Laptop. Windows 10, Trying to install W7. MBR / GPT issue

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 24
    Windows 10
       #1

    Laptop. Windows 10, Trying to install W7. MBR / GPT issue


    Hi,

    Got a new Lenovo Yoga 500 with Windows 10 64bit.

    I want to change to W7 - I have a windows 7 image on a disk. No DVD reader.

    I copied the contents of the image to a clean, formatted NTFS external HDD. It's connected via USB3.

    When I try to install W7 on the main system HDD, it says it's in GPT format and needs to be on MBT.

    But I can't convert the system partition to MBT, because the system is there.
    Also making a new virtual partition doesn't work, because the "diskpart" command doesn't recognize it as a separated disk.

    Any advice here?

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,131
    Windows 3.1 to Windows 11
       #2

    Well.
    based on several of your statements, I have come to the conclusion
    that you would be better off keeping the current OS...

    We'll see what others pickup on in your post and what they have to suggest..
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 24
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi, thanks for the reply.
    W10 has way more compatibility issues than I can handle, I really need W7 back.

    What if I manage to boot from the external HDD?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 505
    Windows 10 Pro (Mix of Builds) / Linux Mint
       #4

    Reformat/reset your target drive to MBT or legacy in BIOS, then boot from your USB Drive and perform the install.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 42,734
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #5

    You would face several levels of difficulty, not least of which being whether, once you have configured the BIOS appropriately and the disk so you could actually begin installation, you are confident you can find a set of compatible drivers.

    Is there a precedent for this running '7?
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 4,131
    Windows 3.1 to Windows 11
       #6

    you would have to boot external, I see some caught on and some did not..
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 24
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    If I create a Windows To Go from my external HDD and boot from it, will it be possible to format the system partition and install W7 on it?
    The installation image of W7 can be also on the external HDD.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,131
    Windows 3.1 to Windows 11
       #8

    FIRST, create a recovery drive or system image of the current system..
    Either via control panel > recovery > create a recovery drive
    or via an OEM Utility...
    As once you go messing around - you will want to have saved the current and working factory OS Image,,,

    Second you will have to boot from an external device to gain access to the internal disk..
    Bootable PE Rescue in my sig below..

    Then you can clean, convert and repartition the current HDD, then apply the win7 image..

    then you can reboot and hope winows 7 activates and can find the need drivers for your Newer PC hardware..
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 24
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Kyhi said:
    FIRST, create a recovery drive or system image of the current system..
    Hey Kyhi,

    Thank you. I managed to get the system working. It's currently running with Windows To Go (with the external HDD).

    I managed to get the internal disk online, assigned a letter etc.


    Laptop. Windows 10, Trying to install W7. MBR / GPT issue-image.png
    What's the safest way to clone the operating system to the internal one?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #10

    Windows 7 can be installed on uefi pc but you need to turn off secure boot.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 14:35.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums