Backing up Raid 0 and replacing as Raid 1 or 5

[DrB0b]

XP Pro Server
2 x 250GB Sata drives
Raid 0

Probably a stupid question but I haven't tried this before and would like some other input.
We have an XP server running Raid 0 (not my call and not currently backed up). Im getting ready to image it so when it fails I can restore the image on a Raid setup. What I want to do is buy 2 500GB Sata drives and put them in Raid 1 with a hot spare. Will there be any issues reimaging the newly created Raid 1 array with the old Raid 0 image? I know changing hardware can inhibit reimaging correctly but I'm basically going from a 500GB partition to a 500GB partition.
Your Thoughts?

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[goombawaho]

XP Pro Server - an oxymoron?!

I haven't heard of anyone doing that, but it sounds like it would work because the drivers are all the same.

The problem is that once you've pulled the old drives and set up the new RAID 1, you can't just go back and put in the old drives and expect it to boot UNLESS there is an option to "read config from drives" in the RAID controller.

Some controllers have that in case the controller loses it's mind about the RAID config and will allow you to read the config off the drives. My guess is your controller would not have that feature. It's on fancier hardware - real servers.

 

[DrB0b]

LOL yes it is an oxymoron and is a stretch to call it a server at all.
Basically it has accounting software installed on it that allows clients to map the drive/folder of it and log into a database file to make changes or view reports. Its not on "real" server hardware but one of the cheapO's that TigerDirect sold their old IT guy on. Uses on board Raid controller and only has 2GB of RAM........ not sure what they were thinking. AND ITS RAID 0! WTF? Why would you make your most important server non fault tolerant and not be imaging it? Sorry just ranting.

Once I implement the Raid 1 with the new drives I don't care about the old drives. Just curious if the reimage was going to be unhappy with life but as you mentioned, all drivers are the same, as far as its concerned the logical volume size is too. Just don't want to have to go through the trouble of re-installation if I don't have to.
Thanks for the input.

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[goombawaho]

I call them redneck servers. A PC running a PC operating system but functioning as a server (mapped drives, data storage). That's what cheap people do and as long as it's backed up and RAIDed, it's not all that crazy when there is no money to be spent.

I can't (won't) guarantee that your idea will work. Somebody that has actually tried it will have to chime in. This is one of those things that could go from "This should work" to "oh crap...." in about 10 seconds.

If you're not willing to risk a complete reload from scratch on the new drives, I wouldn't proceed until someone on here or elsewhere tells you "yeah, I've done that".

 

[DrB0b]

Warning heard, wasnt planning on implementing until an issue arose but hopefully someone on here has tried that switch and will let me know if it failed miserably or worked.
Thanks again goomba for all your assistance

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[goombawaho]

I guess I should have answered with "I don't know, roll the dice" OR not answered at all since I didn't have conclusive evidence or experience. Normally I keep my yap shut unless I KNOW SOMETHING about which I'm speaking.

 

[goombawaho]

Check this thread out. I needed it for myself a while back. It doesn't address EXACTLY what you are trying to do, but if you read it, I think you'll decide that you can proceed with your plan.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/196922-32-switching-storage-controllers-reinstalling-windows