What's a good way to read data on GPT disk from an OS MBR computer?

I run into this problem.

when disposed old computers, on some of them, I removed and kept the old (GPT) disks. now I need the data on a GPT disk. but my present computers are with MBR format.

I tried to connect the GPT disk to internally an MBR system. the computer couldn't boot at all. seems, at least, I have to wipe out the GPT OS first. that's too much change. another way is to convert GPT to MBR using DiskGenius.

Any good way to read data on GPT disk from an OS MBR computer?
If I put the GPT disk into an enclosure. will it be accessible from an MBR computer?

If I put the GPT disk into an enclosure. will it be accessible from an MBR computer?

Yes, it should be. According to Wikipedia on GPT type partitions, Windows 7 can read/write to a GPT formatted dive, just not boot from a GPT formatted drive unless it uses UEFI.


Instead of an external enclosure, you should be able to connect the drives directly inside the computer via SATA cable and read them in the MBR formatted operating system. I'm assuming in your case Windows 7. You just can't boot them unless you use UEFI.

Further, you can't boot Windows 7 32 bit using a GPT formatted drive. Only in Windows 7 64 bit and in UEFI.

Thanks,

my mistake was using a 32-bit computer. as you pointed out, it failed.

I will re-try with your tips. I have Windows 7 64-bit (CSM/UEFI boot) and an external enclosure ready.

siliconbeaver said:

Thanks,

my mistake was using a 32-bit computer. as you pointed out, it failed.

I will re-try with your tips. I have Windows 7 64-bit (CSM/UEFI boot) and an external enclosure ready.

Something is wrong.
Win 7 32 bits can read and write to GPT drives.

F22 Simpilot said:

you should be able to connect the drives directly inside the computer via SATA cable and read them in the MBR formatted operating system. I'm assuming in your case Windows 7. You just can't boot them unless you use UEFI.

Further, you can't boot Windows 7 32 bit using a GPT formatted drive. Only in Windows 7 64 bit and in UEFI.

Thanks,

This way is working. the data is accessible on a Windows 7 64x

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Megahertz07 said:

Something is wrong.
Win 7 32 bits can read and write to GPT drives.

wasn't sure where I did wrong. it couldn't boot just kept beeping. . .

siliconbeaver said:

Any good way to read data on GPT disk from an OS MBR computer?
If I put the GPT disk into an enclosure. will it be accessible from an MBR computer?

- Win 7 32 or 64 bits can read and write data on a GPT drive in any computer with Legacy or UEFI BIOS.
- A GPT drive can only boot on a 64 bits OS (Windows Linux etc) with UEFI BIOS