Platform: HP
Processor: Pentium Dual Core 2.6 gHz
Arrays: 2 RAID 1 arrays, System and Data
Drives: 4 Seagate 640g, drives using Matrix Storage v. 8.19.0.1023
OS: Windows 7 Professional
Last weekend, I attempted to upgrade to Windows 10. I was ready with the new drivers I downloaded from the Intel site; but didn't get a chance to install them. I got dragged down a rabbit hole with Alice.
Windows Update [apparently] loaded the new driver for the system drive [contains OS image, boot sector, User/AppData, etc.] though all the readme files prepared me to load the new drivers once Windows 10 was installed.
The installation choked because of the second RAID 1 array. I was able to boot only after I disconnected both physical spindles of that RAID 1 array.
I tried with one of the drives disconnected; and, the system still would not boot. I heard a clicking sound; so, I thought I maybe experienced a drive failure during the upgrade process; so, I swapped drives. No luck. I checked the cable connections to the motherboard; all is OK.
I disconnected both spindles from that pair; and, I attached a spare spindle I have [initially to see if I had a controller problem.] The system booted.
I rolled back to Windows 7; but, the system still won't boot with one or the other or both of the suspect drives connected.
I just want to recover the data [which is mostly work space and back ups,] and recreate the RAID 1 array; so, I put the one of the suspect spindles in a SATA-USB bridge external appliance that I have. The system doesn't recognize the drive.
I've poked around the Intel site to see if there was a "sledge hammer' solution, i.e. some data recovery software, and reformat both suspect spindles; but, I can't find any.
If anyone knows of such a utility on the Intel site, please point me to it. If anyone has experienced this problem, and has a solution; I'm all ears.
Thanks in advance for your help.