Solved OS on GPT drive, user files on NTFS?

[AntiqueLadyGeek]

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

 

[ThrashZone]

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.

 

[AddRAM]

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

 

[Nipax]

SOURCE: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/li...535(v=vs.85).aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-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

 

[AntiqueLadyGeek]

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

 

[ThrashZone]

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.