GPT error when installing Windows

Issue 1:

GPT error when installing Windows 7

End user was trying to install Windows 7 on a system that had shipped from the factory with Microsoft Windows 8® and was receiving a error that Windows 7 could not be installed to a GPT (GUID Partition Table) partition..

Issue 2:

What is happening?

GUID Partition Table (GPT) is a new style of partitioning which is part of the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Specification. This is used for Windows 8 factory installations for greater partition flexibility and more advanced functions of Windows 8. With an Windows 7 installation, the GPT partition has to be removed and UEFI BIOS needs to be configured in a Legacy boot configuration.

Issue 3:

Using DISKPART Command to Resolve

Once the UEFI BIOS has been set to Legacy mode, then boot to the Windows 7 DVD and press SHIFT+F10 at the point to create or delete partitions to exit to a Command Prompt. Then type the following commands:

 

	Notice:
	This process will permanently remove any and all data on the target drive. Dell is not responsible for any loss of data.

1. DISKPART <enter>
2. At the DISKPART prompt, type: LIST DISK <enter> (If system only has one hard drive, then disk 0 is the drive you are wanting to work on. If there are multiple disks, then determine the number of the drive you are re-partitioning.)
3. At the DISKPART prompt, type: SELECT DISK <disknumber> <enter>
4. At the DISKPART prompt, type: CLEAN <enter> (This command removes all partitions/volumes on the selected disk)
5. At the DISKPART prompt, type: CONVERT MBR <enter>
6. Type: EXIT <enter>