Can I do this? Raid Question

BillS22 · 21 Jun 2011

If I decide to add a second HD and go Raid can I ...

1. Back up my non Raid Installation to an external Drive.
2. Add a HD and Raid
3. Restore from my external Backup?

Trying to avoid total reinstall.

Golden · 21 Jun 2011

Hi,

I assume you are referring to a RAID0?

For user data (music, photot's etc.) that shouldn't be a problem. For installed programs and their associated files, I'm not sure it would work.

An alternative option might be to image the existing system using something like Macrium, then build your RAID, and then attempt to restore the Macrium image to the new RAID system. However, I forsee some problems with the registry entires.......perhaps someone more experienced could comment?

The safest bet is probably to perform a reinstallation once the RAID is built.

Regards,
Golden

BillS22 · 21 Jun 2011

Ok. Thanks.
Perhaps I could use Easy File Transfer, reducing my reinstall time that way?

Golden · 22 Jun 2011

Hi,

To be honest, with data files, just copy them across to an external USB drive or similar, and then copy them back across once the RAID has been built and reinstallation completed.

I don't have much experience with Easy File Transfer, but perhaps others could advise you better about this option.

Regards,
Golden

BillS22 · 22 Jun 2011

Easy File Transfer is a Win 7 feature that finds and copies your data files for you. Simplifies the process. I've used it for fresh re-installs and it works great.

I may not move to Raid. While I'd appreciate the performance boost, I'm not ready to do a re-install.
Maybe later.

theog · 22 Jun 2011

I personally would stay away from RAID, as it seems to more problems than it is worth.

If you looking for a performance boost, look at upgrading to SSD.

Take a look at this Tutorial:
SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System
SSD Tweaks and Optimizations in Windows 7