How to Convert MBR Partition to GPT Partition Table on 4Tbt HD

[Chris Nicola]

I have cloned a logical partition with valuable data from an MBR partition from one HD to a new 4Tbt HD. Now I realise that I am stuck with a 2 Tbt partition limit if I leave it as a MBR partition. Is it possible just to convert from an MBR to a GPT partition without deleting the partitions and the data and starting from scratch? Also what are some recommended programs for partitioning?

Kind Regards
Chris

 

[ignatzatsonic]

As far as I know, you cannot convert from MBR to GPT without deleting ALL partitions and starting over. So, you'd have to backup up all your data.

You should be able to do that with Diskpart which you can access from the Windows install media by hitting shift F10 at the first screen where you are asked to choose a language.

Or use a third party application---the most commonly recommended one here is Partition Wizard, a free download.

 

[Chris Nicola]

Thank you very much for your reply. I will delete the existing partitions and start over again.

Kind regards
Chris

 

[LordSnow]

yes, On MBR disk disk space beyond 2TB will be unusable. The conversion with Windows built in the tool will delete everything on your disk including recovery partition.You can use diskpart.exe or disk management to convert MBR to GPT, but you need to delete this disk to make it shown as unallocated space. therefore, you'd better backup the needed information before doing it.
after the disk conversion, you have to enable UEFI boot mode in BIOS before booting your computer.
If you want to convert MBR to GPT without losing data, you need to use third party software, such as AOMEI Partition Assistant.

 

[Taplice]

Before you start, it is in any case always a good idea to back up your data first to a safe place.

The problem with Disk Management tool is that it deletes all your current partitions and volumes before converting a MBR disk to GPT disk, so go for Disk Management tool if you have backed up your data and don’t mind losing the data on your hard drive.

Using a tool called EaseUS partition master. It’s a free multifunction partition management software. This tool’s feature can help you convert a disk with data into GPT or MBR style without data loss.
How to Free Convert MBR Disk to GPT Disk without Data Loss - EaseUS

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/26203-convert-gpt-disk-mbr-disk.html

 

[JohnPC]

Good Evening,
By using Paragon HDM pro 15, I am able to switch from MBR to GPT on populated disks without loosing data.
I imagine there must be a similar solution as shareware/freeware.
Hasta,
JohnPC

 

[Chris Nicola]

Thank you all for your replies. I decided to delete all partitions and make a new GPT partition on the new 4T Seagate Hybrid drive.

I have a question. Lord Snow Mentioned, "set UEFI boot mode in BIOS before booting your computer". Do I need to set UEFI boot mode only if this is a boot disc? This will not be my C drive but only a D drive for storage.

Maybe it was a mistake to delete data before converting to GPT. Now I can't get any data back on it. It starts to copy fast then slows down to a trickle and then the drive disappears until I reboot! It seems others have had this problem on ASUS boards as well. I have tested the drive using Windows error checking and Seagate tools and it passed. I have set power management and Intel mass storage technology never to shut off the drives. Asus auto updater says I have the latest bios and all the latest chipset and other drivers. Later today I will plug it in to another SATA Channel on the MoBo to see if that helps. I don't know if the problem is a bios issue, a driver issue, a SATA channel issue, or a GPT partition issue. All the drives have Microsoft Drivers. The second link suggests that for a raid I need to use Intel HD drivers. However I am not using a raid. I have a ssd plugged into sata port 1 (5Gb/sec), a HD into sata port 2 (5Gb/sec), a CD/DVD in port 3 (3Gb/sec) and the GPT drive in port 4 (3Gb/sec).

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Similar Situation:
http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware...e-disappears-when-trying-copy-lots-files.html

Solution?
Hard Drives in Windows 7 Randomly Appear and Disappear | Coyote Blog

Kind regards
Chris

 

[ignatzatsonic]

As far as I know, UEFI mode wouldn't come into play for a storage drive.

I've got a UEFI install on an SSD and a separate 3 TB GPT storage drive. I just plugged the 3 TB drive in and it was immediately recognized.

Can't help with your file copy problem, but it would appear to be Asus-specific at first glance.

 

[Chris Nicola]

Now I can't get any data back on it. It starts to copy fast then slows down to a trickle and then the drive disappears until I reboot! It seems others have had this problem on ASUS boards as well.

Well after some troubleshooting I realised the drive was at fault. I replaced the drive with an identical one and now it works fine.

I know this is an old thread but this information may help someone in the future.

Kind regards
Chris

 

[Layback Bear]

Thanks for posting back with the fix. It surly might help someone.

Jack