How to install Windows 10 as MBR file system.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. trebleta
    Posts : 10
    Windows 11 Pro 64bit
       New #1

    How to install Windows 10 as MBR file system.


    Hi all, I'm after a bit of advice.

    My friend has a Acer Aspire 5560. I've installed windows 10 but have found issues. From what I understand, it's due to GPT file system, the labtop has a bad uefi. In bios I have no options like legecy CSM, all I see is selecting IDE or ACHI, will put in ide but dont think will have the right affect.

    So am I right in thinking I can use windows media creation tool to get a windows 10 image, copy that to a folder on my pc then use rufus, to make a MBR install usb pointing to the windows 10 media folder, or will I when I get to the install, will windows still use GPT?

    I'm sorry, if this is posted, I've just not seen anything clear.

    Thanks in advance for the advice
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  3. NavyLCDR
    Posts : 18,467
    Windows 11 Pro
       New #2

    Windows 10 installs in the way that the USB flash drive is booted into. Boot into the USB flash drive using legacy BIOS (or CSM mode) and Windows 10 will format the disk as MBR and install in legacy BIOS mode. Boot the USB flash drive using UEFI mode and Windows 10 will format the disk as GPT and install in UEFI mode.

    If the laptop has "bad UEFI" in BIOS, then you either need to reflash the BIOS, if possible, or replace the BIOS firmware chip. Simply installing Windows 10 in MBR/Legacy BIOS mode isn't going to work.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  4. trebleta
    Posts : 10
    Windows 11 Pro 64bit
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    MBR has worked for years, I've added a ssd and now get shutdown restart problems. All down to the above, i hope. This labtop is 12 years old, and not used for much.
    Last edited by trebleta; 20 Jun 2023 at 03:30.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. Hearsepilot
    Posts : 923
    Windows 10 Pro
       New #4

    You could have a low charge backup battery causing settings corruption, Try reflashing the firmware if this is OK
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  7. trebleta
    Posts : 10
    Windows 11 Pro 64bit
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    It's down to MBR-GPT, soon as I setup the install as MBR, I get the restarts on installing. From reading on the web this was a well found solution. As it was designed for windows 7, updating from that to 10 was what was orginaly done, a clean install has always caused failed shutdown and restarts.

    This was down to Acer's poor bios design pree windows 10, and was no support for it.

    So that problem is now solved

    - - - Updated - - -

    P.s pree this I have tried a large number of things from flashing the bios, different drives. Loads of drivers, and it's all down to dam file system not being in MBR file system
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  8. FreeBooter
    Posts : 5,462
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
       New #6

    Setting your BIOS to CSM mode and SATA to AHCI mode will force Windows 10 on MBR disk.

    The Advanced Host Controller Interface, or AHCI, is a technical standard for an interface that enables software to communicate with Serial ATA (SATA) devices.

    You can always upgrade the laptop BIOS firmware from Laptop manufacturer website.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  9. trebleta
    Posts : 10
    Windows 11 Pro 64bit
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    My bios has no CSM, or any other options apart from ide,achi, and boot order.
    There is no newer firmware for this old labtop that I know off. Support stopped pree windows 10.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  10. Megahertz
    Posts : 6,844
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       New #8

    trebleta said:
    My bios has no CSM, or any other options apart from ide,achi, and boot order.
    There is no newer firmware for this old labtop that I know off. Support stopped pree windows 10.
    The BIOS has no CSM because it is probably Legacy only so you can only install as Legacy-MBR.
    Reset BIOS or load defaults.
    Set Disk mode to AHCI, not IDE
    Boot the Win 10 installation drive and delete all partitions on the main drive and proceed.

    It will begin the installation. Copying files is the first phase. When it finish it announce it will reboot. Remove the Win 7 installation drive (DVD or USB) and it will reboot and boot from the main drive and begin the installation (second phase). After the installation it will reboot and enter OOBe and ask a user name to create a user profile (last phase).
    Last edited by Megahertz; 20 Jun 2023 at 15:02.
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  12. hsehestedt
    Posts : 4,172
    Windows 11 Pro, 22H2
       New #9

    I suspect that Megahertz is correct. On a system that old, I can pretty much guarantee that it is ONLY legacy BIOS or there is some sort of way of at least enabling the CSM (Compatibility Support Module). Note that some BIOS have a different name for this. It may be called something such as "Legacy Mode" in some BIOS.
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  13. trebleta
    Posts : 10
    Windows 11 Pro 64bit
    Thread Starter
       New #10

    Do I really need to take pictures, no he is not right. The bios has no options. I build pc's so know what I'm doing. And fact I've said I did the MBR and it all works, yet still people replying!
    This bios is to old for csm etc.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

  Related Discussions
377661 Every time I start my computer (version 21H2 OS Build 19044.2075), a small window appears headed Zero Install with the words "The system cannot find the file specified" (see attached). This has been going on for a few weeks now and I can't...
Is there a way using DISM to add/overwrite system files in the system resource folder in the install.wim file in the iso. So that when i install windows my custom icons for folders and drives are already installed along with the .reg files to show...
Grettings All, I'm currently working on a laptop for a friend that has Windows 10 and is in a non bootable state with missing files, directories, reset options and is stuck in the "Unable to Fix" state. I'm pretty sure the issue is related to BCD...
Was just copying over the files from my mounted Windows 10 (multi edition) MSDN ISO and got that message. It's formatted as Fat32. This is the just newly released last month ISO. Looks like I'll have to use NTFS? This may be an issue for those that...
I need to install the file MSVCR71 into the system 32 file so that I can install a viewer to view some CT and MRI disc of my spine. I have downloaded the file on to my computer so I have it ready to install.
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 15:14.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums