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    GPT and UEFI risks of brick. How to move OS on it? Windows 7?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by James D, Feb 2, 2021.

  1. James D

    James D Notebook Prophet

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    OK, every one knows about notorious behavior of bricking notebook if something happens with EFI partition or at least I heard so. That is why I always disable Safe boot in UEFI and even chose Legacy/CSM mode too.
    However due to a neccessity of certain procedures I have to educate myself further.
    FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS:
    1. If I disable Secure Boot - is there ANY chance I can brick laptop (meddling with boot partition, EFI, swapping GPT HDD from another laptop etc.)?
    2. Can I simply transfer existing OS to a formatted C drive of GPT HDD?
    3. Can I swap GPT HDD from another laptop and load OS?
    4. Can I transfer MBR-situated OS into GPT?... the OS of this is Windows 7?

    Actual task to accomplish:
    GPT HDD 2 to put into Laptop 1 (in Legacy mode now but not intended to be). Install WIN7, preferably from backed up TIB/VHDD/WIM of installation on MBR OS HDD 1.
    Also, I formatted OS DRIVE by Acronis, recovering that said OS into partition.

    Thank you for anyone helping
     
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2021
    James D, Feb 2, 2021
    #1
  2. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

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    From my experience GPT is only for drives 2tb or bigger to use on otherwise it's MBR. As for UEFI having it disable is what I set it at because if you forget the password your locked out. I always leave the legacy setting until there is a need to change it.
    1. Disable this is far better for savvy users since you can update as needed.
    2. It's better to have a fresh O/S install to match the new hardware settings. This insure a clean O/S without issues to install on
    3. Not advised it's simple to do a complete fresh O/S install to insure proper O/S driver install.
    4. GPT is only used if the HDD/SSD is bigger then 2tb otherwise MBR is what is installed for smaller drives.
    5. GPT is used for larger drives for more efficient drive management.
     
    StormJumper, Feb 2, 2021
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  3. James D

    James D Notebook Prophet

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    Thank you, we have a similar point of view.
    However I have already preformatted HDD 2 into GPT with Recovery partitions which I don't want to loose hence no format into MBR possible.
    Also, about backed up OS image - it's old backup OS from the same laptop, installed Win7 when it was Legacy/MBR setup
     
    James D, Feb 2, 2021
    #3