Solved Reinstalling Windows 8.1 using GPT file format

[DBX]

Hello all.

I currently have my laptop formatted using MBR in Windows 8.1, however, I would like to make use of GPT. I understand that in order to achieve a GPT partition, it will require complete reinstall of the OS, wiping out the contents of the hard drive.

This is what I am working with, and what I plan to do -

I have two hard drives - one containing the OS with programs installed, which I will rebuild, and the other containing data, which I will not touch. In order to prevent reinstalling all of the software and patch updates which exists on the OS drive, I will back up the partition using ActiveKillDisks Disk Partition Backup Program.

Once the OS is reinstalled, I will restore the image to that partition using Disk Partition. I will backup the OS drive on the data drive.

I assume others have done this as well, and if so, is my plan a sound plan - in order to save myself the hassle of re-installing my programs and settings without touching the data drive.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[samuria]

That's a daft way use gptgen or aomei partition software they do it without data loss

 

[DBX]

So you are saying that I can convert my hard drive to GPT without reinstalling the OS in Windows 8.1?

If so, what does one do to achieve this ?

 

[samuria]

Free Convert MBR to GPT Without Data Loss - EaseUS shows oneway to do it or this tool https://www.partitionwizard.com/help/convert-MBR-disk-to-GPT-disk.html lots of videos on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Z_IgmuAKU

 

[DBX]

Thanks Samuria.

I did find the Free Convert MBR to GPT by EaseUS and Partition Wizard as well after seeing your original post. They advertise that they can do it for free, but when you install the program, it is available only on the paid-for pro versions. I found this out when I tried to convert a Windows 7 drive I have from MBR to GPT. It turned out my Windows 8 drives were set to GPT during the installation process.

So instead of paying for these programs to convert my Windows 7 Drive, I did as I suggested outlined above - and it worked like a charm.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[samuria]

Gptgen is all free