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DataSafe Questions
I just ordered an XPS 400. I have a couple of questions regarding the DataSafe configuration.
Can I add additional partitions to my primary drive? If so how does this effect the DataSafe setup?
Are there any additional bays if I want to add a 3rd HDD? I have the media reader as well. If I can add a 3rd HDD how does this effect the DataSafe config?
Thanks.
- Thanks for the information. I posted somewhere else and others said
it was not possible. Can you provide details on how to do this? I am most concerned
with not messing up the RAID configuration. Norton Ghost, I believe, I should
be able to set it back up correctly.
I have a 250GB disk of which 160-170 is usable. I would like to create
two additional partitions. One for user data and one for programs. I
checked the specs on the machine and there is no room for a 3rd drive.
I would want Norton Ghost to handle user data. Also I want to keep the
mirror. Thanks."
my_two_cent
4 Posts
99
0
Posted July 12th, 2006 00:00
If the RAID 1 mirror is pre-configured, you should be able to use any partition manager software to repartition the drive. I use BootIt NG from www.terabyteunlimited.com.
You can't add a third drive to a RAID 1 mirror array. My Intel controller supports several RAID configurations besides RAID 1 and some of those use two, four or five drives. You should be able to add the third drive as a non-RAID drive, assuming you have a free interface and bay.
If you repartition your mirror, you will need to reconfigure Norton Ghost. I use a multi-boot system with four partitions:
Dell Utility (to do hardware diagnostics to satisfy Dell)
First OS (XP)
USER (my data, no OS, no programs)
Second OS (Vista beta)
BootIt NG lets me boot XP only seeing the XP and USER partitions. I boot Vista by itself and hide the other partitions since I don't want a beta test to muck up my operational disks. Eventually I will use the USER data partition with a production release of Vista and migrate away from XP. By keeping my data on a separate partition, I can use two different OSes and keep my email, music, etc all in one place.
I use Norton Ghost to protect the XP partition. I rely on the mirror to protect the user data. If I were to ever have to reinstall XP, I wouldn't touch my user data on USER partition.
I keep My Documents, My Pictures, My Music, my email, my passwords, etc on USER by changing the Shell Folder pointers in the registry. (Happy to give more details if wanted.)