Solved: Re: Windows installation - HP Support Community

Okojipauli · ‎03-13-2017

Good day pls I wanted to do a clean installation of Windows 8.1 on my system, I moved all my files and softwares to drive D. I formated and deleted the drive C were the previous Windows was installed in order for me to install a fresh Windows. I use USB as a bootable drive l click on custom. I saw Drive 0 Unallocated space of 195.3GB, 195.3GB free and Drive 0 Partition 1 of 270.4GB, 75.5GB free, type Primary. I believe that is were my files I move from C drive is. I click on Drive 0 Unallocated Space, but the error I got is that "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed to GPT disks". Please how can I install my new window without losing my files and softwares on Drive 0 Partitions 1 were I move my file to. Thanks.

erico · ‎03-13-2017

Once you copy those files it will be pretty simple to format the disk in GPT format and then renstall Windows to the disk.

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erico · ‎03-13-2017

For a reinstallation of Windows 8.1 you should be using recovery media.

The only way you are not going to lose all of your files and data at this point is to remove the hard disk and put it in an enclosure that will allow you to connect it via usb to another PC. Once it is connected to the other PC copy the data you want to save to an external storage device.

Never copy anything to partition D:. That is your recovery partition. It should always be left undisturbed unless you decide that you just don't need it anymore.

For backup purposes always use an external storage device.

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Okojipauli · ‎03-13-2017

Thanks. Drive D is no longer my recovery partition I mistakenly deleted it about 3years ago and I did not create a recovery media also. Also my laptop was stolen once and it was formated so when I got it back I have reformat and create two Partitions which is Drive C where I install Windows and programs while Drive D serves as my backup. I will work with the second option to remove the hard disk and connect it to another system and copy out my files. Thanks a lot I really appreciate.

erico · ‎03-13-2017

Once you copy those files it will be pretty simple to format the disk in GPT format and then renstall Windows to the disk.

I am a volunteer forum member. If my suggestion helped you solve your issue, help others by marking that post as the accepted solution. Say thanks by clicking on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"

Okojipauli · ‎03-15-2017

Good day, after I formated the hard drive I couldn't find it to install a new drive. The message that appears is that no OS installed on hard drive. I use a bootable USB when I click install I can't find hard drive. I use command prompt yet no disk listed. What should I do. Thanks

erico · ‎03-18-2017

Have you resolved this?

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Windows installation

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