No, if you really want to erase all datas (especially the hidden datas written by any OS), you have to do a special way of formatting ("low format"). This takes more time than the "normal" formatting.But as you have already written, you obviously have done a "low format" before you created the RAID array. It is not a problem to use the "quick format" option, when you are going to install a new OS replacing an already existing Windows partition, but you should not take this option, when you are going to install an OS the first time. Another idea: Did you really unplug all storage devices outside your RAID array (USB stick, Floppy, Card Reader etc.) before you begin with the XP installation? The XP setup routine does not like RAID arrays. If it finds any other possibility to get the OS installed, it tries there first. Yeah I did already do a low level format, but only the once as it takes a small part of my life up! However, I did do it before I started slipstreaming Windows, so might give that a try to, or could use WesternDigital's tools to write 0's to the drives. I will do a low level format, and add that to my list Literally everything that is connected is the 2 drives and a DVD-RW, nothing else is outside the RAID erray. I might take the jumper out the DVD-RW tho, as it's coming up as 2ndary IDE (which is what it was before the RAID erray, as I had an IDE hard drive and 2xSATA drives. What I'll do when I get back, is create another slipstreamed CD using only the driver in the SATARAID folder, and burn that. Check that everything in the bios is setup correctly, and redo the raid erray in NVRaid. Then do a low level format when I run the windows installation. If needs be, I might try another Windows CD. I'll let you know how I get on! Cheers mate. *EDIT* I've had another random thought actually...a couple of things have changed since my last format a while ago a) A new monitor, which is connected via DVi. During windows installation, the screen does literally move halfway down the monitor so I can't see it. I think I'll temporarily go back to analogue, just to be careful. B) 1.3 bios flash, which seems to have sorted an issue during windows installation, I think anyway. Last time I installed windows it'd stop with 37mins to go asking for the HD audio drivers for my soundcard, but pressing cancel is enough and it will carry on without them. So I'm guessing they've solved that issue. I might even take out a GFX card, as it's in SLi. Only another 5 hours to go....