Vista lets you to convert from a basic disk to a dynamic disk without losing any data. However, before you attempt to do so, 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 is limited to Windows 2000 and later.
• Any partitions on an existing basic disk are converted to simple volumes.
• You cannot revert back to a basic disk without repartitioning.
• Removable media cannot be converted to a dynamic disk.

You can upgrade a basic disk to dynamic disk using the Disk Management console. Click Start, right click Computer and click Manage. Click Storage and click Disk Management. Click Disk Management. Right click the appropriate disk and click Convert to Dynamic Disk.

It is important to remember that dynamic disks are not accessible under pre-Windows 2000 operating systems. This is important if you are dual booting with an older version of Windows. Any dynamic disks will not be readable under the legacy version of Windows.

Unfortunately converting back to a basic disk is not as simple but you need know the general process that has to be completed. Your very first step will be to back up data on the volumes. You can then use the ‘convert basic’ command from the command prompt to return the disk to a basic disk.

Now that you are familiar with the steps you must complete to convert between basic and dynamic disks, you can begin learning how to manage dynamic disks.

[tags]dynamic disk, vista, windows[/tags]