Laptop + external RAID. impossible?

I bought Expresscard SATA 2-port controller and two identical disks + external enclosures equipped with eSata. first problem with installing driver for controller - there are two - standard and softRAID5. XP accepts only standard. the one for RAID5 fails to install. I went with standard and tried to convert disks to dynamic - for stripe. no chance. there is no option for it in MMC. then I found out that M$ intentionally blocked RAID for portable computers (also converting disks to dynamic) due to fact (???) that portable PCs has single drive. if additional ones - removable. so no RAID for portables. and most likely - that's why system will not accept RAID driver. any chance to unlock RAID capability on a laptop with XP?

Vojtek

 

Just so you know, RAID5 won't work with 2 drives. IT's for 3 or more.

And RAID should work just fine on any notebook.

Where did you find out that m$ blocked raid?

 

I found it on some forum explaining why there is no possibility to convert basic disk to dynamic using MMC on a laptop. besides, my laptop has 915 chipset (from Intel). there is a matrix driver to it. however during installation it shows an error message that there is a missing component in XP and it's preventing it from finalizing installation.

Vojtek

 

...and maybe this will shed some light.

support.microsoft.com/kb/232463

Anyway - I'm still looking for a method to unlock this possibility on a laptop.

Regards,
Vojtek

 

Which ExpressCard are you using? I know SIIG released two versions, one with RAID and one without.

Both are designed for laptops, so I can't see why it's not possible.

eSATA II ExpressCard RAID
http://www.siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pn=SC-SAE612-S1

eSATA II ExpressCard
http://www.siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pn=SC-SAE512-S1

 

Please note that expresscard doesn't necessary mean it is for LAPTOP ONLY. Those devices can work on a desktop PC as well. and looks like RAID feature is only for desktops. my expresscard is from Xpower. and the specification says it allows RAID0 up to RAID5. it's just that limitation of portable PC doesn't allow to install it's original RAID driver.

 

Sorry vojtek11, yes, ExpressCard doesn't necessary mean it's for laptop.

But I think I've found the registry hack to enable dynamic disk for you.

http://www.maximumpc.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=299600

Scroll down and look at shifty's post for the instructions.

 

My understanding is RAID 0 is two HDD's. Someone please correct one of us.

 

RAID 0 needs 2 and RAID 5 needs 3

 

So have you tried the registry hack?

 

I was just thinking that I should buy 2 port SATA express card too, to connect all external SATA HDDs that I'm having around, lol.

are these SIIG cards the best out there ?

and what SATA enclousured did you buy ?

sorry that I'm a bit off, but for the same cause though

 

SIIG cards are very reliable, recognized by expresscard.org, both of their SATA ExpressCards have passed the ExpressCard Compliance Program. Don't buy one of those cheap unbranded ones from eBay, you get no support. If you need RAID from your laptop, I'd wait vojtek11 to try the registry hack I posted, but the original poster of the instructions did make it work though. Anyway, this is a Windows limitation, not a card problem.

 

YES! Works like a charm!

Regards,
Vojtek

 

Yea sure, but i didn't see where i mentioned RAID 0

 

You create software raid in xp and above.
Maybe Not as good but still.
I still look for the post on a different where there is away to have a software raid with out having to windows it's own partition.