Dell Dimension E521 - Manual (Page 30)

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Setting Up and Using Your Computer
Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID
Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the
computer was purchased. For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see "About RAID
Configurations" on page 29. For information on how to install a hard drive, see "Hard Drives" on page 87.
To configure RAID hard drive volumes use the Nvidia MediaShield ROM utility before you install the
operating system onto the hard drive.
Ensure that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before you begin.
Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode
1 Enter the system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page 111).
2 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Drives, then press <Enter>.
3 Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the SATA operation, then press <Enter>.
4 Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight RAID On, and then press <Enter>.
NOTE:
For more information about RAID options, see "System Setup Options" on page 112.
5 Press <Esc>, press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and then press <Enter> to
exit system setup and resume the boot process.
Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility
NOTICE:
The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on your hard drive(s). Back up any data you want
to keep before continuing.
Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration. Ideally, however, the drives should be
of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space. For an explanation of RAID levels and their
requirements, see "About RAID Configurations" on page 29. For information on how to install a hard
drive, see "Installing a Hard Drive" on page 88.
1 Enable RAID for each applicable hard drive on your computer (see "Setting Your Computer to RAID-
Enabled Mode" on page 30).
2 Restart the computer.
3 Press <Ctrl><N> when prompted to enter the RAID BIOS.
NOTE:
If the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop,
then shut down your computer and try again.
The Define a New Array window appears.
4 Press <Tab> to navigate to the RAID Mode field.
To create a RAID 1 configuration, use the arrow keys to select Mirroring.
5 Press <Tab> to navigate to the Free Disks field.
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