bios)

Install Windows on the SSD

Install the two drives. Format them. Install apps on one of them.

Install the third drive. Copy data to the drive with the apps on.

Done

 

[oatmeal769]

So, it won't be an issue to re connect my RAID-ed array after my fresh install of windows on the SSD, and just copy the data to the other drives, right? In other words, my new system will be able to read the old RAID?

 

[i7Baby]

You can reconnect them as raid after you've formatted them if you want.

 

[oatmeal769]

Well, I mean can I get my data off the old RAID using the new install of Windows? Once I format them the data will be gone. I need to save the data from that RAID first.

 

[i7Baby]

As I said, first thing "Copy all data (not apps) from your raid array to a third drive"

 

[oatmeal769]

Is there any way to do this without having to purchase a third outboard drive? It seems there's got to be some way using the resources I already have.

 

[i7Baby]

No. Its on raid and has the OS on it.

 

[oatmeal769]

Ok, so my primary RAID can't be used, I get that. What about the two drives in my *secondary* RAID which I use to backup?
Will the new OS be able to look at that, see that it's a RAID and get my data off of it?
Thanks for being patient

 

[oatmeal769]

Here's an idea - What if instead of buying a third drive, I just pay the $10 for a 1TB block on google drive or dropbox? Those services are pretty safe, right?

 

[i7Baby]

You can't have OS drives in a PC. Causes problems.

Yep - try dropbox etc if you want.