I would like to know how to convert my presently “degraded” RAID 1 array into two non-RAID disks while preserving my data and applications.
The events leading to this point begin with my adding of a second internal SATA drive to my Dell Dimension 8400 computer, which already was equipped with the Intel 82801FR SATA RAID Controller. Using the Intel Application Accelerator, I configured the drives as a RAID 1 array and used the “migrate” function to make the new drive into a mirror. Initally all seemed to work well, but after about 2 weeks the computer failed to boot (BSOD), either to the primary drive, or to the mirror. Diagnostic tests revealed that the primary drive had failed; as it was still under warrany I was sent a replacement by Dell. After moving the mirror to the primary position and installing the replacement in its stead the computer still would not boot. Eventually I was advised to do a reinstallation of Windows XP “on top” of the existing OS, as a result of which the former mirror drive was entirely restored (i.e., able to boot with all applications and settings intact). This drive is now seen by the RAID BIOS as a “member” of a “degraded” RAID 1 array; the new replacement drive has a bare installation of Windows XP on it now, and is seen by the RAID BIOS as a “non RAID” drive.
At this point, rather than attempting to rebuild the RAID 1 array, I would prefer to configure both disks as non RAID. The reason being that I have now concluded that RAID 1 is not a the best way to accomplish the objective I sought to achieve when I set it up in the first place — that being preserving my installed applications and settings in the event of a catastrophic disk failure. Rather, I would like to use the second disk to store an image of the primary disk, which could be used to resore the system in the event of a disk failure
I have attempted to convert back to non RAID via the RAID BIOS; the configuration page of which (Cntrl i), presents four options. The one that seems most applicable is option 3 — reset to non RAID — however, when I choose this a warning appears, stating that this option will cause all data on the disk to be lost. I am afraid to proceed any further as it is essential that I preserve my applications and settings. The User Manual of the Intel Application Accelerator likewise warns that resetting a drive to non RAID will cause all data to be lost. (As my data files are backed up on CDs, my primary concern is preserving my installed applications.)
I am hoping that someone can advise me as to whether, and if so how, I can undo the RAID 1 configuration while preserving my data, installed applications and settings).