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Upgrading XP Pro (Raid system)


TomT

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I'm gradually getting closer to upgrading my system to Vista, and wonder if anyone with sata raid 0 has successfully done this, i.e. starting the install from within XP.

 

Thanks for any feedback and advice.....

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In vista I believe you can use a CD to write your drivers to. Works great if you don't have a floppy or a flash driver.

 

Also, you're right. I tried a fresh install with vista x86, and it didn't recognize my RAID 0. I switched back to xp_32bit. I then wanted to try to install from an xp environment. It recognized my RAID just fine. Just download proper drivers before install!!!

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Do you mean download the drivers so I can update after the Vista install is done? I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "download the proper drivers before install"....

 

Thanks for your help

 

 

If your just installing Vista as an upgrade through XP, it should see your current RAID array and you can update the drivers later after Vista has completed. If you do the clean install.....then download the Vista 32 drivers from the Nvidia website to a floppy or flash drive. From the clean install method.....it wont see your RAID without loading the drivers. I am assuming your using the NF4 RAID. CD's also work for loading the drivers.

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I just attempted a Vista Upgrade from XP Pro with a Sata Raid 0.

 

The Upgrade will begin fine, but on the first re-start, Vista no longer could identify my Sata Raid, because the Raid Drivers where not installed.

 

I got a blue screen Stop with the code that means "Unable to identify Mass Storage controller" (I forget the actual code #)

 

In my case, I had to start the upgrade from XP, select clean install, do the

old "3rd party driver install". After this, I had to cancel and restart the install, but select upgrade on the 2nd pass.

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If your just installing Vista as an upgrade through XP, it should see your current RAID array and you can update the drivers later after Vista has completed. If you do the clean install.....then download the Vista 32 drivers from the Nvidia website to a floppy or flash drive. From the clean install method.....it wont see your RAID without loading the drivers. I am assuming your using the NF4 RAID. CD's also work for loading the drivers.

 

Yes, I am using the NF4 RAID, tho I haven't updated that driver since I built this system about a year ago. The driver is 5.10.2300.518 dated 2/11/2005.

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rayooo, do you mean to say you did get an upgrade to work eventually, i.e. keep all programs, settings, etc. from you XP installation?

 

I wonder if anyone has gotten this to work successfully....

 

Thanks

 

Yes,...and the procedure came directly from Microsoft.

 

You'd think they would have dealt with this RAID issue by now since it's been a problem for many many years...but I guess it's still such a small percentage of computers with RAIDs as boot disks, why bother.

 

Microsoft were also fine with walking me through the procedure to do a clean install with an Upgrade version of Vista if the "RAID based Upgrade had failed"

 

Good Luck!

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Yes,...and the procedure came directly from Microsoft.

 

You'd think they would have dealt with this RAID issue by now since it's been a problem for many many years...but I guess it's still such a small percentage of computers with RAIDs as boot disks, why bother.

 

Microsoft were also fine with walking me through the procedure to do a clean install with an Upgrade version of Vista if the "RAID based Upgrade had failed"

 

Good Luck!

 

Thanks, BTW, was it worth all the trouble?

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Thanks, BTW, was it worth all the trouble?

 

haha,

well, here is my short review of Windows Vista (Business)

 

Ya can't help but like the new GUI stuff, it's cute and does not really get in the way like I thought it would. It's really no problem at all getting used to the differences in Vista from XP. Being a kid at heart who likes to play with toys, Vista is a winner, it's fun to hunt around and play with the new stuff.

 

Yes, only a dumb kid would spend $199 on a silly toy.....and yes, I am one.

 

However, if someone is considering upgrading to Vista on a computer that is being used for Business, or something important, I'd be very very leery.

....and, from what I can see so far, Vista will buy you absolutely nothing in doing everyday work on a computer. Ok, Ok, yea, Vista is supposely more secure. We'll see.

 

I'd give the folks that built the GUI tweaks in Vista an A-

 

I'd give the rest of Vista Team a D+

First thing everone who installs Vista does is turn off the "User Account Control". I'm still trying to figure out what that is for. Apple is already making fun of it on TV.

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