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Installing 7x64 issue on 8.1 machine using Rufus UEFI bootable
Hey guys...
Been at this a while and need some help.
Got a new machine (Qosmio X70-B-102) which like most tries to force me to use Windows 8 platform preinstalled... no chance thankyou... my machine and I'll run it how I choose to.
So my plan has always been to do a clean install of 7 x 64 pro which I already own.
Initially I learn that the BIOS needs to be changed from UEFI to CSM... no prob that's easy... but the hybrid SSHD is set up with GPT partitions and my 7 wont install unless they are MBR.
At the advanced options screen I can delete all partitons and format but I end up with one single unallocated drive that remains as a GPT cos the advanced options don't offer the necessary conversion to MBR.
So... I do some reading and discover that in fact Windows 7 WILL install to GPT providing the installer I use can do that and as some will no doubt know the RUFUS installer allows us to select 'GPT partition scheme for UEFI computers'
Hmmm... brilliant I thought... I can keep using the UEFI firmware advantages by installing onto GPT partitions.
So I got Rufus and created my bootable windows 7 x64 Pro selecting the 'GPT partition scheme.....'
Only change I then make to the BIOS is to disable secure boot and boot order to USB.
Standard 'Windows loading' white progress bar on black screen.... then the recognisable logo begins to go thru it's motions of 'Starting Windows' and the 4 coloured squares fly around to form the logo.... only it never completes and it hangs !!
Question 1.... Are there enough benefits to keeping the UEFI and sticking with GPT partition and trying to pursue with installing this way OR should I just forget that and open a command window from the language screen with Shift + F10 and open DISKPART to clean and convert the new single partition to MBR...?
Question 2... Anyone got any idea why this installer is hanging at the point listed above...? And if so is it fixable?
I used the latest RUFUS available 1.4.12 (although I note there's a beta version 2.0 available and wondering if it may just address this issue..?)
All help greatly appreciated
Nick.... :)