Installing Windows 7 on a multi-partitioned HDD


  1. Apocalypsing
    Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Enterprise, 64-bit
       New #1

    Trouble with installing Windows 7


    Hi, I have recently decided to repartition my 2TB HDD so that I can allocate separate partitions for different operating systems. The first partition is 1.5TB for general data storage, while the rest is for other operating systems.

    Unfortunately I'm stuck on installing Windows 7 onto the second partition, I get an error saying "setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition". I'm losing hope as all of the Google search results for this lead to this kind of solution: "delete all the existing drive partitions, then create a single partition and format it", which isn't what I want to do.

    If it helps I created the partitions using GParted in Partition Magic (A recovery-type Linux environment). The 2TB drive is also healthy.
    Last edited by Apocalypsing; 30 Jun 2013 at 10:26.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  3. pcunite
    Posts : 194
    Windows 10 x64
       New #2

    Start over ... boot from your Windows 7 Disc and create partitions using it's tool during the first few screens as you start to install. Basically, just create the first install for Windows 7 itself, say 100GB. After the install, you can be in Windows 7 and use the Disk Manager to create the rest.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  4. theog
    Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       New #3

    As the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 has a uEFI/BIOS firmware.
    How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI/BIOS firmware:
    UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with
    Installing in UEFI mode, you can have up to 128 Primary Partitions.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #4

    The error means you're trying to install to an MBR formatted HD - the solution is provided by Theog above.

    In addition be sure to put your OS's on the left side, or outside, of the HD for faster reads.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  7. Apocalypsing
    Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Enterprise, 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Thanks a lot guys for the help, all solved now. :)
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

  Related Discussions
Hello everybody, I'm reletively new on this forum and I've spent a lot of time reading posts here concerning innovative installation methods and various approaches to partitioning. This forum really has some great info and users! I'm an old school guy going back to the days before PCs even...
Hi, looking for some help. I just got a new seagate 4tb drive. I am doing a new Windows7 install and dual Ubuntu. Linux sees the entire 4tb drive. In Linux i partitioned the 4tb drive with two ~1.8tb parts. However, when i log into windows, it only sees the first partition. My configuration is: ...
got a asus m4a785td-v evo mobo amd phenom 560 BE Dual core 8gb of corsair RAM 4x2 stick cheapish ATI graphics card HD 5670 good quality PSU - cant remember brand 7200rpm Hdd WD running win7 64-bit Had a few BSOD's in the past but all are gone since updated BIOS.
My current hard drive is dying, so claims Windows and Hitachi Drive Fitness Test. I bought a replacement drive 3TB drive which requires GPT partitioning. I have 64 bit windows and a UEFI motherboard, so I know I can use the drive as a boot drive for a brand new installation. My question is...
I have Windows Ultimate x64. It's a fresh (re)install. After retrieving all available updates (including all optional drivers) and rebooting, I tried to install the Japanese Language pack via Windows Update and after maybe around twenty minutes of the software trying to install, Windows Update...
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

 © Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:25.
Find Us