Intel RAID

This page will help you reinstall Windows with a RAID configuration on an Intel-based system.

Downloading RAID Drivers

DON'T SKIP THIS STEP!

First, you must download the RAID drivers. It's crucial you download the correct drivers, otherwise you won't be able to complete your reinstall!

4MB

Intel_driver.zip

archive

Intel RAID Drivers

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Configuring RAID

1

Extract Drivers

Right-click on the downloaded driver files and extract them to your installation medium (USB).

2

Configuring BIOS for RAID Mode

To enable RAID mode, follow these steps:

1. Enter BIOS:

   • Restart your computer and spam F2 or DEL.

2. Locate the following options:

   • Ensure CSM is disabled and set to UEFI mode.

   • Set NVMe/PCIe Storage Controller to [RAID mode / RST controlled].

   • Set SATA Controller to [RAID mode / RST controlled].

3. Final Steps:

   • Save the changes and restart your computer.

   • Enter the BIOS again to verify the settings.

You have successfully enabled RAID mode.

3

Creating Arrays

Back in the BIOS locate following option: Intel(R) RST and do the following:

1. Enter Manage Arrays / Array Management.

2. Set the Name to random characters and/or digits.

   • Set the RAID Level to RAID0 (Stripe).

   • Select either 2x NVMe, 2x SSDs or 2x HDDs. Mixing types is not recommended.

3. Click Create Volume for each pair.

   • ALL disks must have an array by the end.

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Windows Installation Guide

1

Prepare for Installation

1. Insert the USB stick into your computer.

2. Set the USB stick as the primary boot device in the BIOS BOOT settings.

3. Save and exit the BIOS.

2

Begin Installation:

1. Restart the computer to boot from the USB stick.

2. At the Windows Setup screen, choose your language and other preferences, then click Next.

3. Click on Install now.

4. If prompted, enter your product key or choose I don't have a product key.

3

Choose Installation Type

1. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

4

Installing RAID Drivers

1. When prompted Where do you want to install Windows?, click Load driver.

2. Navigate to the driver folder on the USB stick.

3. Load Intel RST VMD Controller.

   • If there are duplicates, only load one.

4. Press Refresh

5

Select Installation Disk

1. Choose the disk where you want to install Windows and click Next.

If it does not allow you to install due to GPT/MBR issues:

1. Press SHIFT + F10 .

2. Type diskpart

3. Then, type list disk

4. Type select disk x, where x is every drive that is not your USB.

   • Type clean, then convert gpt . Repeat for other disks.

6

Complete Installation

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

2. Accept the Terms of Service.

3. Configure language settings as needed.

7

Post Installation

1. After installing, the computer will restart.

2. Remove the USB stick when prompted.

8

Bypass Network Setup

1. Disconnect your ethernet (if used) as soon as you are in Windows setup (after installation).

2. Then, press SHIFT + F10 and type oobe\bypassnro.

3. When prompted to connect to WiFi, skip

oobe\bypassnro

After your system reboots, press "I don't have internet"

9

Changing Password

If you used Rufus to make a local account, it will prompt you to change your password after the first reboot. The current password is empty, so for "current password" put nothing.