Windows 2000 Quick Fixes

Revert a dynamic disk back to a basic disk

As indicated previously, you can revert a dynamic disk back to a basic disk. The primary reason for doing so is to enable other operating systems on the same computer to see the disk. Since Windows 2000 handles access from across the network, dynamic disks can be accessed by other operating systems across the LAN. The compatibility issue only applies to other operating systems on the same computer as the dynamic disk.

While it is a painless process to upgrade from basic to dynamic, there is a little pain involved in going the other way. All volumes and data on the disk must be removed prior to reverting the disk. If you intend to retain the data, this means you need to back it up to tape or other media, revert the disk, and then restore the data.

Follow these steps to revert a dynamic disk to a basic disk:

1. Back up all data on all volumes on the disk unless you don’t want to retain the data.

2. Open the Disk Management branch of the Computer Management console.

3. Remove all volumes from the disk by right-clicking each volume and choosing Delete Volume.

4. After all volumes are removed from the disk, right-click the disk and choose Revert to Basic Disk.

5. Create partitions and volumes on the disk and restore the data to the volumes.