GPT on BIOS help

[This PC]

I've an old Asus motherboard P5KPL AM/PS and it does not support EFI mode.
Currently i've win7 x86 (and linux lite 3.6) on MBR on BIOS
Now, i got 4gb ram so i think i should upgrade things.

Now what i want is:
Win 7/8.1 x64 bit whichever can boot with GPT on BIOS

is this possible?
and will linux lite (latest) work with such combination?

[WytWun]

You don't identify the CPU - you'll need to know that to confirm it is 64bit capable.  Googling the motherboard and the supported CPUs suggests there's a good chance it'll support 64bit OSes though.

Win7 x64 predates UEFI, but I think supports GPT partitioning; UEFI booting may have been added in SP1 or other updates.  Win8/8.1 were UEFI capable so support GPT partitioning.  You'll still need to google to confirm that your proposed partitioning will work though because lots of BIOSes had problems around that period as GPT support and later UEFI were first introduced.  I have a Win7 X64 system running on a later UEFI capable board in MBR mode though so that definitely can work.

Lite 5.x runs quite well even with 2GB of RAM on systems such as yours though browsers with lots of tabs open on current bling infested websites can consume RAM like it's going out of fashion on any OS.  Your mother board can support up to 8GB of RAM (i.e 2x4GB sticks) if you can find a source at a reasonable price; 8GB definitely makes Win7 x64 happier too.

[firenice03]

I've an old Asus motherboard P5KPL AM/PS and it does not support EFI mode.
Currently i've win7 x86 (and linux lite 3.6) on MBR on BIOS
Now, i got 4gb ram so i think i should upgrade things.

Now what i want is:
Win 7/8.1 x64 bit whichever can boot with GPT on BIOS

is this possible?
and will linux lite (latest) work with such combination?

I don't think you need to worry about the GPT stuff - IF ram was updated, 64bit OS's will see and make use of the extra ram - 32bit had a 3gb max... (if you are truely 64bit)
GPT vs MRB is more so for disks and GPT is "better" suited for UEFI...  Not saying it cant but.....


Changing to a GPT partition would require a full disk reformat*, restructure the partitions and install the OS (I doubt a 'restore' would work due to the difference)
*you could keep the old but it would still be MBR.....


LL will work with just about any combo you throw at it (except 32 bit    )
LL5.x can and will run on UEFI or Legacy BIOS, GPT or MRB and 64bit with minimal CPU/RAM/Disk requirements... See the release notes for more info..


Personally - I wouldn't fret over the GPT... Unless you're really wanting for a purpose....
I would roll on with LL as the default OS - I would think of removing all partitions and soley run LL... = Back up all your data if you do...
- I say this... Win7 is out of support... Win8 if still supported, not for much longer... You mention OLD,  I assume Win runs slow ans will only run slower a new windows version wont help...
- If you HAD to have Win.... I'd say 10 atleast its supported....


If you wanted to keep what you have and upgrade LL3.x to LL5.x, this is the easiest. Back things up!!! and you could install LL5 where LL3 is (partition) erase/format and install...


If you need assist with that -- or have question -- post them many will chime in..


Hope it helps and good luck

[trinidad]

If this is NOT a UEFI install, and you are starting over (loading new systems to the disk) you will need to install Windows first. Reset the BIOS to default and install Windows from its installation media, then install LL partitioning first from Windows to make free space for LL to install to. Before you start installing things check your Windows version:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/wind...=Windows_7

To get more detailed specs on your Windows 7 version and hardware type below into a Windows search bar:

Code:

dxdiag

If you already have an upgrade path from Windows 7 to 10 you may want to try it, but be forewarned you must set Windows to boot first in the boot order before beginning as there are several automated reboots during upgrade. You may or may not have an upgrade available depending on whether or not you installed with a proper MS account to begin with.

Also there are several things you can do to secure your old windows 7 system to more modern parameters without replacing it.

If you can afford not to care to much (and have Windows installation media for replacing Windows), just see if the LL 5.x installer lets you install to the whole disk. With this board it is quite possible that you have some 32bit PCI or 32bit mini-card hardware on the board and that may mess up installation for you. 
TC