# Intel RAID

## Downloading RAID Drivers

{% hint style="danger" %}
**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**!
{% endhint %}

{% file src="<https://3646934979-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FW8kqBUdHKaT1nRfSPesr%2Fuploads%2FlEbi4Pr4scHqvl9p5IpN%2FIntel_driver.zip?alt=media&token=eb5183f3-d3e6-4d15-8866-28848aa3d055>" %}
Intel RAID Drivers
{% endfile %}

***

## Configuring RAID

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### Extract Drivers

Right-click on the downloaded driver files and extract them to your installation medium (USB).
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## Configuring BIOS for RAID Mode

To enable RAID mode, follow these steps:

1. **Enter BIOS:**
   * Restart your computer and spam <kbd>F2</kbd> or <kbd>DEL</kbd>.
2. Locate the following options:
   * Ensure <kbd>CSM</kbd>  is **disabled** and set to <kbd>UEFI</kbd>  mode.
   * Set <kbd>NVMe/PCIe Storage Controller</kbd>  to <kbd>\[RAID mode / RST controlled]</kbd>.
   * Set <kbd>SATA Controller</kbd>  to <kbd>\[RAID mode / RST controlled]</kbd>.
3. **Final Steps:**
   * **Save the changes** and restart your computer.
   * Enter the <kbd>BIOS</kbd> again to verify the settings.

You have successfully enabled <kbd>RAID</kbd> mode.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Creating Arrays

Back in the <kbd>BIOS</kbd> locate following option: <kbd>Intel(R) RST</kbd>  and do the following:

1. Enter <kbd>Manage Arrays / Array Management</kbd>.
2. Set the <kbd>Name</kbd>  to random characters and/or digits.
   * Set the <kbd>RAID Level</kbd>  to <kbd>RAID0 (Stripe)</kbd>.
   * Select either <kbd>2x NVMe</kbd>, <kbd>2x SSDs</kbd>  or <kbd>2x HDDs</kbd>. Mixing types is **not recommended**.
3. Click <kbd>Create Volume</kbd>  for each pair.
   * **ALL disks must have an array by the end**.
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***

## **Windows Installation Guide**

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### **Prepare for Installation**

1. Insert the <kbd>USB stick</kbd>  into your computer.&#x20;
2. Set the <kbd>USB stick</kbd>  as the <kbd>primary boot device</kbd>  in the <kbd>BIOS BOOT</kbd>  settings.&#x20;
3. <kbd>Save</kbd>  and exit the <kbd>BIOS</kbd>.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### **Begin Installation:**

1. Restart the computer to boot from the <kbd>USB stick</kbd>.
2. At the <kbd>Windows Setup screen</kbd>, choose your language and other preferences, then click <kbd>Next</kbd>.
3. Click on <kbd>Install now</kbd>.
4. If prompted, enter your product key or choose <kbd>I don't have a product key</kbd>.
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{% step %}

### **Choose Installation Type**

1. Select <kbd>Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)</kbd>.
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### I**nstalling RAID Drivers**

1. When prompted <kbd>Where do you want to install Windows?</kbd>, click <kbd>Load driver</kbd>.
2. Navigate to the <kbd>driver folder</kbd>  on the USB stick.
3. Load <kbd>Intel RST VMD Controller</kbd>.
   * If there are duplicates, only load one.
4. Press <kbd>Refresh</kbd>
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{% step %}

### **Select Installation Disk**

1. Choose the disk where you want to install Windows and click <kbd>Next</kbd>.

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

1. Press <kbd>SHIFT + F10</kbd> .
2. Type <kbd>diskpart</kbd>&#x20;
3. Then, type <kbd>list disk</kbd>&#x20;
4. Type <kbd>select disk x</kbd>, where <kbd>x</kbd>  is **every drive that is not your USB**.
   * Type <kbd>clean</kbd>, then <kbd>convert gpt</kbd> . Repeat for other disks.
     {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### C**omplete Installation**

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
2. Accept the <kbd>Terms of Service</kbd>.
3. Configure language settings as needed.
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### Post Installation

1. After installing, the computer will restart.
2. Remove the USB stick when prompted.
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### Bypass Network Setup

1. Disconnect your ethernet (if used) as soon as you are in Windows setup (after installation).&#x20;
2. Then, press <kbd>SHIFT + F10</kbd>  and type <kbd>oobe\bypassnro</kbd>.
3. When prompted to connect to WiFi, skip

<figure><img src="https://3646934979-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FW8kqBUdHKaT1nRfSPesr%2Fuploads%2FXSVISJlWtpk9vJ5XmUmw%2F2025-03-0701-50-11-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=08a5aced-b051-44fe-9af9-99c7c286c42e" alt=""><figcaption><p>oobe\bypassnro</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://3646934979-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FW8kqBUdHKaT1nRfSPesr%2Fuploads%2FQUqzuIVM6PGfZ1lQPxOM%2Fimage.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=e0672a57-cc01-4ee6-a04d-eef0df6b06f9" alt=""><figcaption><p>After your system reboots, press "I don't have internet"</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Changing Password

If you used <kbd>Rufus</kbd>  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.**
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