Cant convert Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk

[skyisover]

Last night as I was attempting to install Windows 8 RP to test it out, I decided I would do a dual boot incase I didn't like it. It downloaded, burned fined and I went to make a new partition, and this is where things went south for me. It converted every disk to dynamic once I had created the new disk to install it on and for the life on me I can't get it to convert back to basic, so I'm pretty well screwed if something goes wrong.

Things I've done:
1) Attempt system restore - Ok, so I didn't have a restore point created so this is of no help.

2) I followed this guide found here on SevenForums and attempted all 3 methods - nothing worked
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/26829-convert-dynamic-disk-basic-disk.html

3) I downloaed EaseUse Partition master to attempt to change dynamic back to basic, and still a no go.

4) Tried to install Windows 8 again and it would not let me delete the current dynamic disk partitions to start over

5) Tried HP recovery tools to set the computer back to factory condition and it wouldn't work.


I have no clue where to go from here. Is it possible to delete everything and start over from scratch or will it still be dynamic? At this point, i want a time machine so I can go back before ever attempting to make a dual boot. I honestly don't have the money to invest in a new harddrive right now so any help is GREATLY appreciated.

 

[TVeblen]

Hello skyisover. Welcome to the Forum

You can't change the drive structure from any program that is running from the hard drive. You must be using a program that boots and runs from CD or DVD.

Assuming you have backed up all of your data (and even better, have a disk image of your C drive?):

Best: Download and burn a CD with Partition Wizard bootable CD on it.
Partition Wizard Bootable CD allows user to manage partition directly with partition manager bootable CD.
Then boot from the CD and use the tool to do the conversion. This has worked for many people.
How to convert dynamic disk to basic disk with Partition Wizard magic partition manager?

The nuclear option: You will need to run the Diskpart procedure from your W7 installation disk:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/682-command-prompt-startup.html (Option 1)
Then use the "Clean All" command to wipe the hard drive. "Clean All" will write all zeros to the drive. It is slow but very effective.

When finished you will then have a hard drive with all unallocated space that you can format and use to reinstall W7 clean, and then reinstall all of your programs. It goes without saying that there will be nothing on the drive, so back up what you need.

What happened is that you probably had 4 Primary partitions before you tried to install W8. Creating a 5th Primary will automatically convert the drives to Dynamic. That partition was probably created by the W8 installer that defaults to a Primary Parttition. In the future, create your new (Logical) partition in Windows 7, then direct the W8 installation to it.

 

[skyisover]

Hello skyisover. Welcome to the Forum

You can't change the drive structure from any program that is running from the hard drive. You must be using a program that boots and runs from CD or DVD.

Assuming you have backed up all of your data (and even better, have a disk image of your C drive?):

Best: Download and burn a CD with Partition Wizard bootable CD on it.
Partition Wizard Bootable CD allows user to manage partition directly with partition manager bootable CD.
Then boot from the CD and use the tool to do the conversion. This has worked for many people.
How to convert dynamic disk to basic disk with Partition Wizard magic partition manager?

The nuclear option: You will need to run the Diskpart procedure from your W7 installation disk:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/682-command-prompt-startup.html (Option 1)
Then use the "Clean All" command to wipe the hard drive. "Clean All" will write all zeros to the drive. It is slow but very effective.

When finished you will then have a hard drive with all unallocated space that you can format and use to reinstall W7 clean, and then reinstall all of your programs. It goes without saying that there will be nothing on the drive, so back up what you need.

What happened is that you probably had 4 Primary partitions before you tried to install W8. Creating a 5th Primary will automatically convert the drives to Dynamic. That partition was probably created by the W8 installer that defaults to a Primary Parttition. In the future, create your new (Logical) partition in Windows 7, then direct the W8 installation to it.

MAJOR THANKS!! I searched the internet for hours and have yet to come across anything like you have posted. I also noticed this seems to be a common problem when others tried to install Windows 8 RP, so hopefully they will stumble across your post as well.

While I don't have a disk image of my C, I do have all of my programs/music/pictures backed up on a flash drive. Actually done that not a week ago just to clean my hard drive off a bit.

I attempted to use the Partition Wizard bootable CD and was told that I would need to purchase the professional version because the free version did not support dynamic disk. That sucks. If you don't mind me asking, do you know of any other software that I could use to do this? Regardless, I'm still probably going to purchase Partition Wizard Pro bootable CD because its only 30$ and would probably be useful down the road.

I'm still considering the nuclear option but I'm not sure about that just yet given its only going to cost 30$ for Partition Wizard. Is it ok to leave my computer as a Dynamic Disk until I'm ready to install a new OS? If so, ill probably let it slide and just install Windows 8 on my new build once it comes out rather the use the previews and leave my current laptop as-is.

Again, thanks a million for the help. Its nice to know I'm not going to have to go out and buy a new HD because of this.

 

[DeaconFrost]

In the future, when you want to try a new OS, virtualize it! There's no affect on your host system. Let dual-booting fade off into the sunset where it belongs.

 

[TVeblen]

Hey, I got some additional info from one of our resident experts Gregrocker.

One thing he mentions that is important is that it is necessary to delete that 5th partition before you can convert back to Basic from Dynamic.

The info (for converting Dynamic to Basic):

They'll need to use version 4.2 boot CD [Partition Wizard] which is the last version this was included as a free feature, provided here courtesy of SIW2: http://cid-b0a22789320e3247.office.l...lder/pw422.zip

Easeus Home version also offers this feature free. PW 4.2 home (installed) version is here courtesy of Jonathan: http://cid-24a0e9031e104daf.skydrive....2%20free.zip#

The last partition(s) added which tipped it to Dynamic must be deleted first to successfully convert. PW video tutorial: http://www.partitionwizard.com/video...rtdynamic.html
​

Hope that helps.