CONVERT DYNAMIC DISK TO BASIC DISK (PARTITION WIZARD)

 WARNING: Even though you will not lose the data on the dynamic disk when you use this option to convert the dynamic disk back to a basic disk, be sure to backup any data on the dynamic disk that you wish to keep first just to be safe in case something happens. Say a power outage while in the middle of converting the disk.

1. Do step 2 or 3 below depending on what you are able to do.

2. To Use Partition Wizard 4.2 Free at Boot
NOTE: This option can be helpful if you are unable to startup Windows if your Windows disk was made dynamic.

A) Download "pwhe42.iso" file here to your desktop.
NOTE: It will take a moment for the download option to automatically appear at the link.

B) Create either a bootable CD/DVD or USB with the pwhe42.iso file.

C) Boot from the the CD/DVD or USB.

D) Convert the dynamic disk to basic like starting at step 3E below.

3. To Use Partition Wizard 4.2 Free in Windows

A) Download the "Partition_Wizard_4.2_free.zip" file here to your desktop.

B) Open the ZIP file, and extract (drag and drop) the PW folder to your desktop.

C) Open the PW folder, and run the PWIZ.exe file.

D) Click on No for the new version avialable update. (see screenshot below)

E) Right click on the Disk # (ex: Disk 1) of the dynamic disk you want to convert, then click on Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk. (see screenshot below)

F) Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

G) Click on the blue Apply check mark toolbar button at the top right corner, and click on Yes. (see screenshot below)

H) If prompted to restart, click on Restart Now. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This is normal if the dynamic disk you wanted to convert to basic is the disk that the currently running Windows is installed on.

4. When finished, the selected dynamic disc will now be converted to a basic disk without losing any data on it.

WARNING: Be sure to read the red WARNING box above. You will lose all data on the dynamic disk using this option.

1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click on the Administrative Tools icon, then close the Control Panel window.

2. Click on Computer Management in Administrative Tools, then close the Administrative Tools window.

3. If prompted by UAC, click on Yes.

4. In the left pane under Storage, click on Disk Management. (See screenshot below)

5. In the dynamic disk (ex: Disk 1) that you want to convert to a basic disk, right click on each volume on the disk and click on Delete Volume until the whole disk is unallocated space. (See screenshot above)
NOTE: If prompted, click on Yes to continue deleting the volume(s).

6. If the disk (ex: Disk 1) that you want to convert to a basic disk is still displayed has being Dynamic (left side under Disk #), then right click on the disk (ex: Disk 1) and click on Convert to Basic Disk if available. (See screenshot below)

7. You can also confirm that the disk is a basic disk if it's displayed has being Basic (left side under Disk #), or if you right click on the disk # and it has Convert to Dynamic Disk instead now. (See screenshot below)

8. You can now create partitions on the now basic disk if you like.

9. When done, close Disk Management.