instll windows 7 32 bit AND windows7-64 bit to a gpt drive and aa MBR on anohter drive

[grego62]

I need to instal win7-32 bit to a MBR disk, and win7-64 bit to a gpt disk in my gigabye GA-z97-HD3 computer. I can't figure out how to make it happen. the 32 bit windows refuses to install at all. Also, I have EASUS partition master Pro and it won't change my GPT disk to MBR. Weird.

 

[USAFRet]

Question #1: Why do you need both?

 

[Paul NZ]

If you did this, you would have to enable UEFI in the BIOS for x64. So GPT will work

And an MBR formatted hdd wont boot if this is enabled in the BIOS

Otherwise you'll have to change between legacy and UEFI in the BIOS, everytime you boot into 32 bit

 

[grego62]

I have a gps program that uses 32 bit systems- I don't want to do something to it by trying to install in to a 64 bit system. Thanks for the answer. I got what I need. I am going to get another box and use the old MSI x48c board that i had been using for years. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

 

[gggirlgeek]

....Otherwise you'll have to change between legacy and UEFI in the BIOS, everytime you boot into 32 bit

Wouldn't the BIOS option for "Compatibility Support Module (CSM)" and something like Asus' "Both/ UEFI First" work? Many other motherboards seem to have similar options. However, I'm confused whether "Secure Boot" can be enabled and still get into both types of OS's.

Even if I have to disable "secure boot" when switching I don't mind that much. Takes an extra 60 seconds to boot into the Bios and then reboot to the 32bit MBR Hard disk. How often is this really needed? For me it's every couple of months. Would this work?

There are some interesting workarounds involving Grub4dos or VHD's floating around. But this seems complicated and annoying. I've also had bad luck with Windows saying it's not "Genuine" anymore when I've tried to use alternative boot loaders. Even more annoying! :-(

 

[Paul NZ]

I dont think Windows 7 32 bit supports UEFI or secure boot. So no

This may explain a bit more

According to this

The Compatibility Support Module (CSM) is a component of the UEFI firmware that provides legacy BIOS compatibility by emulating a BIOS environment, allowing legacy operating systems and some option ROMs that do not support UEFI to still be used.

CSM also provides required legacy System Management Mode (SMM) functionality, called CompatibilitySmm, as an addition to features provided by the UEFI SMM. This is optional, and highly chipset and platform specific. An example of such a legacy SMM functionality is providing USB legacy support for keyboard and mouse, by emulating their classic PS/2 counterparts.