Windows error when trying to re-install on partition.

yiati · 04 Jun 2015

Hi Everyone.

I am having some problems with W7(64bit), and I want to re-install. I have three partitions setup, and when Windows setup asks me which disk/partition I want to install Windows on (see image DCP_1.jpg), I select partition2, which is the primary partition. Windows now displays an error see(DCP_2.jpg).

Why wont Windows let me write over the old installation with a brand new W7 installation, I'm not sure I understand the error message. Please see the two images included.

Do I have to delete all partitions?

Can anyone help out?

Thanks
yiti.

GokAy · 04 Jun 2015

Maybe you need to boot with DVD listed in UEFI portion or change something in BIOS. Use the Boot Menu during POST (should say which key in BIOS screen)

Until someone else comments.

yiati · 04 Jun 2015

I don't know too much about W7, I'm not in IT, what is UEFI, and how is that going to help me?

leejosepho · 04 Jun 2015

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a standard firmware interface for PCs, designed to replace BIOS (basic input/output system). This standard was created by over 140 technology companies as part of the UEFI consortium, including Microsoft.
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+UEFI

Just guessing here, but yes, you might have to delete that partition and let Win7 re-make it in whatever way it wishes...just please do not do that until somewhere here who actually knows says that is the way to go!

yiati · 11 Jun 2015

bump, anyone?

AddRAM · 11 Jun 2015

Surprised no one answered you. Anyway you are trying to install Windows 7 to a hard drive setup in a MBR partition style using the UEFI bios, all you have to do is go into the bios and change it to Legacy mode, or maybe there`s an option like mine that says Legacy & UEFI. But you have to disable UEFI and enable Legacy mode.

Then you`ll be good to go :)

yiati · 11 Jun 2015

Thanks AddRAM, I'll look into the BIOS. So now for the other questions, what the difference between the two (Legacy & UEFI) and how is one better or worse that the other?

Thanks
yiati

AddRAM · 11 Jun 2015

You can google that.

I see no advantage with UEFI.

yiati · 11 Jun 2015

ok, will do that.

genet · 11 Jun 2015

Quote from this post: UEFI Boot Mode (installing using the GPT partition style) and Legacy BIOS Boot Mode (installing using the MBR partition style). -> link

Tip

Error message when you boot from the Windows installation media in Legacy BIOS Boot Mode:

Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style. (see screenshot below)

That is because Windows can only be installed to MBR disk in Legacy BIOS Boot Mode, but you plan to install Windows on a GPT disk.

- Boot from the Windows installation media in UEFI Boot Mode, so you can use GPT (GUID Partition Table).
- But if you want to use MBR (Master Boot Record) partition table, then delete all partitions on the disk.

Windows error when trying to re-install on partition.-windows-cannot-installed-disk.-selected-disk-gpt-partition-style.png

Error message when you boot from the Windows installation media in UEFI Boot Mode:

Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table. On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed to GPT disks. (see screenshot below)

That is because Windows can only be installed to GPT disk in UEFI Boot Mode, but you plan to install Windows on an MBR disk.

- Delete all partitions on the disk, so you can use GPT (GUID Partition Table).
- But if you want to use MBR (Master Boot Record) partition table, then boot from the Windows installation media in Legacy BIOS Boot Mode.