Hello everyone,
I have system configuration with one SSD disk for OS, and one 2TB disk for data.
When installing system I made in bios configuration that sata interfaces are in AHCI mode.
Now I need to secure data on 2TB disk, to make RAID 1 for that second hdd. I have bought same HDD, 2TB size and same manifacturer.
Is it possible to change sata mode to RAID but not to losse data on second disk?
Thanks in advance for answers.
@ cojka80:
Welcome at Win-RAID Forum?
The data of your second HDD will not be affected by the switch, but you will not be able to boot into the OS.
This is what I suggest to do:
1. Backup your personal date from your system drive (where the OS is installed).
2. Unplug both 2 TB sized HDDs, which are designed as members of a RAID1 array.
3. Enter the BIOS and change the SATA mode of the Intel SATA Controller from "AHCI" to "RAID".
4. Do a fresh install of the OS onto your system drive.
5. Once the OS is properly installed and fully up-to-date, reconnect your 2 previously unplugged HDDs.
6. Install the "Windows feature" .NET Framework 3.5 from within the Control Panel > Reboot.
7. Install the appropriate Intel RST Drivers+Software Set > Reboot.
8. Run the Intel RST Console Software and let it create the desired RAID1 array.
Good luck!
Dieter (alias Fernando)
Thank you Fernando for your detailed and quick answer!
I have few more questions:
1. If I create RAID1 for second and third disk what about first SSD, can he be excluded from RAID.
2. What about if I add one more HDD and also dont wonna be in RAID, how can I achieve this.
3. Once more, is it safe this way to create mirroring without loosing data (sorry for bodering, but I have very important data on that drive).
Yes, you will be asked, which drives you want to get members of the RAID array.
Any HDD or SSD, which is connected to an Intel SATA port, will automaticly run in RAID mode, but will not be a member of any RAID array.
If your mainboard has an additional non-Intel SATA Controller, you can connect the additional drive to the related third party SATA Controller and may be able to run it in AHCI mode.
Although the procedure is very safe with a RAID1 array, I always recommend to backup your data before you start creating a RAID1 array.
Fernando, thank you very much for help, I appreciate.
Before completely re-installing the OS you might try the tips listed here (after making an image/backup of your OS partition):
http://www.overclock.net/t/1227636/how-t…s-installation#
They helped me to successfully travel the opposite route (RAID to AHCI) without re-installing the OS.