A week ago I was task to build a server with windows 2008 server and MSSQL Server. I made some stress testing on the hardware but Im am not aware that two hard drive installed was previously installed with windows 2008 server windows raid also enable.

During the installation process I have noticed that both disk is already dynamic. I try to remove the partition and remove format the disk. It seems that windows installation can’t remove any dynamic disk and can’t break the windows raid.

Solution:
Remove the dynamic disk and make it basic disk.

Steps:
1. Boot the Windows 2008 installation disk
2. Select repair instead of install
3. User DISKPART utility to remove revert the basic volume, Use the following commands below:
X:/>diskpart

List the volume and find the volume # you want to convert

DISKPART> list volume
Volume ### Ltr Label Fs Type Size Status Info
---------- --- ----------- ----- ---------- ------- --------- --------
Volume 0 NTFS DYNAMIC *** GB Healthy
Volume 1 NTFS DYNAMIC *** MB Healthy

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Select the volume N=Volume number, needs to be converted

DISKPART> select volume=N

Remove the volume

DISKPART> volume remove

Restore the basic volume, need to check what disk drive that have no volume

DISKPART> list disk
Disk ### Status Size Free Dyn Gpt
-------- ------------- ------- ------- --- ---
Disk 0 Online *** GB 1024 KB
Disk 1 Online *** B 0 B

Select the drive N=disk number

DISKPART> select disk=N

Convert the the selected disk to basic volume

DISKPART> convert basic

The disk is now converted to basic disk, when you install again the windows 2008 it will show the disk is unallocated. Diskpart save my day!!! thanks to my colleagues for support!

DISCLAIMER: The above action will result data lost. The process meet the needs of the author to complete the task. The author is NOT responsible in any data lost or any damage cause with this action. Play diskpart at your own risk!