Converting dynamic to basic disk

Here are instructions on non-destructively converting dynamic disks to basic disks. There are two methods discussed.

BE VERY CAREFUL. A MISTAKE CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ALL DATA ON THE DISK.

1. If you can boot your system, follow Microsoft's instructions after completely backing up and verifying anything you don't want to lose from that drive.

(old instructions removed by Microsoft see Workaround section; ignore the sections about Live OneCare Firewall) for using the dskprob.exe tool from the Windows Support Tools for WinXP.

2. If you can't boot, use TestDisk. The first link in this post contains detailed instructions. Essentially, if TestDisk can detect your dynamic disk's partitions, it may be able to write out a new, standard partition table -- converting it to a basic disk.