Q: Can I create a software RAID volume using Windows Server 2008 R2 on a USB connected drive?

Creating a software RAID volume on a USB connected drive is a no-go in Windows Server 2008 R2. Here's why.

John Savill

May 24, 2012

1 Min Read
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A:To create a software RAID volume such as RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5 (striping with parity), the disks must be converted from basic to dynamic. Dynamicdisks aren't supported on any kind of detachable storage, which includes USB drives as described at this Microsoft article.

This means software RAIDvolumes can't be created with USB connected media in Windows Server 2008 R2 or any earlier OS versions.

See more FAQs on virtualization, System Center, and all things IT pro at John Savill's FAQs.

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