How to Fix Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk Is Not Empty [Full Guide]

The Virtual Disk Service (VDS) was introduced in Windows Server 2003 as a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that offer a unified disk management interface. VDS is a storage management solution that enables you to manage storage drives while creating volumes on those disks.

Windows offers two types of disk storage: Basic vs Dynamic Disk. A Basic Disk commonly has an MBR with 3 or 4 primary partitions and one extended partition, which is usually adequate for basic needs. Dynamic Disks, on the other hand, can have up to 2000 volumes, primarily designed for initializing dynamic storage. You can conveniently switch between these disk configurations using the Virtual Disk Service.

"When converting a disk and attempting to restore its basic disk settings, you may encounter the 'Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk is Not Empty.'"

In this article, we will discuss three straightforward and efficient methods to convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk, along with addressing the Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk is Not Empty. But first, let's explore the reasons behind why this error occurs.

Why Does the "Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk Is Not Empty" Occur?

"The Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk is Not Empty" typically signifies that your dynamic disk has data or volumes present when you attempt to convert it back to a basic disk. The conversion cannot proceed until the disk is free of all volumes and data.

Before moving forward, you'll need to erase all the volumes and data on the dynamic disk. Beware that deleting these partitions will lead to irretrievable data loss. The question is, can the dynamic disk be transformed into a basic disk without data loss? The answer is yes.

The ideal approach is to back up all your data and then safely erase all partitions on the disk. Let's explore how to proceed with this in the article.

How to Resolve Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk Is Not Empty

Converting a dynamic disk to a basic disk can be a straightforward process if you adhere to the correct steps. However, since the conversion necessitates the deletion of all partitions, your data is at significant risk of being permanently erased.

The following three methods assist you in converting your dynamic disk to a basic disk and effectively handle the "Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk Is Not Empty" issue.

Fix 1. Convert to Basic Disk using Partition Master Tools

Fix 2. Convert to Basic Disk via Disk Management

Fix 3. Convert to Basic Disk via Diskpart Command

However, out of the three options, I recommend utilizing the Partition Master tool for the most reliable and secure performance when converting your drive.

Fix 1: Convert to Basic Disk using Partition Master Tool

tools Partition Master enables you to convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk effortlessly with just a few clicks. This tool allows you to carry out the conversion while retaining all volumes, ensuring no data loss. It's secure, user-friendly, and makes you an expert in disk management. Give it a try!

Follow the steps outlined below to convert to a basic disk using Partition Master tools:

Step 1. Install and open tools Partition Master, then go to Disk Converter.

Step 2. Choose the disk conversion mode that fits your needs:

1. Convert Basic to Dynamic: Convert a Basic disk to Dynamic.
2. Convert Dynamic to Basic: Convert a Dynamic disk to Basic.

Step 3. Choose the target disk type - Basic or Dynamic, confirm you have selected the correct disk, and then click "Convert" to begin.

0:00 - 0:18 Convert Basic to Dynamic Disk; 0:19- 0:36 Convert Dynamic to Basic Disk. 0:00 - 0:18 Change from Basic to Dynamic Disk; 0:19- 0:36 Change from Dynamic to Basic Disk.

Once you've converted to a basic disk, you can utilize the "Resize/Move Partition" feature to resize partitions on your basic disk.

Moreover, if you wish to convert to a dynamic disk, this software can facilitate the transition from basic to dynamic disk. Furthermore, by utilizing its "Disk Health" utilities to check hard drive health, you can promptly analyze your disk's performance.

Moreover, if you have any other conversion needs, feel free to click on the buttons below to address your concerns:

Fix 2: Convert to Basic Disk via Disk Management

is the built-in tool available on your Windows PC for converting a dynamic disk to a basic disk. You can utilize Disk Management to address issues with your disk and even rectify errors such as "Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk Is Not Empty."

Important: Before proceeding with the step-by-step guide to use the Disk Management tool for conversion, ensure that you create a backup of your disk. Failing to do so may result in permanent data loss.

Follow the steps below to convert to Basic Disk using the Disk Management utility:

Step 1. Press the "Win+R" keys to open the "Run" dialog box. Type diskmgmt.msc and press the "Enter" key.

Step 2. In the Disk Management tool, right-click the disk you wish to convert to a basic disk and select "Delete Volume" from the context menu.

Delete Volume

Step 3. If the disk is still labeled as "Dynamic," right-click it and choose "Convert to Basic Disk." This process will convert the disk and change its designation to "Basic."

You can restore the data backup and retrieve all your data after converting the dynamic disk to a basic disk. If you're unable to convert dynamic to basic, resolve the issue or try the next method.

Fix 3: Convert to Basic Disk via Diskpart Command

is a free command-line tool for managing disk volumes and partitions on your computer. It can also be utilized to convert a dynamic disk back to a basic disk, thus assisting you in resolving the "Virtual Disk Service Error: The Disk Is Not Empty" issue.

Let's explore how you can utilize the "diskpart" command to convert your dynamic disk into a basic disk:

Step 1. Type "cmd" in the Run dialog box to open the Command Prompt. You can access the Run box by pressing the "Win+R" keys on your keyboard.

Step 2. Now enter the following commands one by one and press "Enter" after each to delete the volume.

Step 3. After you delete the volume, continue typing the following commands and press Enter to convert to Basic.

If you follow all the steps mentioned, your drive will be converted to a basic disk while keeping your data intact. Simply restore the backup, and you'll have all your information back.

If you wish to learn more about Virtual Disk Service errors, such as "Delete is not allowed on the current boot, system, pagefile, crashdump or hibernation volume" or "Clean is not allowed on the disk containing the current boot, system, pagefile, crashdump or hibernation volume," please click on the link below for further information.

How to Fix DiskPart Virtual Disk Service Errors in 2023

DiskPart Virtual Disk Service errors are typical issues encountered when using diskpart command lines for tasks like cleaning or deleting disk partitions, converting a disk from MBR to GPT or vice versa, or formatting a disk to the FAT32 file system, etc.

Conclusion

Converting your dynamic disk to a basic disk is a straightforward process when you follow our guide. This guide also assists in resolving any errors or issues with your drive. Since Disk Management and Diskpart do not ensure data safety during the conversion, it is crucial to create a disk backup beforehand. However, with tools like Partition Master, you can have peace of mind regarding data security during the process.

The disk utility tool is excellent for addressing disk partition and management requirements. Consequently, we recommend utilizing it to fix the Virtual Service Error: The Disk is Not Empty.

So, what are you waiting for? Proceed to convert your dynamic disk to a basic disk using any of the three methods described above.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Resolve the Virtual Disk Service Error - "The Disk is Not Empty" 1. **What is the Virtual Disk Service Error "The Disk is Not Empty"?** This error typically occurs when attempting to perform an operation on a virtual disk, such as formatting or deleting, and the system detects that it still contains data or files. 2. **Why do I encounter this error?** You might encounter this error due to various reasons, including an incomplete file deletion, a corrupted partition, or an active process using the disk space. 3. **How can I check if there are any files on the disk?** Use File Explorer to navigate to the drive in question and see if any files or folders are visible. Alternatively, use command prompt commands like `dir` to list the contents of the drive. 4. **How do I safely remove files before fixing the error?** Make sure to back up any important data first. You can copy the files to another location or use a backup utility. If the files are hidden, enable "Show hidden files and folders" in File Explorer settings. 5. **Can I fix the corruption using built-in tools?** Yes, try running the Windows Disk Management tool to check for any issues with the partition. You can also use the `chkdsk /f /r` command in Command Prompt to scan for and repair disk errors. 6. **How do I format the disk?** In Disk Management, right-click the problematic drive and select "Format." Make sure to choose the appropriate file system (e.g., NTFS) and allocation unit size. Confirm the action, but remember that formatting will erase all data. 7. **Should I consider third-party utilities?** If built-in tools don't resolve the issue, you can try using third-party disk management or recovery software. Be cautious and ensure the software is reputable to avoid further complications. 8. **What if the error persists after trying these steps?** If the issue remains unresolved, it might indicate a more severe hardware problem. Seek professional assistance or contact your hardware manufacturer for support. Remember that always having a backup of your data is crucial to prevent potential loss during troubleshooting processes.

I hope the information outlined above has been helpful to you. These methods are safe, efficient, and, most importantly, assist in rectifying all disk errors. However, if you still have queries, please refer to the frequently asked questions below.

1. How do I resolve the Virtual Disk Service error?

There are various methods to rectify the Virtual Disk Service error, and one approach is by employing a third-party utility to resolve the issue without compromising your data. A tool like Partition Master serves as an all-in-one solution for your drive management requirements. It enables you to fix all disk errors, including the Virtual Disk Service error.

You can also utilize the Disk Management utility to rectify the virtual disk service error. By following the steps outlined below, you will be able to enhance the functionality of your drive:

Step 1: Launch the Disk Management utility

Step 2: Right-click on a disk and choose "Delete Volume"

This will erase all data on your drive and fix the error. However, make sure to back up your drive to safeguard your data.

2. Can I stop the virtual disk service?

Yes, you can stop the Virtual Disk Service. Here are the steps to do so: 1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type "services.msc" in the dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Services Management Console. 3. In the Services window, scroll down and locate the "Virtual Disk" service. 4. Right-click on "Virtual Disk" and select "Properties" from the context menu. 5. In the "Virtual Disk Properties" window, under the "General" tab, change the "Startup type" to "Disabled" to prevent it from starting automatically. 6. Next, click on the "Stop" button to stop the service if it is currently running. 7. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes. The Virtual Disk Service has now been stopped. However, please note that disabling this service might affect the performance or functionality of your system, particularly related to disk management tasks. If you're unsure, it's recommended to consult a professional or revert the changes if needed.

Step 1: Launch the Control Panel.

Step 2: Select Administrative Tools.

Step 3: Navigate to the "Services" tab.

Step 4: Navigate to "Virtual Disks" and right-click on it. Select "STOP" to stop the Virtual Disk Service.

3. What is the Virtual Disk Service used for?

Virtual Disk Service enables you to execute various disk management tasks. It manages diverse storage configurations, ranging from single-disk desktop systems to external storage arrays.

It is compatible with the Disk Management user interface and the diskpart command. The service also adds API (Application Programming Interface) support for conventional volume and disk management features in Windows.