Remove a missing dynamic disk

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To remove a missing dynamic disk

Open Computer Management (Local).
In the console tree, click Computer Management (Local), click Storage, and then click Disk Management.
Right-click each volume on the dynamic disk marked Missing, and then click Delete Volume to remove all volumes on the Missing disk.
Right-click the dynamic disk marked Missing, and then click Remove Disk.

Important

Do not delete the volumes from a Missing dynamic disk unless you are certain that the disk will not be powered up, reconnected, repaired or otherwise returned to the computer. Otherwise, you will not be able to access those volumes when the disk is returned to the computer.

Notes

To perform this procedure on a local computer, you must be a member of the Backup Operators group or Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. To perform this procedure remotely, you must be a member of the Backup Operators group or Administrators group on the remote computer. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using Run as to perform this procedure. For more information, see Default local groups, Default groups, and Using Run as.
To open Computer Management, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Computer Management.
A dynamic disk may become Missing when it is corrupted, powered down, or disconnected.

Open Command Prompt.
Type:

diskpart
At the DISKPART prompt, type:

list disk

Make note of the disk number of the missing disk that you want to remove from the disk list. Missing disks are numbered M0, M1, M2, etc.
At the DISKPART prompt, type:

select diskn
At the DISKPART prompt, type:

delete disk

Value	Description
list disk	Displays a list of disks and information about them, such as their size, amount of available free space, whether the disk is a basic or dynamic disk, and whether the disk uses the master boot record (MBR) or GUID partition table (GPT) partition style. The disk marked with an asterisk (*) has focus.
select diskn	Selects the specified disk, where n is the disk number, and gives it focus.
delete disk	Deletes a missing dynamic disk from the disk list.

Important

Do not delete the volumes from a Missing dynamic disk unless you are certain that the disk will not be powered up, reconnected, repaired or otherwise returned to the computer. Otherwise, you will not be able to access those volumes when the disk is returned to the computer.

Notes

To perform this procedure on a local computer, you must be a member of the Backup Operators group, Administrators group, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using Run as to perform this procedure. For more information, see Default local groups, Default groups, and Using Run as.
To open a command prompt, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command prompt.
A dynamic disk may become Missing when it is corrupted, powered down, or disconnected.

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