Dynamic Disks in the Windows Preinstallation Environment Are Reported as Foreign (331498)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Standard Edition

This article was previously published under Q331498

SYMPTOMS

You can use the Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) to configure and partition a computer's disks before you start Windows Setup.

If you convert any disks to dynamic disks by using Diskpart.exe before you start Windows Setup after you install Windows Server 2003, Diskpart.exe reports those disks as foreign. Therefore, you cannot access the volumes on those disks.

RESOLUTION

After Setup is complete and Windows is installed, import the disk group by using the import command in Diskpart.exe. If you are using automated Setup, you must script this command to run when the operating system starts for the first time.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft does not support the conversion of the system disk to a dynamic disk before you install Windows. (The system disk contains the boot loader files such as NTLDR.) If you want to convert the system disk to a dynamic disk, do so after you install.

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	12/19/2003
Keywords:	kbbug KB331498