Retaining RAID-1 after MB/CPU swap

[golem]

A few months ago I installed Windows software RAID-1 for a friend to use as a zero-interaction pseudo data-only backup solution. This was against my better judgement, not to forget, also a number of members here urging more appropriate options. I took the chance and got blindsided by them having a power surge which fried the MB and CPU.

I replace the MB and CPU with exact same model replacements. With only the OS SSD connected she booted right up and operates normally. Now, as I can't convince them to use one of the RAID drives as a standard data drive and the other as an external backup (placed in a spare USB enclosure) I'd like to verify a procedure to get RAID-1 back up and running, current data unmolested. I figured since this is a "mirror" as opposed to "stripe" it could be nearly as simple as plug-n-play. Information I've researched (regarding RAID-1 specifically) looks to be quite conflicting though. I'm holding off connecting the RAID drives in hopes someone can confirm a viable procedure.

 

[samuria]

Confirm how you created this raid with just windows or using bios raid

 

[golem]

Thanks for the interest samurai.

Ashamed to admit I'm not 100% in recollection but best I recall is I GPT'd the HDDs (New 3TB drives) then in disk management chose "New Mirrored Volume".

 

[golem]

Just wanted to add what I was thinking possible:

Plug in one of the originally RAID drives and allow it to be recognized as a simple volume (with data intact). Subsequently attach the other originally RAID drive, format it, and designate it an unallocated volume. At this point the first drive would be clicked on to "Add Mirror" the unallocated drive. This looks like the most likely "possible" solution but even better would be not having to do a rebuild, or worse, copying to a third drive and starting RAID-1 from scratch.

 

[samuria]

You should have an option in disk manger to remove raid or mirror so it wontkeep looking for it

 

[golem]

You should have an option in disk manger to remove raid or mirror so it wontkeep looking for it

Thanks again!

Therein lies a good question -- With what you said in mind, and the original RAID implementation being software (likely still active), what might be the possibility of simply attaching the two drives and have them automatically assume the previous RAID-1 configuration? What I see could possibly be a problem is unknown previously assigned drive letters and boot order.

or

If I disable RAID in Device Manager (as you suggest) prior to attaching either of the data filled RAID drives would it be possible to then attach those drives while retaining the data (of at least one drive)?

*Note* - I just took a quick look at Disk Manager and see no reference to any active RAID set up. Would it be visible or might it possibly be in the background with the drives being disconnected?