seeking HOWTO -- migrate MBR dual boot to GPT dual boot
 

Can I make and format the GPT drive, then use CloneZilla or similar to copy the two MBR partitions that are 64bit Windows-7 or must I fresh install Windows-7 onto the GPT drive?

I have a workstation with a 500 GB, MBR drive that is dual boot 64bit Windows-7 and Linux Mint 17.3.

I want to expand to use a 1 TB, GPT drive that is also dual boot 64bit Windows-7 and Linux Mint 18.1.

I believe that I can use CloneZilla to copy the Mint ext4 file systems onto the GPT drive without any troubles. I would then use GRUB2 to write the boot details onto the GPT drive.

The workstation has a "recover and restore" media edition of Windows-7 and so that would write an MBR configuration to the target drive. Ugh. (I'd really hate to do that.) I rarely use Windows but when I do I really need it. I'll virtualize once I have more disk ... wink, nod.

Thanks in advance,
~~~ 0;-Dan

Windoze is ultra sensitive to being relocated - partition info is in the registry apparently.
I gave up trying years ago - just reinstall. If you can - I have an OEM Win7 professional that refuses to install to gpt. Even on a UEFI machine. Don't throw out that old disk just yet.

Only Windows 7 64bit on a UEFI system is able to boot from GPT disks.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/lib..._faq_win7_boot

Win-7 must be 64bit to boot GPT. I sorted that much out.

Thanks for the reply,

I know all the theories - it's professional, and certainly 64 bit. PITA having one system booting MBR and all the Linux gpt on the same system. Works, but I always seem to forget when I need to boot Win10 ... :shrug:

Yes, I did mean Win10 - was Win7 originally, and upgraded just dandy. No-one seems to think it's possible, but I got proof whirring away in my office.