User`s guide

Appendix C: Using the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility ● 85
Introduction to the ARC Utility
The ARC utility comprises these tools:
● The Array Configuration Utility (ACU)—For creating and managing arrays, and
initializing and rescanning disk drives (see page 85).
Note:
Also available—ACU for DOS. See page 93.
● A -Select Utility—SerialSelect, SATASelect, or SCSISelect, for modifying your controller
and disk drive settings (see page 87).
● Disk Utilities—For formatting or verifying disk drives (see page 91).
Running the ARC Utility
If your Adaptec controller is connected to a RAID enclosure, power on your enclosure (or
enclosures) before you power on your computer.
Start or restart your computer. When prompted, press Ctrl+A.
During boot up, if your system has insufficient memory the following message will display.
“Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility will load after, system initialization. Please wait... Or press
<Enter> Key to attempt loading the utility forcibly [Generally, not recommended]”
Note:
The first time you power on your computer after you install a new controller, the BIOS
may display a configuration that doesn’t match your system’s configuration. This is normal.
Navigating the ARC Utility
All the tools within the ARC utility are menu-based and instructions for completing tasks
appear on-screen. Menus can be navigated using the arrows, Enter, Esc, and other keys on your
keyboard.
Using the ACU to Create and Manage Arrays
To open the ACU, start the ARC utility (see page 85). If you have more than one controller, select
your controller, then press Enter. Select Array Configuration Utility, then press Enter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to create and manage arrays, and initialize, rescan, and erase
disk drives.
Creating a New Array
To begin creating an array, select Create Arrays from the main ACU menu.
Only disk drives that can be used in a new array are available for selection. (Disk drives must be
initialized before they can be used in an array. See Initializing Disk Drives on page 86 for more
information.)
Use the Array Properties menu to modify the array’s RAID level, size, name, stripe size, and
caching settings.
Note:
For more information about RAID levels and using disk drives to create arrays, see
Choosing a RAID Level on page 31.