Samsung NP700z5c Windows 7 UEFI issue

Hey guys, I really love the forum you have here but I have tried several solutions to my problem and none have worked. I just got my NP700z5c-S02UB yesterday and it had Windows 8 on it, I would like to keep all the recovery partitions for future reference but Windows 7 will not allow me to install on a GPT partition. I read some threads that stated to disable secure boot and enable both UEFI/legacy bios. I tried that and a UEFI compatible drive doesnt show up in BIOS to boot from. I have tried pretty much everything to boot from this DVD (w7 official) and it simply will not boot in UEFI mode, and my BIOS are up to date according to the Samsung app. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I could use a USB flash drive as a last resort, but would like to figure this out with a DVD if possible. Thanks

 

Hi MarkRTR, welcome to NBR.

As you already know, your disk was delivered as GPT, with Win8 running in UEFI mode. Those two are connected, you cannot separate one from the other: If you disable UEFI, you will not be able to boot from that GPT disk. The only way is to convert the disk to MBR first, which will lose everything on it, including your Recovery partitions.

Your situation is basically what is discussed in this post, including some important background reading on UEFI and GPT. It also describes how you can make a backup of your Recovery partitions if you DO decide to convert (and wipe) the disk.

Your NP700Z5C is one of the tweener models that were originally delivered with Win7, then later updated to Win8. That means I am not 100% sure whether its Recovery has the great Factory Image backup feature described in that post I linked above. If not, there is a (more complicated) procedure for older models. Both backup procedures are summarized in this post.

When you are finally ready to take the jump, the Win7 install guide in this post covers everything you need, including how to convert the disk to MBR. Installing from DVD is much preferred on your model.

Let us know how it goes

 

Thanks for the response, Dannemand. Yep, I actually went ahead and formatted Windows 8 partition itself before not realizing it wouldnt let me install 7 on a GPT partition.. ha. Is there a way to install 7 from a DVD by booting from the drive in UEFI mode? I dont have a 32gb USB drive and really dont have the money right now to buy one to fully backup the recovery option. The recovery option is really cool, I checked it out last night actually. It has the backup and stuff like that but the issue is, I would love to keep it as a partition and install 7 while still using UEFI. All of this is probably not necessary and will probably be a bigger pain that needed haha, but I love the recovery option and the convenience it brings. Ive actually formatted and reinstalled windows many times so the general partition stuff I am familiar with, but this GPT partition with UEFI kinda threw me for a loop. I do have a 4gb USB flash drive that I could use for a Windows 7 install if you think that would make this process easier.

 

I understand. But please realize that we get new members in your situation almost daily here. That is why I could readily point you to the information and solutions you need.

If there were some trick to accomplish all you want without any inconvenience, or without reading, or without converting the disk, I can assure you I would have posted that for you. It would be easier for me as well.

1) Even if you have installed Windows many times before, you really have to understand this subject of UEFI and GPT if you want to create UEFI installations. The first post I linked contains the information you need. If you're willing to convert (and wipe) your disk, you don't need that knowledge, just follow the Win7 install guide I linked.

2) I agree, having Recovery handy is great, which is why I recommend you back it up. The post I linked gives you two options for it. The best option (bootable Factory Image backup) will create a bootable Recovery on a 32GB USB stick (assuming your Recovery version has that feature). The alternative option requires an external drive, a 512MB USB stick plus some reading and hard work.

3) Installing Win7 from USB will do nothing to address your issue. As I wrote, when you're ready to install (which you are NOT yet) installing from DVD is much preferred on your model. That is covered in the Win7 install guide I linked.

4) Your only other alternative is to install Win7 in UEFI mode. But older Samsung models (including yours) are known to be buggy in that combination, occasionally causing bricking. That is why I didn't recommend that.

Edit: I apologize if I sounded a little grumpy there. But even when I put on my cheeriest hat, the facts remain the same

 

No problem at all, I didnt mean to be a PITA. Thanks for your help, I will read up and figure out what I wanna do and ill post the results.