GPT to MBR


  1. Posts : 427
    Windows 7/64 HPremium.
       #1

    GPT to MBR


    I have looked at the Tutorial for this, but does not seem to apply. This is my problem:

    I recently upgraded my grandson's desktop with a new motherboard, graphics and memory. The new BIOS was my first UEFI and I formatted and set the 1 TB SATA II Hdd in the UEFI, according to the onscreen directions. I believe that this made it a GPT drive? I could not get the drive to install Win7 Pro, so I installed a brand new 1TB Hdd that I had earmarked for another build, which was plain sailing and Windows installed along with everything else. The system is in my grandson's bedroom in the next village and working fine. I now have a Hdd which is only about 15 months old that I would like to put into another build made from his last components and some new ones. However, I cannot get my own system (spec's below) to see the Hdd, in order to re-convert it to MBR for the next system. Any advice is welcome, thanks all.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,810
    Dual Boot: Windows 8.1 & Server 2012r2 VMs: Kali Linux, Backbox, Matriux, Windows 8.1
       #2
    Last edited by Gator; 18 Dec 2014 at 16:09.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 427
    Windows 7/64 HPremium.
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi Gator, thanks for the swift response. No, that's not the one, probably did not explain well enough: I had actually built the PC and set up the Hdd, then could not get Win7 to install, so I fitted the new Hdd. From there Win7 installed, updated and all drivers installed, Win7 activated, all OK. Grandson has his upgraded PC working. all good.

    I then collected all parts for the next build, which is based on Grandson's last PC - AsRock G41MVS3 Rev.2. That has the old style BIOS, does not require a GPT Hdd. Before I fitted that in the AsRock build, I decided to install it into my External Hdd case and format it, via my own machine (see "My Spec's) My system does not see this Hdd, so I cannot format it for the AsRock build. I believe that the Hdd is GPT, and would like to convert it back to MBR.

    I hope that is not too convoluted, my explanations are sometimes long-winded!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 31,250
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #4

    Have a look at this tutorial Convert GPT Disk to MBR Disk which should get you back to where you want to be :)

    An alternative is something like partition Wizard, but this operation is not supported in the free version - only the Pro and higher
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 427
    Windows 7/64 HPremium.
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks Barman58, I have printed off that Tutorial, must have looked at the wrong one when I was searching Tutorials. Off on Granddad Duty now, trying the solutions tomorrow.

    EDIT: apparently Macrium Free latest update (which I have) is now featuring GPT. Looking at that tomorrow if Granddad's Taxi Service catches a break!
    Last edited by Bertison; 18 Dec 2014 at 16:23. Reason: More Info.
      My Computer


  6. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #6

    If nothing else helps, you can always use the bootable CD of Partition Wizard.

    Bootable Partition Manger | MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Edition

    Highlight the disk and then see the picture:
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails GPT to MBR-2014-12-18_1724.png  
      My Computer


 

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