Smart Array 221 Controller

[Ayman Altounji]

I have a 1600R which has two physical drives in it. I wish to add a Smart Array 221 Controller and add two more physical disks to hardware mirror the original disks, without loosing the operating system etc on the original disks - Does anyone know how to do this. The User Guide doesn't go into how to mirror an existing disk.

[Ayman Altounji]

AFR,
The following solution #2 involves software not supported by Compaq. The only true way to do this is to Backup your operating system, build the array and then restore. If you are in an NT envionment, this will include loading the array controller drivers and noting them for startup-boot just prior to backup. Otherwise, your restored os will attempt to boot the the integrated controller vice the array controller.
Another alternative is to install the 221 controller and configure the array. Set your OS up to boot to an array controler and then use one of serveral Ghost type products to move the data to the array. The 221 controler Does have DOS array drivers available. As this process is not just a simple replacement, you may wish to call technical support when you are prepared to do this.
Mark