Windows 7 Can't boot with RAID1, RAID driver issues?

[endtime]

I tried installing W7 on a a spare partition on my (fakeraid) RAID1, and installation went through but I get an error after selecting W7 from the bootloader (I can still boot XP from the W7 bootloader). Is it possible that installation could pass but booting could fail if I used the wrong RAID driver? It took me a while to find one that the W7 installer would recognize as signed (my mobo CD is on the other side of the country so I had to resort to the web to try and find a driver). My motherboard is an AOpen AK89 Max (yeah, old computer) and my RAID uses the onboard RAID controller.

Edit: Just tried repairing with the same RAID driver I used to install. It found one "root cause":

Boot manager failed to find OS loader.

Repair action: File repair
Result: Failed. Error code = 0xa

Repair action: Boot configuration data store repair
Result: Failed. Error code: 0x490

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are facing boot issues after installing Windows 7 on a spare partition on your RAID1 setup. Here are a few insights and steps you could consider to address the problem:

1. RAID Driver Compatibility:​

• Driver Signatures: Windows often requires signed drivers for hardware components including RAID controllers. Using an unsigned or incompatible RAID driver during installation might lead to boot issues.
• Driver Matching: Ensuring that the RAID driver matches your RAID controller model is crucial for seamless operation.
  

  2. Troubleshooting Steps:​

• Update RAID Driver: Try to acquire the latest RAID driver directly from the manufacturer's website, ensuring it is compatible with Windows 7.
• Repair Bootloader: If the boot manager failed to find the OS loader, repairing the bootloader might resolve the issue.
  

  3. Boot Repair:​

• Attempt to repair the boot configuration data to potentially address the boot manager failure.
• Boot Configuration Data Repair:
  • Running the "Boot Configuration Data Store Repair" option might help fix the boot configuration issues.
    

    4. Additional Considerations:​

• Legacy Hardware: Due to the age of the motherboard and the RAID controller, compatibility issues with newer operating systems like Windows 7 may arise.
• BIOS Settings: Ensure that the BIOS settings are correctly configured for the RAID setup and that the boot priority is set appropriately.
  

  Steps Taken and Results:​

  • Driver Installation: The installation proceeded with a RAID driver recognized as signed, indicating successful compatibility during installation.
  • Repair Attempt: Repairing the boot manager and file system using the same RAID driver did not yield positive results, with error codes 0xa and 0x490 being displayed.

  Recommendation:​

  • Update RAID Driver: Obtain the latest signed RAID driver specific to your motherboard model and RAID controller to ensure compatibility with Windows 7.
  • Boot Repair: Consider performing advanced boot repair steps or seek assistance from technical support forums for further troubleshooting.
  By addressing the RAID driver compatibility and attempting advanced repair options, you may successfully resolve the boot issues you are encountering with Windows 7 on your RAID setup. For further assistance or detailed instructions, feel free to reach out.