Solved Installing Windows 7 on a multi-partitioned HDD

[Apocalypsing]

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.

 

[pcunite]

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.

 

[theog]

As the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 has a uEFI/BIOS firmware.
How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI/BIOS firmware:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html
Installing in UEFI mode, you can have up to 128 Primary Partitions.

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[Apocalypsing]

Thanks a lot guys for the help, all solved now.