1

I have a UEFI-capable 64 bit system, but the existing Windows 7 is MBR. I want to dual-boot with either Ubuntu 18.04 or 19.10 (don't care which). The GUI install (bootable DVD) works fine in legacy mode, but installs Ubuntu such that it will boot only EFI.

I bought AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro, hoping to convert the Windows 7 system to EFI non-destructively, as they claim it will do. The "non-destructive" conversion destroyed all boot capability. I had to restore from backup. (I do not have a W7 installation disk; The machine was bought "refurbished".)

Can the Ubuntu installer be forced to install an MBR/legacy bootable version? If so, how? (I also have a support request in to AOMEI to see if I can actually make the W7 system EFI bootable.)

Sawdust_and_Noise
  • 116
  • Probably your UEFI-settings provide an option to boot only in legacy-mode. – mook765 Feb 20 '20 at 20:49
  • Does this answer your question? How can I tell if my system was booted as EFI/UEFI or BIOS? – mikewhatever Feb 20 '20 at 20:56
  • 4
    How you boot install media UEFI or BIOS is then how it installs. You should get two boot options in UEFI boot one clearly UEFI:name of flash and other just "name of flash" which is then the BIOS option. – oldfred Feb 20 '20 at 21:14
  • In addition to what @oldfred said above, see the pictures in this answer to figure out if the Live USB is booting in Legacy or UEFI mode. – user68186 Feb 20 '20 at 22:05
  • If you make your install disk using YUMI, (Non UEFI), you should end up with a BIOS only installer. https://www.pendrivelinux.com/yumi-multiboot-usb-creator/ – C.S.Cameron Feb 21 '20 at 03:08
  • C.S.Cameron, the yumi setup looks good. If you recast your comment as an answer, I will mark it as such. User68186, identifying the boot mode post-binariam is very helpful. – Sawdust_and_Noise Feb 22 '20 at 02:25
  • I started out ignorant about UEFI vs. BIOS, and moved on boldly to confusion. I finally got AOMEI Partition Assistant more or less right. I had to convert BOTH hard drives to EFI, then unscramble drive letters in Windows 7. It's functional, except for not making a bootable rescue disk correctly. Now that Ubuntu 18.04 is installed and configured the way I want, Clonezilla takes care of the Windows rescue disk problem. – Sawdust_and_Noise Feb 22 '20 at 02:29

0 Answers0