Converting Dynamic to Basic Disk Without data loss?

[gb2100]

I have a 500gb hard drive that i was given, it was previously partitioned into 3 basic ntfs partitions then they where joined and converted to a dynamic partition so that they are now all 1 dynamic partition. In disk management it shows the 3 partitions and all have same letter m:

I want to convert this dynamic disk back to a basic disk but without loosing the 400gb of movies and music thats on there as i have no way of backing up that much data. is it possible?

i have attached a screenshot of the disk management

i should also add its a seagate barracuda 7200.11 500gb drive

Edited October 16, 2011 by gb2100

[jaclaz]

is it possible?

Yes.

http://homepages.tesco.net/J.deBoynePollard/FGA/questions-with-yes-or-no-answers.html

Mind you that having NO backup of ANY data that you value is "pure folly" or "looking for trouble", so don't ever quote me telling you to use this approach WITHOUT a backup.

Easeus Partition Master (Freeware Home Edition):

http://www.partition-tool.com/download.htm

should be able to do it (easily):

http://www.partition-tool.com/easeus-partition-manager/comparison.html

Otherwise follow this other route here (OPTION FOUR):

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

A similar approach can be used by using TESTDISK, or more generally backing up the MBR, and then restoring it replacing the partition ID 42 with 07.

http://mypkb.wordpress.com/2007/03/28/how-to-non-destructively-convert-dynamic-disks-to-basic-disks/

http://thelazyadmin.com/2007/01/converting-dynamic-disks-back-to-basic-disks/

But I have NO way to check, if - for any reason - you have a file spanning over two (or three ) of the "old basic volumes" or if there is some other condition (filesystem fragmentation and what not) that could prevent this manual approach from working , so a backup would be the really sensible thing to do.

jaclaz

[gb2100]

thanx for the quick reply, when i try the Easeus Partition Master it wont let me select the dynamic disk just the partitions so i cant get to the disk options to change it. im thinking about using the replacing partition id from 42 to 07 method. when you say no way to check if i have a file spanning over the old volumes, does that mean IF there is i will only loose that file? i can handle loosing a couple of files as can just redownload but dont want to have to redownload 400gb's worth lol and only other drives i have are 120gb and 250gb and im v v v v skint so cant buy anything lol fingers crossed ill let you know what happens

[jaclaz]

thanx for the quick reply, when i try the Easeus Partition Master it wont let me select the dynamic disk just the partitions so i cant get to the disk options to change it. im thinking about using the replacing partition id from 42 to 07 method. when you say no way to check if i have a file spanning over the old volumes, does that mean IF there is i will only loose that file? i can handle loosing a couple of files as can just redownload but dont want to have to redownload 400gb's worth lol and only other drives i have are 120gb and 250gb and im v v v v skint so cant buy anything lol fingers crossed ill let you know what happens

Yes, more generally if you have some of the "strange" conditions mentioned, your filesystem will be partly corrupted/in an inconsistent state and you WILL have to run CHKDSK with the /F or /R switch, and this, though will fix the filesystem problem is likely to have you "lose" a few files.

Defragmenting thoroughfully the disk dynamic volume before attempting the flip is the best thing you can do to minimize the risks.

jaclaz

[allen2]

Or you might loose all your datas as sometimes chkdsk /F or /R will just wipe the corrupted partitions (i saw this behavior a few times).

I would backup everything you really want to keep to the C: drive and what ever support you can before doing it.

[gb2100]

thanx guys, before i done anything i ran a defrag with o&o and ran chkdsk too test disk still running will post results

[jaclaz]

.... sometimes chkdsk /F or /R will just wipe the corrupted partitions (i saw this behavior a few times).

Are you sure the partiions were "wiped"?

Maybe some files were deleted from the filesystem, but I have never seen CHKDSK actually "wipe" anything.

AFAIK CHKDSK only works at \\.\LogicalDrive level (drive letter), so at the most can mess up the filesystem, or even "wipe" some of the bootsector data, but don't think that it can access the \\.\PhysicalDrive for writing.

(or we have a different definition for "wipe" )

jaclaz

Edited October 16, 2011 by jaclaz

[gb2100]

im getting a strange error using testdisk, any ideas?

[allen2]

.... sometimes chkdsk /F or /R will just wipe the corrupted partitions (i saw this behavior a few times).

Are you sure the partiions were "wiped"?

Maybe some files were deleted from the filesystem, but I have never seen CHKDSK actually "wipe" anything.

AFAIK CHKDSK only works at \\.\LogicalDrive level (drive letter), so at the most can mess up the filesystem, or even "wipe" some of the bootsector data, but don't think that it can access the \\.\PhysicalDrive for writing.

(or we have a different definition for "wipe" )

jaclaz

Of course not a secure wiping (were no data could be recovered by any means) but no files were presents anymore on the partition.

[jaclaz]

im getting a strange error using testdisk, any ideas?

Unfortunately my crystall ball is in the shop for tuning.

How do you suppose that I can from a (lousy ) screenshot understand WHAT THE HECK you have done BEFORE getting to it?

See if this helps :

http://homepages.tesco.net/J.deBoynePollard/FGA/problem-report-standard-litany.html

BTW, I gave you a number f possible options in a given order, have you already tested "OPTION FOUR" and failed?

jaclaz