Dynamic to Basic & reload Windows

[AllanP]

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.

 

[Frostmourne]

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.

 

[RogerR]

You might try Partition Wizard.

 

[AllanP]

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.

 

[Frostmourne]

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

 

[AllanP]

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.

 

[AllanP]

You might try Partition Wizard.

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

 

[Frostmourne]

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.

 

[RogerR]

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!

 

[AllanP]

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

 

[AllanP]

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!

Oops didn't look far enough.
Tried it; no dice.

 

[Frostmourne]

Why don't you try reformatting and reinstalling 7, then shrinking space for linux, then installing in that. Choose simple volumes, not dynamic - how did it get dynamic in the first place? Did you try spanning or striping disks?

 

[AllanP]

Why don't you try reformatting and reinstalling 7, then shrinking space for linux, then installing in that. Choose simple volumes, not dynamic - how did it get dynamic in the first place? Did you try spanning or striping disks?

Check my first post on this topic. I don't have a Win7 disk; as per normal non provided. All I can do is restore to original. Or I could buy, borrow or steal a copy and the Win7 key enclosed will authenticate.
I think it got to dynamic after I shrunk and re-partitioned.
I've actually found a Linux (Suse 11.2) that will recognize the partition that I made for Linux. It won't alter or modify which is fine. I'm just a little apprehensive about losing whatever dynamic uses for MBR as Suse will take over boot and I may want to get Windows boot back.

 

[Frostmourne]

If you reinstall 7, and then shrink, it should be fine.

 

[AllanP]

I would have to do an HP restore including 7. If I did that again (third time @ 4 hrs a crack) how would I stop it from changing disk to dynamic after shrinking?

 

[Frostmourne]

Are you given an option to change to dynamic? If so, refuse. Leave the volume as simple.

 

[AllanP]

Are you given an option to change to dynamic? If so, refuse. Leave the volume as simple.

I didn't notice. I may have another go this week-end. I'm actually considering buying a 7 and using it; then up grade my XP on my PC. Thanks for your replies.

Regards, Allan

 

[solar]

Allan P, I am not sure about the dynamic disks and the MBR policy on them, so am not sure if the recovery disk can sort it but normally it is not a problem to rebuild the boot or even have both booting. I tend to put linux at the end of disk, and when I boot up my laptop , I first enter grub say, then when choosing windows, I get the winboot menu, where I can still choose to boot linux. But as I said, I am not sure about dynamic disks.. I am meddling now with a custom home recovery system but my scripts clearly say dynamic disks are not* supported and so one is on one's own for the testing!

 

[AllanP]

Yes that's how I have it on my PC: XP, Fedora, Ubuntu and Suse. I think I'm going for it and If it doesn't work out, buy a 7 start from scratch. Thanks again.

 

[solar]

for the record, shrinking a disk , should NOT convert it automatically to a dynamic in any way!!! you must of chosen it ages ago.. and ye dynamic are quite difficult to work with. I do not see th epoint of having a dynamic disk except for specialized purposes.