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At the weekend I thought I'd experiment a bit with creating a GPT partition table, as sometimes I would like multiboot more than 4 operating systems which I'm limited to with the more conventional MBR partition table.

Using my Asus X71Q laptop (made in 2008, so predates UEFI), setting up several primary GPT partitions (more than 4) was straightforward enough using Gparted.  However the problem came if I tried to install Win 7 or Win 8.1 on the first partition.  The message came back that I was unable to install to a GTP partition.  I find this strange, as on more modern laptops (e.g. Asus G750JS), Win 8.1 comes pre-installed on a GPT disk.  So how did the manufacturers achieve this?  I would be grateful if you could point me in the right direction.

I didn't have this problem when I installed LL2.4 to the first GPT partition.

Many thanks for any help with this.
Kind regards
Mike

Windows can only be installed to GPT partitioned disks if the computer is using UEFI firmware and booting in UEFI mode.  Why?  I have no idea.  Since your computer has the older BIOS firmware, Windows will only install to drives formatted with traditional MBR partitions.  Again, I have no idea why they limit it's installation that way, but there is nothing you can do about it.

Many thanks goldfinger, for your reply: the Windows / GPT problem in the absence of UEFI,  has now been clarified, even though there seems to be no logical explanation why it fails to install on GPT in the absence of UEFI.

Kind regards
Mike

Hello!

(04-06-2015, 08:20 AM)m654321 link Wrote: [ -> ]Many thanks goldfinger, for your reply: the Windows / GPT problem in the absence of UEFI,  has now been clarified, even though there seems to be no logical explanation why it fails to install on GPT in the absence of UEFI.

A logical explanation would be Mikeysoft's ongoing conspiracy to force people to buy new PCs with their strategy of planned obsolescence...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

Quote:A logical explanation would be Mikeysoft's ongoing conspiracy to force people to buy new PCs with their strategy of planned obsolescence...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

Rob, I'm inclined to agree with you wholeheartedly! 
However I wonder if Windows 7 could be run as a virtual machine on a GPT disk for a non-UEFI laptop?

Mike