Setting up new SATA HD in RAID 0 array w/Win XP OS

[jr.delgiorno]

I'm currently finishing a new computer build, my first. Im about to set up the BIOS and OS. My HD are going to be a SATA in a RAID 0 array.
My questions is this; after setting up the BIOS, can I run a partitioning software to set up the HD's to take the WinXP OS or do I need to load WinXP first? Ive never set up a computer before and software is my weak point. If some one could write me a outline of steps for setting up the BIOS, OS, Partitioning, & RAID 0 that would be VERY helpful.

[Floppyman]

I'm not sure how this works in WinXP, but you should be able to partition and format your array during the WinXP setup. Now, if your drives are hooked to the RAID controller, you might have to install the drivers during setup before your array is recognized. When you launch the setup, it should give you an option to install drivers, for example, "Press XX to install third party drivers" or something to that extend. There you would install your RAID controller drivers. Of course you would only need to do this if WinXP doens't already have the drivers for your RAID controller. HTH

[jr.delgiorno]

thanks