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December 15th, 2023 20:19
Dell changed my HDD from a Basic Disk to Dynamic Disk, and now I can't clone it to install an SSD -- Please Help!
ISSUE: When Dell did a warranty service-replacement of my XPS 8700's HDD, for some unknown reason they changed my HDD configuration from Basic Disk to Dynamic Disk when reloading Windows 10 Home 64 bit onto the replacement new HDD; and now, as I try to install an SSD, I learn my SSD cloning software (Acronis) cannot clone a Dynamic Disk; and I have no Win10 CD (see below).
EXPLANATION: My original new DELL XPS 8700 shipped with a 1TB HDD and Win7 Home which, shortly after arriving, updated free to Win8, and later to Win10, 64 bit (current status). Under warranty, the 1 TB HDD died, and was replaced by Dell and works fine. However -- now, as I'm trying to clone the HDD so I can install an SSD, I discover for the first time that the Dell Service Center apparently re-loaded Win10 64 bit as a Dynamic Disk (versus Basic Disk) set-up, and my SSD cloning software (Acronis) won't clone a Dynamic Disk, and I have no Win10 CD (because the computer originally came with Win7, then updated to Win8, then updated to Win10). Please help -- and Thanks!
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Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.1K Posts
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December 15th, 2023 20:50
With many upgrades and updates, it's better off to perform a fresh, clean install of Windows from a USB drive created by Windows Creation Tools.
Get Windows 10 from here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Some tutorial for Windows installation.
Hirlon
4 Posts
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December 15th, 2023 22:33
@Chino de Oro WOW! This hadn't occurred to me!! [I know I looked at using my system re-install as a way to do it, but I think it was showing as unavailable for some reason. I also have a curious glitch that, when ever I create a restore point (e.g., before any new Windows Update, etc.) the restore point gets "saved" but can never be "found" if I try to use it. Again, curious--and which a fresh install will likely fix!]
I also know I'll need to back-up all my files before the re-install, so that's a reason I was hoping for an easier "fix" than a full re-install. Oh well -- your solution sure gets me past the "no Win10 media" issue, so Terrific Kudos to you!!
Once I have Win10 on a USB, will the license be recognized upon a re-install, and will the re-install be as a Basic Disk with partitions?
Chino de Oro
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8.1K Posts
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December 15th, 2023 23:49
While it's easy to point out the resource, users must learn and plan for the installation that will meet the preference of system setup and usage.
Refer to the link and create installation media to be used with the re-installation. It will be a fresh clean install with the latest build. So, make sure that all important data are backup externally. Having all needed software & activation means for re-installation.
Refer to the tutorial link and preview the installation method with screenshots. Set BIOS to UEFI boot mode, and delete all partitions on the boot drive. Allow Windows to format and set partition. While prompting for license, just tick the box I don't have the key then select the same version/edition of Windows 10 your machine currently has. When the installation is complete and the machine is connecting to internet, it will be activated base on the hardware recoded with MS and a digital license will be issued.
Once the installation is complete, remember to install the chipset driver and HECI driver for your system. Then run Windows update and it will install the remaining drivers for you. Afterward, you can reinstall your application and restore your data back.
Hirlon
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December 16th, 2023 00:44
@Chino de Oro Now that I've created a Win10 USB, do I need to re-configure the HDD with the Dynamic Disk into a Basic Disk with at least 2 partitions?
When I found out I had a Dynamic Disk and started researching "How to Convert a Drive from Dynamic to Basic," I thought I'd read that I had to have the Win10 media first (which you've now helped me with!), then convert the HDD back to Basic, and then proceed with the new clean Win10 install. That way, at least I'd have the HDD working as a Basic Disk and a clean Win10 install. After that, I figured I'd tackle the SSD cloning. Or do you have a different/better thought? Thanks again for your time.
Chino de Oro
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8.1K Posts
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December 16th, 2023 04:47
Instruction for BIOS settings and HDD set up during installation was provided in previous post for a fresh, clean Windows installation. A better option in my experience.
Otherwise, use Macrium Reflect free cloning software and use the built-in clean option to prepare the new SSD for cloning. The software can be installed on original disk and launch to run. For this option, you carry old issue, problem with you to the new drive.
Hirlon
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December 16th, 2023 18:12
@Chino de Oro Thank you. I am not a compuetr expert, so I appreciate your patience.
On a re-read of your info, I see you did mention that on the clean install I should "[a]llow Windows to set and format the partition." -- so I will do that.
I just ran msinfo32, and the BIOS mode is already UEFI, so I presume I don't need to re-set BIOS?
Also, since the Dynamic Disk already has only 1 partition, I don't think there will be any partitions to delete?
As to the chipset driver and HECI driver you mention, I presume I'll get those from Dell, and can I load the drivers on a USB now (in advance of starting the clean install) for my system (XPS 8700, i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz 3.40 GHz, 24.0 GB RAM)?
Thanks again for your time and patience!