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jeff_9100

22 Posts

5375

August 3rd, 2005 17:00

What's needed to reinstall Windows XP & Drivers before removing RAID 0 and reformatting hard drives?

Hello,
 
I recently purchased a Dimension 9100 and need to remove the RAID 0 configuration from the two hard drives.  Once I remove the RAID partitions I'll loose everthing on my two drives. 
 
I've already created the "Dell OS Recovery CD" for the Windows XP Home edition operating system.
 
1.)  How do I create a backup of my drivers?  Should they be saved to CD or Floppy Disks?
 
2.)  Do I need to create some type of bootable floppy to reinstall Windows XP or do I only need the "Dell OS Recovery CD" ?
 
3.)  My system didn't come with any of the pre-loaded programs on disk so can I download them all again from Dell's FTP site or ?
 
Don't want to attempt this until I know I have everything I need.
 
Thanks in advance for your help!

jeff_9100

22 Posts

August 3rd, 2005 18:00

Hi ejn63,
 
1.)  Are all the drivers I need to copy located in my C:\drivers folder ?
 
2.)  I don't see the option for creating the XP floppy in my Intel Matrix Storage Console. Do I need to exit windows and access the Intel Matrix during reboot?   Sure glad I ordered the internal floppy drive.
 
Thanks again!

ejn63

9 Legend

 • 

87.5K Posts

August 3rd, 2005 18:00

Write the drivers to CD - they won't fit on a floppy.

You'll need an internal floppy diskette drive and the driver floppy for XP - you can make that from the installed Intel Matrix RAID application on the hard drive.

ejn63

9 Legend

 • 

87.5K Posts

August 3rd, 2005 18:00

This is the driver for installing XP.

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=DIM_P4_9100&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=8615&typecnt=2&releaseid=R99740&vercnt=1

jeff_9100

22 Posts

August 4th, 2005 02:00

Thanks!  I created the XP floppy using the download link you sent. 

In addition I now have both the the "Dell OS Recovery CD" and another CD containing all the drivers located at: C:\drivers on my Dell 9100.

I have also networked my Dell 9100 with my other desktop and can copy many of the files to my older system as a backup.

I'd like your opinion on the following advice I received via email from Dell Support.  He seems to think there's a way of creating the D:\ drive without re-installing my operating system.  I don't see how this can be done once the RAID 0 configuration has been removed.

Here's what Dell Support just emailed me:    "Thank you for your time and patience in this matter, they have both been greatly appreciated.   After going through your mail I understand your concern that you need drive letter D: work with hard diskof your system.  I request you please visit the following link given below to "Change drive letter assignments in Windows XP"

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307844&sd=tech

This will not disturb your current  operating system settings.

Thank you for contacting Dell..."

 

Thanks again for your help ejn63 !

ejn63

9 Legend

 • 

87.5K Posts

August 4th, 2005 09:00

The RAID0 array is one big partition as shipped from Dell, along with two small hidden partitions. There is no way to re-map it as another drive letter.

Windows XP is flexible about drive letters - with two exceptions. The floppy drive and the drive onto which Windows is installed cannot have their drive letters changed.

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