Find the answer to your Linux question:
Results 1 to 5 of 5
Hi, I'm currently running a multi-boot system under MBR but i want to convert to GPT without loosing all my data on my hard disks. The main reason for wanting ...
  1. 10-12-2011 #1
    SL6-A1000
    SL6-A1000 is offline
    Just Joined! SL6-A1000's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    95

    Converting from MBR to GPT

    Hi,
    I'm currently running a multi-boot system under MBR but i want to convert to GPT without loosing all my data on my hard disks.

    The main reason for wanting to convert is i need more primary partitions than MBR will allow for my current OS's and others i'm planning on installing, but also to remove the limitations of the MBR scheme.

    Can someone give me guidance on how to do this. I understand how both (MBR & GPT) work but not how to convert from one to the other. I also understand that a hybrid is possible.

    I am currently running Grub v0.97, i would prefer to stay with Grub as i understand it and find it easy to work with.

    Iam currently running these partitions:
    hd 1 & 2
    MBR: GRUB
    Scientific Linux: Primary: XFS-LVMx2
    hd3
    Windows MBR
    Windows 7 Pro: Primary: NTFS
    Oracle Linux: Primary: EXT4
    Videos & Music: Primary: NTFS
    Note: The grub for Oracle Linux is being chainloaded by the MBR Grub.

    Thanks
    SL6-A1000
    Last edited by SL6-A1000; 10-12-2011 at 02:43 AM.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. 10-12-2011 #2
    vasile002
    vasile002 is offline
    Just Joined!
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    50
    Here's a howto about various conversions:
    rodsbooks.com/gdisk/mbr2gpt.html

    Before proceeding you should know that your Grub 0.97 most likely does not have support for GPT partitions and you should consider moving to Grub2
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  3. 10-13-2011 #3
    SL6-A1000
    SL6-A1000 is offline
    Just Joined! SL6-A1000's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    95
    Ok, i have one quick question before i attempt this and either f" it up real bad or its a success. Once i convert the Grub MBR to GPT will i need to convert the other Bootloaders as well?

    For example will i need to change the Oracle Grub Bootloader and Windows 7 bootloader, all of which boot using their own bootloader through chainloading from the Grub on the MBR partition. Or will the new GPT format automatically recognise those existing bootloaders?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. 10-13-2011 #4
    vasile002
    vasile002 is offline
    Just Joined!
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    50
    I am not sure about the oracle grub bootloader but I believe the windows 7 is fairly new and supports GPT. But again I would run the conversion with the thought that everything can go bad in mind.

    Please let me know the results
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 10-15-2011 #5
    Rubberman
    Rubberman is offline
    Linux Guru Rubberman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    I can be found either 40 miles west of Chicago, or in a galaxy far, far away.
    Posts
    8,974
    Also, since GPT is part of the EFI specification, it won't work reliably with BIOS-based machines. You really should have an EFI/UEFI machine.
    Sometimes, real fast is almost as good as real time.
    Just remember, Semper Gumbi - always be flexible!
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Forum Rules

...