windows(INTEL) RAID Reinstallation

Tutorial for only INTEL

Requirements:

  • A USB with 8GB of storage space (32GB Max)

  • Decently understanding how to generally work with computers

  • Intel RST compatible motherboard (confirmed via compatibility checker)


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Intel RAID Compatibility

Haven't checked your compatibility yet? Run the Intel RAID Compatibility Checkerarrow-up-right to see if your system supports RAID. If it does not support RAID do the normal reinstallation.

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[1] CREATE WINDOWS USB

  • Download Media Creation Tool above, click "Download Now"

  • Open the Media Creation Tool as an administrator

  • Select Create Installation media (USB Flash drive)

  • Use all the recommended options & continue & wait for it to finish.

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Remember Your Disk Serials!

Make a photo of them on your phone β€” check with Disk serial checker.exe

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Network Drivers


chevron-rightSTEP 3: Boot into BIOS & Enable RAID Modehashtag

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS β€” How to Easily Boot into BIOSarrow-up-right β€” navigate to Advanced Mode and locate the SATA/NVMe Storage configuration settings.

πŸ” | Finding SATA Mode & M.2 RAID Support

The location varies by motherboard β€” check these common paths:

β€’ Advanced Mode > PCH Storage Configuration (Most Common)

β€’ Advanced Mode > Storage Configuration

β€’ Advanced Mode > SA (System Agent) > VMD Controller

β€’ Advanced Mode > Onboard Devices/Integrated Peripherals

β€’ Advanced Mode > VMD Controller

chevron-rightSTEP 4: Configure RAID Settingshashtag
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Once you've located the storage settings, configure the following options:

πŸ’‘ | VMD Controller Found?

If you see a "VMD Controller" option, simply enable it and skip the SATA Mode settings below.

A | SATA Mode/Controller > RAID Mode / RST Controlled / Optane Mode

B | M.2_1 RST PCIE Storage RAID Support > Enabled / RST Controlled

C | M.2_2 RST PCIE Storage RAID Support > Enabled / RST Controlled

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The exact names may differ on your motherboard β€” use common sense!

chevron-rightSTEP 5: Disable CSM & Enable UEFIhashtag

Navigate to the Boot tab and configure:

Β· Boot > CSM > Disabled

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If you can't find CSM, ensure UEFI is enabled instead.

Save & Exit the BIOS, then re-enter BIOS again!


chevron-rightSTEP 6: Create RAID Arrayhashtag

Once back in BIOS, navigate to Advanced > Intel(R) RST > Create RAID Volume

  1. Name > Anything of your choice

  2. RAID Level > RAID0 (Stripe)

  3. Select Disks > Choose the disks you want to RAID (can't mix different disk types)

  4. Create Volume > Click to create the array

chevron-rightSTEP 7: Install Windowshashtag

Save & Exit the BIOS and ensure your Windows USB is plugged in. You should see the Windows setup screen:

  1. Change language settings if needed, press Next

  2. If asked for product key, select I don't have a product key

  3. Select Windows 10/11 Pro Version | Important

  4. Accept TOS and press Next

chevron-rightSTEP 8: Load RAID Drivershashtag

At the "Where do you want to install Windows?" step, click Load driver:

1. Click Browse in the popup

  1. Navigate to your USB stick

  2. Select the folder containing your Intel RST drivers > Press OK

Press Ctrl + A to select all drivers, then click Next.

chevron-rightSTEP 9: Complete Installationhashtag

Select the disk you want to install Windows on and press Next. Continue with the installation process.

chevron-rightSTEP 10: Create Offline Account | Importanthashtag

The installation process should start. Make sure to create an offline account.

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Windows 11 Users

On Windows 11, creating an offline account is no longer possible through the normal setup. Either make a new Microsoft account or search on YouTube for "latest offline account create method Windows 11" to find current workarounds. One workaround is to disconnect your internet once you're at that step.

chevron-rightSTEP 11: Turn OFF Privacy Settingshashtag
chevron-rightSTEP 12: Verify Serial Changeshashtag

Now, use the "Disk serial checker.exe" and see if the serials have been changed, compare old vs new. If disk serials remain unchanged, contact support, and we will find a solution.

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