EVGA RAID Driver 1130 for Windows 2000/XP

This article provides information regarding the EVGA RAID Driver 1130, a software component designed to enable and optimize RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) functionality on systems running the Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems. While these operating systems are now considered legacy, the driver may still be relevant for users maintaining older hardware configurations or specific software compatibility requirements. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the driver, its purpose, installation considerations, and potential alternatives.

Understanding RAID Technology

Before delving into the specifics of the EVGA RAID Driver 1130, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental principles of RAID technology. RAID is a data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into one or more logical units for the purposes of data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. Different RAID levels exist, each offering a distinct balance between these two objectives. Common RAID levels include:

• RAID 0 (Striping): This level improves performance by striping data across multiple drives. However, it offers no redundancy; if one drive fails, all data is lost.
• RAID 1 (Mirroring): This level provides data redundancy by mirroring data across two or more drives. If one drive fails, the other(s) contain a complete copy of the data.
• RAID 5 (Striping with Parity): This level combines striping with parity information distributed across the drives. It offers both performance improvement and data redundancy. A single drive failure can be tolerated.
• RAID 10 (RAID 1+0): This level combines the benefits of RAID 1 and RAID 0. It stripes data across mirrored sets of drives, providing both high performance and high redundancy.

The specific RAID level supported depends on the RAID controller hardware present in the system. The EVGA RAID Driver 1130 facilitates communication between the operating system and the RAID controller, enabling the creation and management of RAID arrays.

Purpose of the EVGA RAID Driver 1130

The primary purpose of the EVGA RAID Driver 1130 is to allow Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems to properly recognize and utilize RAID controllers manufactured or supported by EVGA. Without the correct driver, the operating system may not be able to identify the RAID controller, preventing the creation or access of RAID volumes. This can result in the system being unable to boot from a RAID array or utilize the performance and redundancy benefits offered by RAID technology.

Specifically, the driver acts as a translator between the operating system and the RAID controller, allowing the operating system to send commands to the controller and receive data back. It handles the complexities of the underlying hardware, presenting a simplified interface to the operating system.

Compatibility and System Requirements

The EVGA RAID Driver 1130 is specifically designed for use with Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems. It is crucial to ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware requirements for these operating systems and that the RAID controller is compatible with the driver.

Before installing the driver, it is recommended to consult the EVGA website or the documentation accompanying your RAID controller to confirm compatibility. This will help prevent potential installation issues or system instability.

Installation Process

The installation process for the EVGA RAID Driver 1130 typically involves the following steps:

1. Download the Driver: Obtain the driver package from a reliable source, such as the TechSpot driver download link: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13466/. Ensure the downloaded file is not corrupted.
2. Extract the Driver Files: The downloaded file is usually a compressed archive (e.g., a ZIP file). Extract the contents of the archive to a designated folder on your hard drive.
3. Identify the RAID Controller: During Windows installation or when adding new hardware, you may be prompted to provide the driver for the RAID controller.
4. Provide the Driver Path: When prompted, browse to the folder where you extracted the driver files and select the appropriate INF file (usually named something like txtsetup.oem or similar).
5. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The operating system will guide you through the remaining steps of the installation process.
6. Reboot the System: After the installation is complete, reboot your computer to ensure the driver is properly loaded.

Important Considerations During Installation:

• "Press F6 to Install Third-Party SCSI or RAID Driver": During the Windows 2000/XP installation process, you may need to press the F6 key when prompted to install third-party SCSI or RAID drivers. This will allow you to load the driver from a floppy disk or other removable media. This step is crucial if you intend to install the operating system onto a RAID array.
• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): If you encounter a BSOD during the installation process, it may indicate a driver incompatibility issue. Verify that you have selected the correct driver for your RAID controller and that your system meets the minimum requirements.
• Driver Signing: Windows XP introduced driver signing requirements. If the EVGA RAID Driver 1130 is not digitally signed, you may receive a warning message during installation. You can choose to proceed with the installation, but it is generally recommended to use digitally signed drivers whenever possible for improved security and stability.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Several issues can arise during or after the installation of the EVGA RAID Driver 1130. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:

• Driver Not Recognized: If the operating system does not recognize the driver, ensure that you have extracted the driver files correctly and that you are pointing the installation process to the correct INF file.
• RAID Volume Not Accessible: If the RAID volume is not accessible after installing the driver, check the RAID controller configuration in the BIOS. Ensure that the RAID array is properly configured and that the boot order is set correctly.
• Performance Issues: If you experience performance issues after installing the driver, verify that the RAID level is configured correctly for your needs. Also, check for any other driver conflicts or hardware limitations that may be affecting performance.

Alternative Download Links and Drivers

While the TechSpot link provides one source for the EVGA RAID Driver 1130, it’s beneficial to have alternative sources in case the primary link is unavailable or unreliable. Here are five alternative download links for RAID drivers, including possibilities for the EVGA driver or related controllers:

1. DriverGuide.com: (Search for "EVGA RAID Driver" or your specific RAID controller model) – DriverGuide often hosts older drivers, though registration may be required.
2. Softpedia: (Search for "RAID Driver Windows 2000 XP") – Softpedia is a reputable source for software downloads, including drivers.
3. Station-Drivers.com: (Primarily for newer hardware, but may have archived drivers) – Station-Drivers focuses on drivers, often beta or older versions.
4. WinDrivers.com: (Search for "RAID Driver" or your specific controller model) – WinDrivers is a driver repository, although its reliability should be verified.
5. Manufacturer’s Website (if available): Check the website of the RAID controller manufacturer (e.g., Adaptec, LSI, Intel) for legacy drivers. This is often the most reliable source.

Important Note: When downloading drivers from alternative sources, exercise caution and ensure that the website is reputable and the downloaded files are free from malware. Always scan downloaded files with an antivirus program before installing them. It is crucial to verify that the downloaded driver is compatible with your specific RAID controller model and operating system version.

Legacy Systems and Modern Alternatives

It is important to acknowledge that Windows 2000 and Windows XP are no longer supported by Microsoft. Using these operating systems poses significant security risks due to the lack of security updates. Furthermore, modern hardware and software are generally not compatible with these older operating systems.

If you are considering using RAID technology, it is strongly recommended to upgrade to a modern operating system, such as Windows 10 or Windows 11, and use hardware and software that are specifically designed for these operating systems. Modern operating systems typically include built-in RAID support or offer more robust and secure driver ecosystems.

Conclusion

The EVGA RAID Driver 1130 is a necessary component for enabling RAID functionality on Windows 2000 and Windows XP systems using compatible EVGA RAID controllers. While these operating systems are now considered legacy, the driver may still be relevant for users maintaining older hardware configurations. Understanding the purpose of the driver, its installation process, and potential troubleshooting steps is crucial for successfully utilizing RAID technology on these older systems. However, given the security risks and compatibility limitations associated with these operating systems, upgrading to a modern platform is strongly recommended for most users. Remember to download the EVGA RAID Driver 1130 from reputable sources like the TechSpot driver download link provided, and always exercise caution when installing drivers from unknown sources.