Did not create RAID array as I imagined it would

Not sure whether to post this one here or in the STORAGE forum. So posting in both locations and hoping I don't get my pants flamed off for doing so.

Hardware is a new T3500 Precision desktop with built in RAID controller.

System came with one drive. I added a matching drive, which exposed the RAID BIOS config utulity upon boot. I created a RAID 1 array, but the system did not create the array as I expected. Rather than let me create the array by mirroring the contents of one drive to the second drive, the system instead wiped all data off both drives when it created the array. Is that the only way to create the array? Loss of all data on BOTH drives?

If so, what happens when one of your drives go bad down the road, you replace it, and then need to re-create the array? I would much perfer to be able to create an array by mirroring the contents of an existing drive to the second/replacement drive.

Can do?

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Second question:

After creating above array and losing all data I booted to Acronis True Image 10 and restored original contents of the single drive to the array (yes I did a backup before hand!).

However, although the restore went fine, the array displayed as DEGRADED upon boot up, and the drives spent several hours rebuilding the array. Why would this be necessary if restoring to a functioning RAID 1 array? Would True Image not see the storage system as one singel drive? And would the DELL RAID controller not write the data to each drive as the restore progressed?

Inquiring minds want to know.

thanx for any help.

jim