Windows 10: SOLVED Reformating a Dynamic drive containing boot files

Trying to reformat a Dynamic volume containing windows boot files into a Primary empty volume. Old HDD containing windows 8.1 that I wanted to repurpose into a storage disk. Sleep deprived I somehow managed to turn it from Primary to Dynamic and have been struggling to convert it back.Cant convert Dynamic to basic because the drive needs to be empty.Cant use “clean” or “delete partition” because the drive is Dynamic and contains boot files.Cant delete volume because the drive contains boot files.I’m pretty lost..

:)

 

Reformating a Dynamic drive containing boot files

Trying to reformat a Dynamic volume containing windows boot files into a Primary empty volume. Old HDD containing windows 8.1 that I wanted to repurpose into a storage disk. Sleep deprived I somehow managed to turn it from Primary to Dynamic and have been struggling to convert it back.

Cant convert Dynamic to basic because the drive needs to be empty.

Cant use “clean” or “delete partition” because the drive is Dynamic and contains boot files.

Cant delete volume because the drive contains boot files.

I’m pretty lost..

 

What is the Container folder and why is it missing?

They have 5 steps listed? Can you not get the files they mention in step 5? I can't tell if Containers is the name of a Windows file or just an internal reference or what.

 

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE - ADDING UNALLOCATED SPACE MAKES DYNAMIC DRIVE, ALL MUST REMAIN BASIC DRIVES - WINDOWS 10

Hi Maxine,

The reason why your disk is converted to Dynamic is because the space that you're using to expand are not yet formatted. To convert the Dynamic disk to Basic disk, follow these steps:

Disclaimer: We recommend that you back up the drive that you will convert to prevent any loss of information. Never convert the drive that contains your Operating System.

• Right-click Windows and select Disk Management.
• Right-click the volume that you wish to convert.
• Select Delete Volume.
• Once you're done, right-click the disk and select Convert to Basic Drive.
• Wait for the operation to complete. Click OK if prompted.

Feel free to post back if you encounter any challenges along the process.