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Create the RAID driver disk
I need to reinstall windows on my Dimension 4600. Reading the Dell instructions on reinstall, it says to create a RAID driver disk if you have a ATA Serial hard drive, which I do. Purchased my computer 12/03. The problem is I don't have the resource CD. The instructions indicate I have to use the resource CD.
"
1. Create the Intel® Application Accelerator RAID Driver Diskette in Microsoft® Windows® XP using the Dell Dimension Resource CD:
2. Create the Intel® Application Accelerator RAID Driver Diskette in DOS using the Dell Dimension Resource CD:
3. Begin the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System Setup and Load the SATA/AHCI Driver"
Can anyone tell me:
1. Do I have to install the RAID disk driver? If I don't what will happen?
2. Where can I find it if I don't have the resource CD?
Thanks
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Posted September 29th, 2005 15:00
bald,
The Dell instructions are a recently added generic guide for installing XP (and quite frankly is one of the most poorly written documents in the support base).
To add to redwolfe_98's comments, whether you have a SATA drive or not, unless you have more than one hard drive you cannot have a RAID configuration.
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Posted September 29th, 2005 16:00
My shipping package says:340-9022 120 GB Serial ATA Hark Drive 7200 rpm p/n R0444so I assume it would have RAID Driver. Reason I gave the date I purchased my computer was I was not certain that they used those drivers then.392
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Posted September 29th, 2005 17:00
go to start/control panel/system/hardware/device manager and see what it shows for the harddrive that you have..or, there is a utility in dell support that can scan your computer and tell you what "configuration" you have..392
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Posted September 29th, 2005 19:00
bald,
You wrote, "My shipping package says:
340-9022 120 GB Serial ATA Hark Drive 7200 rpm p/n R0444 so I assume it would have RAID Driver."
You apparently overlooked the last sentence in my earlier post. Here is a definition of RAID from Webopedia (emphasis mine):
"(rād) Short for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks, a category of disk drives that employ two or more drives in combination for fault tolerance and performance."
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Posted September 29th, 2005 21:00
denny, i think there is what dell calls a "raid" driver that is used for sata drives, like with the dimension 9100 that comes with a sata drive..here is a webpage that discusses installing the "raid" driver for sata drives..392
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Posted September 30th, 2005 01:00
redwolfe_98,
By definition, you must have at least two hard drives to have a RAID installation.
Perhaps the only way to get a SATA drive is to install a RAID driver but I remain skeptical.
Message Edited by Denny Denham on 09-29-2005 07:19 PM
392
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Posted September 30th, 2005 01:00
i had the impression that there was some driver that had to be installed in order for a sata drive on some newer dells to be recognized, like with the promise card on some "old" dells..392
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Posted October 1st, 2005 12:00
I have two Disk drives. One I ordered with the computer, a SATA, one I purchased and installed. They are ST3120026A and ST3120026AS. Since one is not a SATA, I know I can't set up a RAID system. However, when I go to the Dell site for reinstalling windows xp, it states if I have a SATA drive it sends me to install RAID drivers. I'm having trouble determining why I need it and since I can't find my Resource CD, how to obtain the driver without the CD. The Dell site doesn't say I need to SATA drives to install RAID drivers. I know it is confusing. Any suggestions? I don't want to jump in and start reinstalling windows without have all my ducks in a row.96
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Posted October 1st, 2005 15:00
bald,
For what it's worth, the RAID driver can be downloaded through the links here. The Dimension 4600 is not listed as one of the supported systems nor are there any Serial ATA downloads available for the 4600.
You are more likely to receive informed information if you post your question in the Dimension - Hard Drive conference here.
redwolfe_98
2 Intern
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1326 Posts
392
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Posted September 29th, 2005 13:00
i don't see an option to download the "raid" driver for sata drives in "downloads" for the 4600, so i think it is unlikely that there was an option for sata drives, with the 4600..
Message Edited by redwolfe_98 on 09-29-2005 11:07 AM