vCenter Converter 4.3 GPT disks or Converting from GTP to MBR

Question

I have a physical 2008 R2 server with a GPT OS volume. I am trying to get the server converted to ESXi.

I understand that vCenter Converter will not convert/detect GPT Disks.

The question is, does anyone know how I can get my system on to MBR disks. I have tried turning off UEFI and repairing windows, but that isnt working. I have also tried doing a repair from a bare metal windows system backup, but it wont restore unless its uefi/gpt.

Answer 1

While I normally hate just linking to existing documentation for this kind of question the author of 'GPT fdisk' has documented how to do this HERE under the section "Converting from GPT to MBR" and deserves to be directly attributed.

Answer 2

Here is the solution: Nowadays, many system provides storage capacity over 2TB. To install OS in a disk over 2TB, H/W must turn on UEFI, as a result, you can install OS in a GPT partition.

However, Disaster Recovery and P2V for UEFI system are not easy.

To simplify the p2v for UEFI system, BizCONLINE provides you a free tools to convert windows2008R2.

Now, beta of P2V for win2008R2 is ready: http://bizconline.com/en/download_view.asp?id=23

you may try it and send us comment. we will free support until 1 Aug, 2011.

this program is used to copy all OS content to a new VHD and make it bootable in VM (hyper-V here). what we did are: 1. copy the partition content to a new vhd (MBR) 2. place vm (hyper-v) disk driver 3. make it bootable (fixboot, fixmbr, copy boot from Win2008R2 CD, rebuildbcd)

If you want to convert this to vmware, you may 1. boot this vhd as VM in hyperV, mount your data drives inside this VM 2. mount the vhd in system management console and select this as OS inside the vm converter. (move data disk by yourself or use this program also)

You can post to facebook if you need support: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=173952192666144#!/note.php?note_id=173952192666144#!/cpzzs

thanks. Alex Li

Answer 3

Acronis have a product called disk director which can convert Mbr to Gpt and vise versa