Error when creating mirrored (RAID 1) drives on Windows 7

Error:
"The operation failed to complete because the Disk Management console view is not up-to-date. Refresh the view by using the refresh task. If the problem persists close the Disk Management console, then restart Disk Management or restart the computer."
Solution:
Shrink the volume then extend it - then add the mirror.

Use CMD to create mirror:

Run CMD (as Administrator)
Enter: DISKPART
DISKPART> list disk

  Disk ###  Status      Size     Free     Dyn  Gpt
  --------  ----------  -------  -------  ---  ---
  Disk 0    Online        30 GB      0 B
  Disk 1    Online         8 GB  8189 MB
  Disk 2    Online         8 GB  8189 MB

For the purposes of this tutorial we will be creating a mirrored volume based on a set consisting of disks 1 and 2. The mirrored volume is created by first creating a simple volume on the first disk and then adding a second disk to the mirrored set.
The first volume is created using the create volume command combined with the disk= directive. The size of the volume may also be specified using the size= directive. Omission of the size= option will cause diskpart to create volume which occupies all the available space on the designated disk. For example:
DISKPART>create volume simple disk=1
Having created the first volume on disk 1 the next step is to add the mirror volume on disk 2. This is achieved using the add command as follows:

add disk=2

The list volume command may be used to verify the new configuration:

DISKPART> select volume 2
DISKPART> format fs=ntfs label="Mirrored Volume"

  100 percent completed

DiskPart successfully formatted the volume.

Find out which files are taking up all your hard drive space

Best Disk usage tool - file sizer etc.
WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info)
Download latest version for Windows: http://windirstat.info/wds_current_setup.exe

Backup, backup, backup ...

Everyone should adopt strategies to ensure critical information is protected from corruption and loss. 

• Invest in redundant backup systems
• Establish a structured backup procedure to make copies of all critical data files, using software compatible with the operating system and applications
• Periodically test the backups to verify that data, especially databases and other critical files, are being backed up properly
• Keep at least one verified copy of critical data offsite.
• Never upgrade any system without a verified backup
• Use up-to-date hardware and software utilities for data security, such as firewalls and virus protection
• Scan all incoming data for viruses, including packaged software
• Use ventilation, fans and/or air conditioning to keep servers at the proper operating temperature
• Connect systems to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect against power surges
• Power down and take extreme caution when moving computers
• Avoid static discharge when touching or handling the media, especially in excessively dry environments

When disaster strikes:

• If possible, back up the data immediately
• Do not use utility software if the drive makes scraping, tapping, clicking or humming sounds
• Do not power up a device that has obvious physical damage or is making unusual sounds
• Shut down the computer to avoid further damage to the drive and its data
• Do not attempt recovery yourself on severely traumatized drives (i.e., turning the computer off and on, using over-the-counter diagnostic tools). This may cause further damage or permanent data loss
• Call TEK911 to evaluate and help you decide on a course of action.
• If you’ve lost critical data, DriveSavers recovery service is your best and safest option
• Never assume data is unrecoverable
• DriveSavers has successfully recovered data from hundreds of thousands of drives with extreme physical and logical damage.