FAQ
TL;DR: If your 1 TB GPT disk blocks a Win7 install, recover the D: data first, then "convert to MBR without data loss." Prefer SATA over cheap USB bridges; GParted/Paragon/DMDE can help. [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16862943]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Windows users who deleted C: on a GPT disk and now need to recover data and make the drive bootable again.
Quick Facts
- Symptom set: Win7 setup in Legacy BIOS can’t create a partition on a GPT disk; D: still visible. [Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16860884]
- A faulty or low‑quality USB–SATA adapter can cause 0.00 KB capacity or “incorrect parameters.” [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16861023]
- GParted restored the partition’s accessibility; Win7 install still failed afterward. [Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16861151]
- Paragon Partition Manager successfully reassembled partitions in a similar case. [Elektroda, mistrzszymon1, post #16860922]
- “Convert to MBR … without data loss” can take about a minute when done correctly. [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16862943]
How do I fix “Windows can’t install to this GPT disk” after deleting C:?
Restore partition access first, then convert only after copying data. In the thread, GParted revived access, data was copied under Windows 8, then a plan to convert the whole disk to MBR followed. This preserves D: before any risky changes and resolves Legacy‑mode install blocks. [Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16861151]
What caused tools to show 0.00 KB capacity or “incorrect parameters”?
Bridge hardware. A problematic USB–SATA adapter can prevent proper identification, causing zero capacity readouts and parameter errors. Direct SATA connection or a reliable adapter typically fixes detection so recovery tools can see the drive. As one expert put it: “Connect directly via SATA.” [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16861023]
Can I convert GPT to MBR without losing my D: data?
Yes—if the partitions are intact and you copy critical data first. A seasoned helper states conversion can be done “in a minute without data loss.” Still, treat this as last step after verifying files open from a backup location. [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16862943]
Which tools from Hiren’s or alternatives should I try first?
If MiniXP won’t boot, use Parted Magic from the same toolkit and run DMDE for Linux to inspect partitions. These tools work from a live USB and can list or restore partitions before any conversion. [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16861124]
How do I recover files from D: if C: was deleted?
Boot a live environment, mount the restored partition, and copy data out first. In the thread, GParted made the partition readable again, then data was pulled from Windows 8 before any conversion. Prioritize copying irreplaceable files. [Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16861151]
Quick 3‑step how‑to to get my data back and make the disk bootable?
- Connect the drive via SATA or a reliable adapter; boot a live USB.
- Use GParted to restore visibility; mount and copy your data elsewhere.
- After backup, convert to MBR if you must install Win7 in Legacy mode.
[Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16861151]
Why did Windows 7 setup still fail after I saw the partition again?
The partition became accessible, but the installer in Legacy BIOS still refused GPT. Restoring access and installing Windows 8 allowed copying data first, then planning an MBR conversion for Legacy Windows 7. [Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16861151]
Is Paragon Partition Manager useful for this scenario?
Yes. A user solved a similar situation by using Paragon Partition Manager to “get everything together.” It’s a good option when you need friendly partition repair and non‑destructive changes. [Elektroda, mistrzszymon1, post #16860922]
What is DMDE and when should I use it?
DMDE is a partition and data recovery tool that shows current partitioning and helps restore entries. Use it after ensuring proper disk detection, then review the Partitions window to validate structure before any write operations. [Elektroda, Dra98, post #16860934]
How do I check disk health before attempting recovery?
Capture a SMART report to rule out physical faults. If SMART shows issues, image the disk first and work on the image. The thread’s expert asked for a SMART screen before proceeding with repair steps. [Elektroda, Dra98, post #16860934]
What if MiniXP from Hiren’s won’t start on my hardware?
Switch to Parted Magic or a Linux live USB, then run GParted or DMDE for Linux. This bypasses MiniXP compatibility issues and gives you modern tooling for GPT analysis and file copying. [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16861124]
What is GPT versus MBR, in this context?
They are partition table formats. In this case, the disk used GPT, and Windows 7 setup in Legacy BIOS refused to create a new partition on it, blocking installation until another approach was used. [Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16860884]
Should I initialize the disk when Windows prompts me after connecting via USB?
No. Cancel initialization prompts during recovery. In the case described, Windows reported the disk as not initialized over USB, but the right path was to assess it with recovery tools instead. [Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16860884]
Edge case: the drive worked internally but fails over my adapter—what now?
Work on the original hardware using a live USB. The advisor noted the drive had previously worked as a system disk, so live‑boot on that machine to bypass flaky bridges. [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16861109]
After recovery, what’s a safe install path for Windows?
Copy data off first, then either install Windows 8/10 on GPT or convert to MBR for a Legacy Windows 7 install. The poster chose to install Windows 8 to access data, then planned MBR conversion. [Elektroda, Qris1304, post #16861151]
How long can a conversion take, realistically?
Reportedly about one minute when conditions are right and partitions are intact. Always verify backups before you press Convert, because any interruption can corrupt partitions. [Elektroda, mati211p, post #16862943]
Paragon Partition Manager helped me get everything together 
