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Configuring RAID 1 mirroring

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by tech_dave0099

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I have an uncertainty about configuring my 2 400GB drives in RAID 1. I currently am using 1 of them for storage and it does not have a backup. I have decided to purchase a 2nd drive and wish to set it up to mirror my current one.

My question is, will I lose the data on my current drive when configuring the RAID setup? I am just using the ASUS utility as the RAID controller is built into the board. So, should I find a way to backup before creating the RAID?

Thanks...

5 replies

by gail

In my experiance, you do not need to backup the data as long as you are careful with the drive names and set the mirror in the right direction. However to be on the safe side I always use Norton Ghost to clone the original to the new drive first so both have the same data, then if the mirror goes the wrong way you can't lose.
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by hal 9000

One simple mistake can cost you thousands of $ in Data recovery and remember that a RAID Array is no guarantee of Data Protection. Sure it will help if a HDD Fails but it will do nothing if the computer is stolen or is involved in a fire.

You'll still need the data off the HDD's no matter what happens so just relying on a RAID for a DR Plan is simplistic and silly.

You need to instigate a proper Generational DR Plan and keep it in place with the most recent backup kept off site till they are overwritten after 2 more backup's have been performed at the very least. However depending on the business and how often you backup completely or incrementally you may need more than a simple 3 Generation DR Plan and use something bigger like a 7 Generation DR Plan. This really depends on the business and how willing you are to pay at least several K to recover your data if something goes wrong.

Col

by tech_dave0099

Thank you, Hal and I understand the points you are making.

This RAID setup I am referring to is simply for my home use and not business related. Therefore I am not considering expensive tape drives or any means of keeping "off-site" backups.

These drives I want to mirror share photos and music in my home network and until I can afford a separate backup system, mirroring the drives is going to be my source of a second copy. I have 1 external USB drive that I will use to backup what I can and possibly put the rest on DVD before setting up the new RAID.

by hal 9000

When it comes to pictures Kodak recommends that you only keep a CD Copy for 4 - 5 years before the Picture Image degrades to such an extent that it becomes unusable. I suppose the same applies to DVD as they use similar dies in the production of CD & DVD so just remember not to make it a permanent backup.

As for a DR Plan I still think that you should consider a big IDE Drive in a USB Caddy as an alternative to a RAID ARRAY as it's cheaper and more reliable with the ability to pull it out and bung it into a safe in case of fire.

Col

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