Understanding Disk Partition Schemes

In this section, the speaker introduces the topic of changing disk partition schemes from MBR to GPT or vice versa, highlighting the importance of understanding these concepts before making any changes.

Introduction to Disk Partition Schemes

• Changing from MBR to GPT or vice versa requires complete deletion of the drive due to the sensitive nature of this process.

• Storage devices like hard drives or SSDs require a partition scheme for organizing data and creating partitions such as FAT32 or NTFS.

• The MBR scheme, limited to 2TB and 4 primary partitions, led to the development of GPT for larger storage capacities and up to 128 partitions on a single disk.

Advantages of GPT over MBR

• GPT allows for more partitions on a disk (up to 128), is compatible with modern BIOS systems (UEFI), and offers features like fast hibernation in Windows.

• Newer computers come with UEFI firmware supporting GPT, enhancing system performance and enabling quick startup features.

Considerations Before Changing Partition Schemes

• Switching from MBR to GPT may be necessary for installing certain operating systems like Apple's macOS alongside Windows for better compatibility.

• It's crucial to note that only GPT is compatible with UEFI firmware; attempting to use MBR with UEFI will result in errors.

Preparing for Partition Scheme Changes

• Prior to converting a disk from MBR to GPT, ensure all data is backed up externally as the process involves wiping the entire drive clean.

• To identify if a partition is using MBR or GPT, check under "Volumes" in Windows' Disk Management tool by examining the "Partition Style" field.

Identifying Partition Schemes in Windows

This part focuses on determining whether a storage device uses an MBR or GPT partition scheme within a Windows environment.

Checking Partition Scheme in Windows

• Right-clicking on a drive in Disk Management and navigating through Properties > Volumes reveals the partition style (MBR or GPT).

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In this section, the speaker explains the process of changing partition schemes using the Windows installation console.

Changing Partition Schemes in Windows Installation Console

• To access the console during Windows installation, press Shift + F10.

• Before proceeding, ensure no external hard drives are connected to avoid confusion with disk listings.

• Access the command prompt by typing "diskpart" to modify storage devices.

• Use "list disk" to identify recognized disks; select the target disk for partition scheme modification.

• Differentiate between internal and external drives based on size and GPT indication.

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This segment focuses on selecting and modifying disks within the command prompt for partition scheme changes.

Selecting and Modifying Disks

• Choose the disk to alter by specifying its number; confirm selection by observing an asterisk next to it.

• Verify correct disk selection by cycling through commands and checking for asterisk placement.

• Understand that selected disks will be entirely erased during this process; exercise caution in selection.

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Here, the speaker delves into erasing partitions and converting disks to GPT or MBR formats using specific commands.

Erasing Partitions and Converting Disk Formats

• Execute the "clean" command to erase all partitions on a selected disk completely.

• Convert the disk format to either GPT or MBR using appropriate commands like "convert."

• After conversion, access Disk Management to create new partitions as needed.

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The final part covers creating new partitions post-conversion and considerations when reverting back from GPT to MBR.

Creating New Partitions Post Conversion

• Generate a new simple volume in Disk Management after converting a disk's format.

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In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of considering the operating system when creating partitions and formatting disks.

Understanding Operating Systems and Disk Management

• The operating system and disk management are interconnected; creating a partition in disk management does not mean it is absent but rather not mounted or displayed.

• Properly formatting a disk involves steps such as closing unnecessary windows, accessing disk management, pasting content, formatting, checking properties, and configuring volumes.

• Creating a new volume requires following sequential steps like selecting options for file systems until completion to store files effectively.

Disk Partitioning and Installation Issues

This part delves into potential installation issues during Windows setup due to partition maps and the necessity of converting disks to GPT format.

Troubleshooting Installation Problems

• During Windows installation, encountering errors related to incompatible partition maps may require converting disks to GPT using specific commands in the command prompt.

• Converting disks to GPT format is crucial for modern computers with large storage capacities as GPT organizes partitions within a container efficiently.

Modern BIOS Features and Disk Management

The discussion shifts towards modern BIOS features like UEFI firmware supporting advanced configurations for managing GPT partitions on newer hard drives.

Evolution of BIOS and Disk Handling