Dynamic to Basic & reload Windows

I think I know the answer before I ask, but here goes anyway. I have an HP dv6-2043 Laptop with Windows 7 installed (don't have Win7 cd). I really want to load Linux on a partition, but the partitions are now a dynamic disk and Linux doesn't see the partition I made for it. I can't even use Acronis True Image to backup the image as TI doesn't do dynamic. The question: Would it be possible to copy C:\*.* /s to a USB drive; clear all partitions; re partition in basic; load a Linux and copy the Windows from USB to a C partition; then use my backup DVD's to repair Windows.

Probably not. If you really want Linux, you can build a very cheap pc and use that. Better choice than fiddling with partitions. Otherwise, try using Gparted.

You might try Partition Wizard.

Frostmourne said:

Probably not. If you really want Linux, you can build a very cheap pc and use that. Better choice than fiddling with partitions. Otherwise, try using Gparted.

I already have three flavours of Linux on my main PC; just hoped to have it on the laptop and not lose Windows.

It might work, but what will Linux give you that Windows can't better?

Frostmourne said:

It might work, but what will Linux give you that Windows can't better?

I feel more at ease with Linux in regards to security / viruses. I don't even have an anti-virus program running on Linux and never had a virus. There are other reasons, but really not interested in getting into which is better (apples to oranges}; never seen the blue screen of death though in Linux.

RogerR said:

You might try Partition Wizard.

Looks interesting, but the cost is a bit over my head.

AllanP said:

Frostmourne said:

It might work, but what will Linux give you that Windows can't better?

I feel more at ease with Linux in regards to security / viruses. I don't even have an anti-virus program running on Linux and never had a virus. There are other reasons, but really not interested in getting into which is better (apples to oranges}; never seen the blue screen of death though in Linux.

Linux will get infected as more people use it, its just security by obscurity and you should run an antivirus app and scan files with it if you move between PC's. Same for a firewall. As for a BSOD, you won't get them if you look after 7 - drivers, patches, no useless software or tweaks etc.

AllanP said:

RogerR said:

You might try Partition Wizard.

Looks interesting, but the cost is a bit over my head.

If you can't afford free, you are really poor!

Partition Wizard Home Edition Free!

I have found a Linux distro that recognizes dynamic disks although cannot change partition layout. I have a question: After I install Suse 11.2 in the partition allocated it will be controlling the boot. If I want to return to the Windows boot control will the Windows restore disk do that or is there a way of saving Windows boot. I guess it's no longer the MBR. TIA