Cannot Install Windows 2000 on a Non-System or Boot Dynamic Volume

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

SYMPTOMS

When you install Windows 2000 on a dynamic volume, you can install only on a dynamic volume that is a boot or system volume. Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 and earlier versions do not support dynamic volumes with third-party software, so this is not an issue with earlier operating systems.

CAUSE

Dynamic disks do not use the same type of partition table as Microsoft MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, or Windows NT. In order for an Intel-based computer to boot, the BIOS INT13 calls need to be able to read a partition table to locate the file system and boot files. Dynamic disks use a proprietary system developed by a third party that stores its partition or volume information in a database at the end of each dynamic disk in a Windows 2000-based computer.

The only dynamic disks that have a traditional partition table are system or boot disks. This is by design so these disks can boot. Text-mode Setup requires the same information in order to install to a volume.

RESOLUTION

Install Windows 2000 on a basic disk and then use the Windows 2000 Disk Management snap-in to upgrade the disk to dynamic. If you are dual booting with any other operating system, the other operating system may not be able to boot after the upgrade to a dynamic disk if the operating system is installed on a dynamic disk or if the disk containing the boot files is dynamic.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about dynamic disks, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q175761 Dynamic vs. Basic Storage in Windows 2000

Q114841 Windows NT Boot Process and Hard Disk Constraints

Additional query words: veritas ldm

Keywords : kbhw kbsetup
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb