Solved UEFI and MBR storage disc: Windows is no longer bootable?

[theog]

So probably Storage drives are not faulty? It seems that the issue is somehow similar to "Boot failed" error when you start a UEFI-enabled computer from a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 installation DVD (Package 1) and "Boot failed" error message when you start a UEFI-enabled computer from the installation DVD of a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 (Package 2) .

From Both Microsoft Hotfix.

SYMPTOMS

Consider the following scenario:•You attach a storage device that has more than four partitions to a computer that has the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) mode enabled.
•You insert a Windows 7 or a Windows Server 2008 R2 installation DVD into a drive of the device, and then you start the computer from the DVD.
•You receive the following message during the startup process, and then you press a key:

Press any key to boot from CD/DVD

In this scenario, you receive an error message that resembles the following:



Boot failed.

To have more than four Partition, you would need to have one or more Logical partitions or Linux partitions.

Do you have any Logical partitions or Linux partitions?

Ray, I have logical partitions. Is it the reason behind that issue?

The way I read Microsoft's statement, I would YES, as Windows 8 UEFI is NOT HAPPY booting with Logical Partitions.

 

[Arc]

Do you notice any faster boot with Win7 which is the main selling point they give for UEFI? I never do. I consider it more crapware getting in the way of smooth sailing.

Faster boot? May be a reduction of one or two seconds, Nothing greatly noticeable. My computer boots very fast usually

The way I read Microsoft's statement, I would YES, as Windows 8 UEFI is NOT HAPPY booting with Logical Partitions.

I tried Windows 7, but if I am happy logical partitions, why they are not happy?

I am finding some lack of logic here. My stuff can be outdated with advancement, but cannot be obsolete at a single blow It is good that the legacy settings exist.

 

[theog]

My logic comes from eightforum, about 6 or so threads with problems with Logical partition, when installing, upgrading, & adding a Data drive with a logical partition in the scenario, remove the logical partition all is well.

"Boot failed" error when you start a UEFI-enabled computer from a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 installation DVD (Package 1)

SYMPTOMS

Consider the following scenario: •You attach a storage device that has more than four partitions to a computer that has the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) mode enabled.
•You insert a Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 installation DVD into a drive of the device, and then you start the computer from the DVD.
•You press a key after you receive the following message during the startup process:

Press any key to boot from CD/DVD

In this scenario, you receive an error message that resembles the following:



Boot failed.

To have more than four Partitions, you would need to have one or more Logical partitions or Linux partitions.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because the boot manager compares two device signatures incorrectly. These device signatures are the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) device signature that is in the extended boot record (EBR) and the device signature that is in the master boot record (MBR).

the boot manager compares two device signatures incorrectly.

 

[Arc]

Ray, I am not behind your logic You are expressing me the fact. Hard but true fact.

I am criticizing UEFI's logic. I find it is somehow eccentric that it refuses to work with logical partitions.

Why? Because advancement means to provide support on which is new, and not to revoke the support on which is already existing.

 

[theog]

Found this on sevenforums.

http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...er-adding-another-hard-drive.html#post2054455

I did some additional tests with an empty hard disk instead of HD#3:
As soon as there is an extended partition on the disk, Windows was no longer able to boot correctly. Two primary partitions works fine, but one primary partition and one extended partition containing one logical disk didn't.

 

[gregrocker]

I remember that now - it seemed a fluke at the time.

But I think it's worth trying as an experiment using only Primary partitions on the MBR storage drive.. You can convert Logicals easily using PW disk to avoid UEFI interference or on a Legacy BIOS with installed PW: How to Set Partition as Primary or Logical

Then we'll know this was more than just a one-off anomaly.

 

[Arc]

I am ready for the experiment, but I want to take some time, to get another HDD to back up some stuff and bring back the discs within the "4 primary" limit.

 

[theog]

If set the drive GPT, you can 128 primary.

 

[Arc]

Converted all my discs to GPT .... Now I will attempt it again. I need to experience UEFI.

 

[Arc]

Done and all went smoothly!!

 

[gregrocker]

How did you get Win7 to boot without a reinstall?

 

[Arc]

How did you get Win7 to boot without a reinstall?

Done a clean reinstall, obviously.