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    Windows 8 and 7 together with UEFI and GPT

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by dimm0k, Dec 13, 2012.

  1. dimm0k

    dimm0k Notebook Consultant

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    Looks like Windows 8 was installed with UEFI and GPT on my notebook so it's not going to be easy if at all possible to install Windows 7 onto the same HDD, even though it's getting it's own partition. I assume UEFI is needed to get Windows 7 to install to that partition, however with UEFI turned on I can't boot off of anything except the HDD and that brings me back to Windows 8. If I turn off UEFI I can boot off any media, but Windows 7 complains about the destination partition being a GPT partition. Is there any way to leave Windows 8 intact and to install Windows 7 alongside it?
     
    dimm0k, Dec 13, 2012
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  2. Prostar Computer

    Prostar Computer Company Representative

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    Strange... so when you attempt to boot off the Windows 7 disc to install, you get a message about a GPT partition? Is your secure boot in BIOS on or off?

    I didn't think UEFI would be a problem for 7.
     
    Prostar Computer, Dec 13, 2012
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  3. AndroidFan

    AndroidFan Notebook Guru

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    UEFI and GPT partitions are the biggest nuisance ever with no benefit other than supporting 2 TB + HDDs

    I disable it always as it also doesn't allow me to properly backup my partitions using Acronis True Image
     
    AndroidFan, Dec 13, 2012
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  4. dimm0k

    dimm0k Notebook Consultant

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    When I have UEFI turned off, I can boot off the Windows 7 disc no problem until it gets to the part where I select the destination to install to. I also have secure boot turned off during this. With UEFI on I can't boot off the Windows 7 disc with or without secure boot turned on.
     
    dimm0k, Dec 13, 2012
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  5. Prostar Computer

    Prostar Computer Company Representative

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    As of 2010, most current operating systems support GPT, although some (including Mac OS X and Windows) only support booting to GPT partitions on systems with EFI firmware. (Source: GUID Partition Table - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) :err:

    By any chance, is your system a current Asus? Particularly a UX series notebook?
     
    Prostar Computer, Dec 14, 2012
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  6. dimm0k

    dimm0k Notebook Consultant

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    No, the system is a Lenovo L430 with Windows 8 embedded into UEFI. The Windows 7 disc is x64 so it should not have any problems with GPT, but it refuses to install onto the blank partition...
     
    dimm0k, Dec 15, 2012
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  7. Prostar Computer

    Prostar Computer Company Representative

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    Prostar Computer, Dec 18, 2012
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  8. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

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    Does the Windows 7 DVD have a uefi partition? I ask because the windows 8 dvd does, but I'm not 100% sure about windows 7.
     
    DDDenniZZZ, Dec 19, 2012
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  9. Prostar Computer

    Prostar Computer Company Representative

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    Yes, or at least all Windows 7 DVDs support UEFI. I'm not sure how far back in OS versions you'd have to go until it's not supported; I think as far back as XP 64-bit and Windows 2000 Advanced Server Limited Edition.
     
    Prostar Computer, Dec 19, 2012
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