Windows Server 2003 supports both basic and dynamic disks (as does Windows 2000 and Windows XP). You can use the Disk Management console to convert a basic disk to dynamic. Before you attempt to make the conversion you need to keep the following points in mind:

• There must be a minimum of 1 MB of free disk space on the master boot record disk you want to convert.

• Local access to a dynamic disk in limited to Windows 2000 and later.
• Any partitions on an existing basic disk are converted to simple volumes.
• You can not revert back to a basic disk without repartitioning.
• Windows XP Home Edition does not support dynamic disks.
• Portable computer do not support dynamic disks.

You can convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk by completing the steps below:

1. Click Start and click Run.

2. Type mmc and click OK.
3. Click Add/Remove Snap-in from the File menu.
4. Click Add. Select Disk Management, click Add then Finish, and click Close.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Disk Management (Local) in the left pane.
7. In the right pane, right-click the disk you want to convert and click Convert to Dynamic Disk.
8. Click the check box beside the disk you want to convert and click OK.
9. Click Convert.
10. When prompted, click Yes and click OK.

Unfortunately converting back to a basic disk is not as simple but you need know the general process that has to be completed. Since the disk has to be repartitioned, your very first step will be to back up all data on the volumes then proceed with the steps below.

1. Click Start and click Run.

2. Type mmc and click OK.
3. Click Add/Remove Snap-in from the File menu.
4. Click Add. Select Disk Management, click Add then Finish, and click Close.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Disk Management (Local) in the left pane.
7. Right click a volume on the dynamic disk and click Delete Volume.
8. Click Yes.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each volume on the disk.
10. Right click the dynamic disk and click Convert to Basic.

Now that you are familiar with the steps you must complete to convert between basic and dynamic disks, you can begin learning how to configure dynamic disks. This topic will be discussed in the next installment.