How do I convert a dynamic disk back to a basic disk (how do i back up a dynamic disk)

Question

Hi
I have "accidently" converted an internal disk to dynamic and cannot see any of my data. I want to see the data. I presume I need to convert it back to a basic disk?
on this forum and others the solution seems to be back the data on the dynamic disk up, convert it back to basic and restore the data after. Yet, the only place I can see any signs of the disk is within disk managment.
If I run Backup it dosen't see the disk.
any suggestions would be gratefully received!
I am running Win7 home dual boot with WinXp pro
Thanks, Jason

Answer 1

Hi,
you must backup all data and delete the volumes on it:
How to Convert a Dynamic Disk to a Basic Disk
To change a dynamic disk back to a basic disk:
Back up all the data on all the volumes on the disk you want to convert to a basic disk.
Log on as Administrator or as a member of the Administrators group.
Click Start , and then click Control Panel .
Click Performance and Maintenance , click Administrative Tools , and then double-click
Computer Management .
In the left pane, click Disk Management .
Right-click a volume on the dynamic disk that you want to change to a basic disk, and then click
Delete Volume .
Click Yes when you are prompted to delete the volume.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each volume on the dynamic disk.
After you have deleted all the volumes on the dynamic disk, right-click the dynamic disk that you want to change to a basic disk, and then click
Convert to Basic Disk .
NOTE :You must right-click the gray area that contains the disk title on the left side of the Details pane. For example, right-click
Disk 1 .
Source:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309044
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/26829-convert-dynamic-disk-basic-disk.html
The same applies to Windows 7.
André
"A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code"
Want to install RSAT on Windows 7 Sp1? Check my HowTo: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=150221