Deconstructing a Raid 0 array

[TimB]

I currently run windows XP Pro on a system with a raid 0 array (two
identical 250Gb drives on SATA). I'd like to turn this system into a
Windows Home Server without the raid array. The "C:" drive now holds
far less than 250Gb as I've moved data to a new PC and un-installed
most applications.

I'd like to de-construct the raid 0 array, but am a bit unclear as to
the best process to use. My thinking is:

1.Install a 750Gb SATA drive
2.Use GHOST to take an image of the "C: drive" (the two disks raid
array)
3.Copy the "C: Drive" image to the 750Gb drive
4.Disconnect the two 250Gb drives
5.Boot using the "new" 750Gb C: drive
6.Re-format both 250Gb drives
7.Copy the "C: Drive" image to one of the new/old 250Gb drives
8.Disconnect the 750Gb drive for use in another PC
9.Boot using the "new" 250Gb C: drive

First, does this make sense? Second, would you recommend an alternate
process instead?

Next, is there a risk that Windows XP will complain that the hardware
has changed too much when I swap out the raid array for the single
750, and ultimately the new/old 250? I'm concerned that it will think
I'm exceeding my EULA.

Last, what have I not considered?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[philo]

I currently run windows XP Pro on a system with a raid 0 array (two
identical 250Gb drives on SATA). I'd like to turn this system into a
Windows Home Server without the raid array. The "C:" drive now holds
far less than 250Gb as I've moved data to a new PC and un-installed
most applications.

I'd like to de-construct the raid 0 array, but am a bit unclear as to
the best process to use. My thinking is:

1.Install a 750Gb SATA drive
2.Use GHOST to take an image of the "C: drive" (the two disks raid
array)
3.Copy the "C: Drive" image to the 750Gb drive
4.Disconnect the two 250Gb drives
5.Boot using the "new" 750Gb C: drive
6.Re-format both 250Gb drives
7.Copy the "C: Drive" image to one of the new/old 250Gb drives
8.Disconnect the 750Gb drive for use in another PC
9.Boot using the "new" 250Gb C: drive

First, does this make sense? Second, would you recommend an alternate
process instead?

Next, is there a risk that Windows XP will complain that the hardware
has changed too much when I swap out the raid array for the single
750, and ultimately the new/old 250? I'm concerned that it will think
I'm exceeding my EULA.

Last, what have I not considered?

Thanks,
Tim

What you propose to do should be quite possible...
but of course be sure to backup your data first.

You will not be violating your EULA...nor should there be any hardware
problems at all
because you will stil be using the same controller.

The one issue is that your present boot.ini is referencing a RAID signature
and after the clone takes place...boot.ini will have to be modified to
reference a simple partition.

Though the editing is not too big of a deal...it may be a bit confusing...
so the simple solution would be to boot from your XP cd
and from the repair console...issue the command fixboot