Windows 10: SSD, windows 10, and MBR

So recently i built a new computer and have an SSD with a win 10 install on it, as well as 3 other HDDs one with 4tb Unallocated, another 4tb that is already partitioned with gPT, and one with 1 tb. However the same thing always happens, even if that 4tb is completely unallocated, during the install process, Windows 10 will write "System" on the 4tb one instead of the SSD. And bc of that it partitions the 4tb drive no matter what i do, unallocated or not will be MBR, I have tried to uninstall windows and reinstall 5 times now. I have tried everything short of taking the 4tb HDD out, installing windows on the SSD and putting it back in, which i will try if no one can help me, I want the 4tb to partitioned with GPT so i can use its full space. Heres what i have tried- using bios setting i switched to straight UEFI instead of CSM and tried that, but while it would let me format and partition the drive correctly, it wouldn't let me install windows onto the SSD- saying it couldnt bc it was GPT- WHICH IT WAS NOT. I have tried using diskpart to fix it- its just temporary, and bc there is no windows install on the 4tb drive, using MBR2GPT just doesnt work. Im pulling my hair out here, any help would be great. Thanks for your time.

:)

 

MBR & GPT - Upgrading Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10

Hi Henry,



I realize that you have queries regarding Windows 10 installation on the computer. I will certainly help you.

To assist you better, please provided us the information below:

• When you say that "drives D & E ", are you referring to internal hard disk or external hard disk?

I would like to inform you that when you upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 on system C drive with SSD and MBR format.
It will remain in same MBR format with SSD and all the old files will be present in Windows.old folder.



Regarding the second question, we will be able to recognize the extra two drive after upgrading to Windows 10.



If you plan to clean install, after upgrading to Windows 10, I suggest you to make sure if Windows 10 is activated or not. Windows 10 should be activated for performing a clean install after the
upgrade.



Please get back to us with an update on queries regarding Windows 10 upgrade, we will be happy to help.



Thank you.

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Cloning to SSD then swapping drive letters


@SamHobbs
What you want done is very simple and can be done in short period of time. Here's my suggestion:
There's 2 modes that Windows can be installed: UEFI and the old legacy MBR. Open Disk Management, look at the disk where your C drive is, if there's a

1. EFI System Partition, your Windows was installed using UEFI.
2. System Reserved partition, your Windows was installed using MBR

Next, Connect your SSD to an available Sata port (no need to format or do anything). Download: Macrium Reflect Free . Install and run. Follow the steps below:

1. From Macrium, click on image this disk under your C drive and save it to either an Internal or External Drive. This will create a single backup image of the whole disk containing your C drive.
2. Again, from Macrium, click on Restore tab and select the image created from step 1, Select your SSD as the destination drive, click Next->Finish
3. Exit Macrium. If your Windows was installed using MBR, Open disk management and make sure the SSD is marked "Active" else go to next step.
4. Shutdown your PC. Disconnect the HD containing Windows C drive then connect your SSD to it.
5. Reboot. Your PC should boot and the Windows should have C as the drive letter.

NOTE: The procedure above is to backup your Windows to an image file then copy it back to the SSD. This ensures proper cluster size aligment for the SSD. In addition, Macrium also perform Trimming for the SSD. This is more preferable than cloning.