Split raid 0 drive to 2 drives

[abeoffdg]

I have now 2 160 GB drives grouped into Raid 0 drives, I would like to undo the raid configuration and leave it as two separte drives even tough if it requires reformating the hard drives.

I would like to have a step by step guide how to do it.

Thanks a lot
Abe

 

[rvnguy]

First backup your data.

As raid0 is striped there is not a full data image on either drive.

Once backed up. you can disable the raid config, zero each drive out(write zeros) and re-install your OS to a single drive. restore your data and this will give you what you seek.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[abeoffdg]

rvnguy thanks for your reply, what do you mean with zero each drive, how do I disable the raid? How do I do that? What should I do with the cabels.

thanks
again abe

 

[paparazi]

Windows XP? SATA or normal PATA hard drives? either way the wiring, as you put it, remains the same, just the way in which the system see's the drives changes.
After backing up!!
Enter the bios (usually by pressing the delete button on initial post)
Disable RAID (either SATA or normal IDE PATA)
Set first boot device to CDrom
At this point I would be tempted to pull off the IDE or SATA cable to the second drive (the one on SATA2 or Slave to the master)
Boot with Windows XP in the drive, as to reinstall Windows, delete and remake one partition, format and re-install windows
Once you have XP installed shut down and re-connect the second drive, use disk management tools (Adminitrative tools/computer management/Storage/Disk management) delete and remake the partition to this second drive then quick format
Done
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[rvnguy]

how do I disable the raid?

The reverse of how you set it up...There are basically 3 methods of raid0: a controller on the mobo; an add on controller card: and soft raid0 in xp...each has a different method to setup and to break...you did not specify how you are setup...

what do you mean with zero each drive

To 'zero write' a drive for free get the drive mfg's utils at their site.

Take note of the statement below the top left logo

INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS FOR COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS

We assume that you are a professional as this is what this site is setup for.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[paparazi]

rvnguy
I agree that being professionals, users on this site should have a degree of basic computing knowledge.
On the subject
Do these drives have to be zero filled? that will take several hours per disk.
Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[rvnguy]

paparazi,
Just a recommendation as being 'dynamic disks' for raid, best to start at bare metal state.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all