Skip to main content

Converting to GPT Disk

Thread needs solution

I have a system I just upgraded at home. It's an 8 core on an asus board with UEFI. I am running Windows 7 x64 and I have acronis 2013. I would like to convert the disk to a gpt. Current disk configuration in disk management

Disk 1
1 Primary Partition
1 Extended Partition with 6 logical partitions on it.

I am obviously hoping to do this with out losing data. Again
I would back up the entire desktop to external. Convert desktop drive to gpt then restore the backup to the desktop and then install win 8 in dual boot config.

0 Users found this helpful

I haven't yet worked with GPT disks, so I'll let someone else answer that query.

But, please create a full disk mode backup prior to any disk changes. That way you can always roll back, if something bad occurs during your attempted conversion. I'd rather have a full backup and not need it, than suffer a disaster without such backup.

Windows 7 doesn't play nice with uefi. On most systems it will freeze during the starting windows phase when the four colored orbs come together. If you are determined to dual boot windows 7 and 8, your current setup will be your best bet. Just google Windows 7 and uefi and you'll see the odds of it succeeding is not inspiring. There are very few systems that windows 7 will run on in uefi mode. If you are determined to use uefi and gpt partitions, then you will most likely have to ditch windows 7. The latest build of True Image 2013 rescue media also has issues with gpt partitions. The only fix we are getting is an iso you have to download from under your account. It is listed as 6514 but it is actually the rescue media for build 6528 which is not going to be released to the public. Try and decide is also not supported on gpt partitions if that is something you use regularly. I recommend sticking with mbr partitions and legacy bios until you are ready to move on from Windows 7. Right now uefi support is very limited and I think you will have a very unsatisfactory experience.