Need to convert Dynamic to Basic Disk without reinstalling, losing data

[*RedBull*]

Sorry if this has been asked before, I don't have time to search for it. Could someone suggest a working program for this. Thank you.

I tried a few free off of Cnet, by googling. But many are shareware really. They want you to buy to have the function, which I don't know if it works or not. I managed to convert one of my laptops but haven't gotten the other to convert. suggestions would help.

[*RedBull*]

Ok again I'm looking for Conversion Software / partition software to convert from Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk without losing data.

[Japlabot]

It would be difficult to do, and even if you find a tool, who knows if it will do a good job. Better off just manually rebuilding... Back up on a file level, format, reinstall the OS/Apps, restore the files.

[*RedBull*]

  On 01/11/2012 at 00:45, Simon- said:

It would be difficult to do, and even if you find a tool, who knows if it will do a good job. Better off just manually rebuilding... Back up on a file level, format, reinstall the OS/Apps, restore the files.

as I stated I did it with partition wizard on one laptop but won't work on the other for some reason

[spaceelf]

Testdisk can do it. Honestly I don't remember specifically how anymore.

[farmeunit]

  On 01/11/2012 at 00:56, *RedBull* said:

as I stated I did it with partition wizard on one laptop but won't work on the other for some reason

The reason is that something is probably wrong. I would do what Simon- suggested.

Have you looked at: http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm (Easus Partition Manager Home Edition)

[*RedBull*]

  On 01/11/2012 at 02:46, farmeunit said:

The reason is that something is probably wrong. I would do what Simon- suggested.

Have you looked at: http://www.partition...om/personal.htm (Easus Partition Manager Home Edition)

Yeah but it doesn't do conversion without purchase. I don't want to purchase and then it not be able to do what I want. I had this same problem before on my other laptop that I recently converted. Strange.

[spaceelf]

What I learned from when I did this is not to mess with dynamic disks unless you absolutely need to.

They can be a gigantic pain in the ass. :/

(You probably noticed, but hey.)

[*RedBull*]

oK, Yes I tried one program to fix things and now it's not bootable. Anyone know of a good free data recovery program? I'm just going to recover data and reinstall Windows.

[djdanster]

  On 02/11/2012 at 02:05, *RedBull* said:

oK, Yes I tried one program to fix things and now it's not bootable. Anyone know of a good free data recovery program? I'm just going to recover data and reinstall Windows.

recuva - always worked great for me!

[farmeunit]

Testdisk/PhotoRec or Recuva

Odd that is asks you to pay, because it specifically states it'll do it in the free version.

[*RedBull*]

Yeah I found several "free" programs that have limited functions, they allude they can convert but attempt to get you to pay if you want that feature.

[bodmas]

please boot your system with "Hiren's Boot CD" and select for "run mini xp". it will allow you to explore your hard disk and allow you to copy your data to other storage device. Hiren Boot CD is free.

Download:

http://hbcd.hnsdc.co...BootCD.15.1.zip

for how to burn it please read here:

http://www.hirensbootcd.org/burning/

[marshallz]

I have done this successfully in the past. It doesn't require conversion. You need to change the partition type ID (cannot remember what it is from the top of my head) to NTFS (which I am assuming that you are using. I believe the ID for NTFS is 07.

I have had success in doing this using CFDISK and FDISK on SystemRescueCD.

[stumper66]

Boot to your windows install cd. Once at the first screen, press shift+f10. Now you'll be at a command prompt. Attach an external hard drive, then manually copy all the files you need to keep. Something like Robocopy /e c:\users\MyUserDirectory E:\Backup

[*RedBull*]

  On 02/11/2012 at 04:00, marshallz said:

I have done this successfully in the past. It doesn't require conversion. You need to change the partition type ID (cannot remember what it is from the top of my head) to NTFS (which I am assuming that you are using. I believe the ID for NTFS is 07.

I have had success in doing this using CFDISK and FDISK on SystemRescueCD.

Yes I followed a guide changing 42 to 07 although the picture and the actual looked a bit different. So here I am looking to reinstall windows cause it won't boot due to some blue screeen that flashes. I wanted to install Win8 dual booted with Win7. Dynamic disk preventing me from this and no software to convert. So at least I'm getting all my data back and will reformat reinstall following. I'll leave off the HP Ware as much as possible.

I managed to copy over some really important files so far, just waiting on the larger save. Most of it I probably won't need but we'll see.

Do you think you suggestion will fix what I discribed? so I don't have to reinstall?

[marshallz]

What utility were you using to change the ID type? Ideally, FDISK under linux appears to be the *safest* option IMO. Changing the partition ID doesn't alter the contents of the HDD, or the MFT. If you are receiving a BSOD as a result of changing the ID I would be inclined to think there is something else more to it.

When backing up client data in the past with dynamic volumes, changing the ID has always allowed me to backup the volume as well as continue to use the OS as normal if left set. I cannot think of any other varying factors that may be causing it to BSOD.

[*RedBull*]

Yeah I'm not sure. Just I know I changed that value and rebooted like the instructions said to find it not boot. I don't have much options at this point. Data is still being copied over however slowly. Got a few hours til it's done. If anyone suggests something that may fix it I'm open. But beyond that I'm looking to reformat/reinstall. oh well.

[*RedBull*]

Well I'll look at what options were provided so far before I start to reinstall. I don't want to due to the software I will lose in this will have to repurchase. Unless MS cuts me more slack.

[*RedBull*]

What about portable imaging software? Anyone know of free that can imagine from bootbable CD?

[spaceelf]

  On 02/11/2012 at 05:05, *RedBull* said:

Yes I followed a guide changing 42 to 07 although the picture and the actual looked a bit different. So here I am looking to reinstall windows cause it won't boot due to some blue screeen that flashes. I wanted to install Win8 dual booted with Win7. Dynamic disk preventing me from this and no software to convert. So at least I'm getting all my data back and will reformat reinstall following. I'll leave off the HP Ware as much as possible.

I managed to copy over some really important files so far, just waiting on the larger save. Most of it I probably won't need but we'll see.

Do you think you suggestion will fix what I discribed? so I don't have to reinstall?

You can use Testdisk off some Linux LiveCDs to at least get your install back to working. Bleh. :/

[*RedBull*]

Testdisk looks complicated to me. I'd like to use it. Really would to restore the partition.

[*RedBull*]

Think I've found a solution. USB bootable Win7 install. I'm currently working on setting that up. Once it's done I can boot to it and install a program to fix the invalid disk and then use a imaging program to clone the partition once it's up. Then put the clone on this laptop with my good old Win8. Problem solved.

If it doesn't work like that, then I got MS tech in the morning which could help. Otherwise reformat/reinstall after making sure I've saved the data I want off of both laptops. :(

Currently my win8 install is doing me good at least.

[*RedBull*]

Ok, so nothing I've tried worked to fix either of my situations. It came down to a clean install on both. Currenlty working that issue.

I will note that I used GPARTED to handle the invalid disk issue. deleting the partitions and formatting.

[wo1122]

After google I find a professional disk converter, it is only a conversion tool to convert dynamic disk to basic disk, see this link: http://www.dynamic-disk-converter.com/

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

Wait... You did this without a backup?