how to setup RAID5 on IBM Machine with 3 Hard drives each of 500 GB?

You need a RAID controller.  Some motherboards have them integrated but I highly recommend purchasing an add-in card.

So, do you have a RAID controller?

On boot there should be an option to enter the controller and create an Array.
*WARNING THIS WILL WIPE YOUR DRIVES*

TookyG's comment is the correct answer.

Thanks guys for reply, i m gonna try RAID before operating system bootup process. i will reply back to you with the results. thanx

I hope it works out for you.  It would be very useful if you would post the hardware you're using so someone else may reference this in the future.  Good luck!

I am using SATA Drives with IBM machine having Intel Pentium R D CPU 3.00 GHz.
I tried to configure RAID 5 through CTRL-A option but after adding all those drives to create an array, its just giving me the option of RAID 0 and if i add two drives then it is giving me the option of RAID 0 and RAID 1. but i am not getting the option of RAID 5. need help.

Are you sure your controller supports RAID5?

I Think so.....Is there any way that I can verify.
  just want to know one more thing, do we have to change jumper settings for those three drives.
Thanx

What is the model of the RAID controller?  This would be displayed after hitting CTRL+A during boot.

Are all 3 drives showing when you launch the BIOS?

I will answer the jumper setting once you answer the first question regarding the model #.

I am having ADAPTEC SAS/SATA CONFIGURATION UTILITY 1.2-0 1706
yeah all the three drives are showing and i can also add them all in the Array Configuration utillity.

What is your reason for chosing for RAID5?  What will this be used for?

I want to setup VMware on this machine and wants to install multiple operating system on it.

So, why the choice for RAID5?

I dont why, but it just came in to my mind to set up RAID5 on that, or because of its functionality to provide llow cost of redundancy.

I still need the specific model of your controller.  Is this onboard or an add-on card?  What computer is this in?

Dont worry, I think its my Controller who is not supporting the RAID 5, anyway thanx for all the info and help.
Thank You Guys