Windows XP and RAID 1

Is it possible to use hardware RAID 1 (mirroring) with Windows XP?

I know using the disk management stuff it only lets you do dynamic disk or whatever its called, but no mirroring through the software. In the case of hardware mirroring, the controller is the one that handles distributing the data to both drives, correct?

 

Correct. With hardware mirroring the OS only "sees" one drive. The array is controlled by the hardware and array utilities.

 

Windows itself does not have mirroring software, but there are applications out there that do. A quick google search found Arctor, but is unfortunately not free. I don't know any others off the top.

Keep in mind that if you are going to pay for mirroring software, then you might be better off simply buying a RAID controller and using a hardware array, as they are typically more reliable. They are getting cheaper too. This link, for example, show the Adaptec 1210SA RAID controller for $60. I can say that this is a great card for XP.



Just don't try to use it with Win2K3 like our company did......