Problem converting Dynamic to Basic Disks

[donnyb]

I created a "software raid" using Win7 computer management. The two HDD's are now in a raid0 array using a dynamic disk configuration. I have since decided that I do not want to have them in raid. I have tried several things to change from dynamic to basic including the tutorial shown on this site. I also used Partition Wizard Home Edition. Nothing seems to work. I even used device manager to uninstall the driver, but none of those things has changed the disks to basic. What is left to try?

Edit: By the way, there is nothing on the dynamic disk any more, so no problem with any method that will erase the data. Also, I have tried formatting the array, deleting it, and several other things. Another thing I noticed is in computer management - there is no choice when I right click on the array on the left panel to go from dynamic to basic. There was a choice to change to MBR or change to GPT, even a choice to go to dynamic (even though it was already dynamic). It almost seems like something is messed up.

 

[vaidas3]

copy or backup data if its an os you can try image to different HDD.

delete dinamic partitions recreate basic partitions, restore data.

maybe there is faster way to do this.. but it seems you have tried many things.
and i can think only of this now.

 

[donnyb]

This dynamic array is made up of 2 HDD's. The data has been moved off of it to other places, so the array is empty and it is NOT an OS drive. I have tried to delete it and I have formatted it and probably have tried every option from with computer management that is possible. I have even thought of disconnecting one of the drives to see if I can break the array that way, but am hesitant to try without reassurance that I won't make this whole thing worse.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Assuming you created the array in Disk management, then you shouldn't be having any issues breaking the array. You should be able to delete the partititions on both drives and create new ones as you wish. If this isn't the case, post a screenshot of your Disk Management.

 

[donnyb]

OK, here are 3 shots. 1.jpg is an overview, 2.jpg is the same except I right clicked on disk 2, and 3.jpg shows a right click on drive 4.
Drive 0 = Marvel Raid
Drive 1 = Win7-64 OS
Drive 2&3 = Another dynamic raid0 array
Drive 4 = Drive in question - is actually 2 drives that made up the dynamic array.

 

[Brink]

Hello Donny,

Have you already tried using the Clean or Clean All command from OPTION TWO in the tutorial below on the dynamic disks to see if it may be able to leave than as unallocated basic disks afterwards?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/26829-convert-dynamic-disk-basic-disk.html

 

[donnyb]

Yes, I have tried all four options in the tutorial.

 

[gregrocker]

Why are there partitions on the RAID volume now if it was Cleaned with Dispart? Did you create them new?

Try again with Clean All and Convert Basic commands on the volume then post back the output.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I agree, there seems to be something missing. Once you break the array, the computer will see them as individual drives again. Outside of the OS, they should be seen as individual drives as well. Once you clean them, they should be blank and ready to be set up again once you start the OS install.

 

[donnyb]

I tried that, but will try again. It will have to wait now for a few days until I get home from the current biz trip. It almost seems like Windows has it locked or something. I also thought about using a Linux software called Parted Magic. Maybe if I use this "non-Windows" program I might be able to fix it. What do you think?

 

[gregrocker]

It's better to use Windows tools. Make sure the RAID is properly broken.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Any partitioning program should be able to "fix" the issue. However, using diskpart from the Windows 7 install media should as well, and would work the same way.