Windows error when trying to re-install on partition.

[yiati]

Hi Everyone.

I am having some problems with W7(64bit), and I want to re-install. I have three partitions setup, and when Windows setup asks me which disk/partition I want to install Windows on (see image DCP_1.jpg), I select partition2, which is the primary partition. Windows now displays an error see(DCP_2.jpg).

Why wont Windows let me write over the old installation with a brand new W7 installation, I'm not sure I understand the error message. Please see the two images included.

Do I have to delete all partitions?

Can anyone help out?

Thanks
yiti.

 

[GokAy]

Maybe you need to boot with DVD listed in UEFI portion or change something in BIOS. Use the Boot Menu during POST (should say which key in BIOS screen)

Until someone else comments.

 

[yiati]

I don't know too much about W7, I'm not in IT, what is UEFI, and how is that going to help me?

 

[leejosepho]

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a standard firmware interface for PCs, designed to replace BIOS (basic input/output system). This standard was created by over 140 technology companies as part of the UEFI consortium, including Microsoft.
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+UEFI

Just guessing here, but yes, you might have to delete that partition and let Win7 re-make it in whatever way it wishes...just please do not do that until somewhere here who actually knows says that is the way to go!

 

[yiati]

bump, anyone?

 

[AddRAM]

Surprised no one answered you. Anyway you are trying to install Windows 7 to a hard drive setup in a MBR partition style using the UEFI bios, all you have to do is go into the bios and change it to Legacy mode, or maybe there`s an option like mine that says Legacy & UEFI. But you have to disable UEFI and enable Legacy mode.

Then you`ll be good to go

 

[yiati]

Thanks AddRAM, I'll look into the BIOS. So now for the other questions, what the difference between the two (Legacy & UEFI) and how is one better or worse that the other?

Thanks
yiati

 

[AddRAM]

You can google that.

I see no advantage with UEFI.

 

[yiati]

ok, will do that.

 

[genet]

Quote from this post: UEFI Boot Mode (installing using the GPT partition style) and Legacy BIOS Boot Mode (installing using the MBR partition style). -> link

   Tip

Error message when you boot from the Windows installation media in Legacy BIOS Boot Mode:

Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style. (see screenshot below)

That is because Windows can only be installed to MBR disk in Legacy BIOS Boot Mode, but you plan to install Windows on a GPT disk.

- Boot from the Windows installation media in UEFI Boot Mode, so you can use GPT (GUID Partition Table).
- But if you want to use MBR (Master Boot Record) partition table, then delete all partitions on the disk.



Error message when you boot from the Windows installation media in UEFI Boot Mode:

Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table. On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed to GPT disks. (see screenshot below)

That is because Windows can only be installed to GPT disk in UEFI Boot Mode, but you plan to install Windows on an MBR disk.

- Delete all partitions on the disk, so you can use GPT (GUID Partition Table).
- But if you want to use MBR (Master Boot Record) partition table, then boot from the Windows installation media in Legacy BIOS Boot Mode.

 

[yiati]

So if I select legacy mode within my BIOS and then boot from the Windows install disk, I can then re install W7(64)?

 

[AddRAM]

Yes, it should work now.

Don`t forget to format partition 1, after it`s formatted just click next and the install should start.

 

[yiati]

Great, Thanks.

 

[gregrocker]

You should choose UEFI DVD choice on the Boot menu to take full advantage of all the BIOS's features. But you'll need to delete all partitions first.

If the other partitions are separate hard drives, these should always be unplugged during reinstall.

As suggested you should be able to install to the disc in its present condition if you change the bios to CSM or legacy mode then boot the disc as a legacy DVD and not a UEFI DVD.

 

[yiati]

Thanks gregrocker, this is perfect, great info.

 

[gregrocker]

Keep us posted.

 

[yiati]

Just one more thing, why did the original installation go in without fault. I can see it set up a system reserve partition (disk0 partition1), and then it installed the op system on(disk0 partition2), and I went in with Acronis and did the rest. Did Windows install on a MBR, I assume it did.

So why is it booting with UEFI support?

 

[gregrocker]

Separate hard drives can support either MBR Or GPT with CSM or Legacy BIOS enabled in BIOS setup. In that case all you need to do is delete the partitions on the erroring disk to allow it to install as MBR.

What are these settings choices in BIOS? Pictures will help.

 

[yiati]

Thanks gregrocker I'm not sure what you mean by air ring disk, I have one single disk, with one primary, and two logical partitions. As I'm in the middle of work, I will take a pic when I reboot latter and post.

 

[yiati]

Well here's the BIOS pics, I cant see where UEFI is mentioned.