OS on GPT drive, user files on NTFS?


  1. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       #1

    OS on GPT drive, user files on NTFS?


    Here’s a weird question.

    I’m doing a new build and I’m sticking to Win7 Pro 64-bit. I’ve purchased one of the new M.2 PCIe SSDs to be my boot drive. I understand that I have to install the OS from a UEFI device formatted GPT rather than MBR and I have already created the bootable USB 3.0 flash drive (using the great tutorial posted on this forum). OK, so far so good, right?

    Well, here’s my question. I have ALWAYS installed Windows in audit mode and pathed the user files down to a dedicated data drive. I path ALL data from ALL programs there because it makes maintenance simpler (executables on one drive, data on another).

    So can I do this? Is it possible to install the actual OS on a GPT boot drive and path the user files to a regular NTFS-formatted drive? Or am I comparing apples to oranges and the whole thing is a non-issue?

    Thanks in advance for any substantive advice that may be offered,
    Susan
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 20,583
    Win-7-Pro64bit 7-H-Prem-64bit
       #2

    Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
    I wouldn't think it matters but GPT for both or all drives just means you can have many partitions as you wish to create
    MBR is just restricted to 4 max.

    Your setup shouldn't be any different using GPT on both but if one is GPT I'd think both would be best as GPT.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #3

    Yep, it doesn`t matter, the OS still works the same.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8
    Windows 7/8/10 UEFI/GPT system
       #4

    SOURCE: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/lib...or=-2147217396

    What about mixing and matching GPT and MBR disks on the same system?


    GPT and MBR disks can be mixed on systems that support GPT, as described earlier. However, you must be aware of the following restrictions:
    • Systems that support UEFI require that boot partition must reside on a GPT disk. Other hard disks can be either MBR or GPT.
    • Both MBR and GPT disks can be present in a single dynamic disk group. Volume sets can span both MBR and GPT disks
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks to all who replied. This is such a great forum!! I've been lurking here for years, but this was the first time I've had a problem/question. Just been lucky, I guess.

    Thanks again!!

    Susan
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 20,583
    Win-7-Pro64bit 7-H-Prem-64bit
       #6

    Hi,
    No problem I'm not personally a partition creating freak all my even 1tb hdd's are mbr and so is the installation ssd
    There is no system reserved partition only C drive
    Cheers and come back anytime.
      My Computer


 

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