Windows 7: Replacing a HDD with 2

Hi.

I am running Windows 7 Ultimate and my present HDD is a 500Gb disc.
I would like to replace this disc with two new 1Tb discs so that I can mirror them (RAID 1).

How do I do this and still retain all my present data from the old disc?

Thanks.
Mike.

If you have space, put all 3 in the case, if not, transfer what you want from your present disk to one of the new disks. If you have either a western digital or Seagate disk, they offer free backup programs that are scaled down versions of Acronis. The WD version and probably the Seagate version have a clone function where you can clone one disk to another. Although I dont like to use it, Windows 7 has an easy transfer tool built in that will transfer your user files and settings to your new disk. I recommend just backing up your user files and doing a clean install onto the new disk then transfer the user files to the new disk and reinstall your programs.

Hi Essenbe.
Thank you for the comprehensive reply. I do have a desk top slot in carrier for the hdd, so I think I'll copy the old data to a new one first.

Can you tell me, if I do this, will the new disc boot as per normal with everything attached?

Or do I have to do anything special?

Many thanks.
Mike.

This has worked for me in the past migrating from a single disk to RAID. Start with leaving the single alone and as the boot drive then,

1. Install the new drives, go into the bios and configure them in RAID

2. Boot to Windows from the single disk and let Windows detect and install the RAID/AHCI driver.

3. If so desired install the manufacturer's RAID driver, or can leave it with the Windows default if the array was detected and the driver installed.

4. Assuming one of the drives is WD or Seagate, do as essenbe suggested and use their version of Acronis. Install it and created the recovery disk.

5. Using the above recovery disk boot to it and use it to transfer/clone the single drive to the new RAID.

6. Assuming your motherboard/bios has a key to hit to bring up a boot selection screen (F8 for mine, but check the manual if it doesn't show on the initial boot screen), and see if it will boot to the RAID. If it does then go into the bios and set the RAID as the primary boot device.

If all of that works and you can boot to the RAID and Windows loads, you can then delete what is on the single and use it as a storage drive or whatever.

Hi Stormy13.

That is a load of brilliant info, perhaps a tad technical for me, but I'll try my best. Can you describe the thing about configuring RAID in Bios?

Regards.
Mike.

Also this will introduce you into different levels of raid depending on your setup and preference.
Also have to take into consideration what RAID versions your RAID hardware and software can offer.

RAID Levels & Types | RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 3, RAID 5, RAID 7, RAID 10

Hi Acurasd.

Wow. That is great info, I've printed it off so that I can digest it all. I think I'll just be doing a straight RAID 1 (Mirror) to keep the system safe.

Thanks.
Mike.

Easiest is to just follow the directions in the motherboard manual, assuming it has decent instructions to begin with (some are severely lacking in this department).

Would help if you could fill in your system specs completely, then we can look it up and check the manual and walk you through it if there are any questions.If unsure about some off the bits and bobs inside, this,

Speccy - System Information - Free Download

should help with showing what is what.

Thanks Stormy13.

I've added my system spec, think I've listed it right.

Thanks.
Mike.

Unfortunately, not really, cause every Motherboard Manufacturers BIOS is slightly or majorly different. That would be (sort of) equivalent to trying to write a manual on how to change the spark plugs on every model Ford sedan. So to speak.

Some boards you have to hit Alt+I during boot, some are just in the BIOS.
It all depends on the motherboard.

But, what I would do, and highly recommend is pull your 500G out, install the 2 1tb and set them up for raid 1 and AHCI or Raid or whatever you motherboard supports.

Install Windows as needed, from scratch, then reinsert the 500G as a slave and copy your stuff over as needed.