31 October, 2011

Convert running Windows 7 to raid

NOTE: These instructions assume your workstation is equipped with an Intel chipset, no responsibility is taken for any loss of data.

To convert a running (ie previously installed) Windows 7 installation from AHCI to RAID do the following:

Step 1. Make a backup of your system
Step 2. Set HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iaStorv\Start to 0 (zero) - it's a DWORD value.

Step 3. Install Intel Storage Matrix Manager and drivers (look on Intels web site)
Step 4. Reboot.
Step 5. Open Intel Storage Matrix Console, Select Create RAID from the Actions Menu.

NOTE: It is possible to migrate the system drive to a raid system, follow the wizard in the Intel Storage Matrix Console.

Step 6. Wait for the raid array to rebuild - this can take hours :)