How to Retrieve Lost Data Following MBR to GPT Disk Conversion | 2024 Guide

Yes, you can recover lost data after converting a disk from MBR to GPT. However, the process typically involves data loss, so it's essential to have a backup before making any changes. If you didn't back up your data, there are data recovery tools available that may help you retrieve your files. Here's a general outline of the steps: 1. **Stop using the disk immediately**: The more you use the disk after the conversion, the higher the chance of data being overwritten, which makes recovery more difficult. 2. **Use a data recovery software**: Choose a reputable data recovery tool like Recuva, tools Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery. Download and install the software on a different computer or a separate partition. 3. **Connect the converted disk**: Connect the disk to the computer where the data recovery software is installed. Ensure it's recognized by the system. 4. **Run the data recovery software**: Launch the application and follow the on-screen instructions to scan the GPT disk for lost files. There might be options for a quick scan or a deep scan, depending on the complexity of the recovery. 5. **Preview and recover files**: Once the scan is complete, the software will display the recoverable files. Preview them to ensure they're the ones you need, then select and save them to a different location or storage device. Remember that data recovery success varies depending on the software, the extent of data loss, and how quickly you act after the conversion. It's always best to prioritize regular backups to prevent such situations in the future.

"I attempted to install a new application on my computer, but the application demands GPT for installation, while my disks are currently using MBR. Since I couldn't convert the system disk, I opted to make the change on the secondary hard drive instead."

Upon following an online tutorial using Disk Management, I discovered that the partitions on my second disk disappeared from my computer post-conversion to GPT. This partition held significant amounts of important data and files. Is it possible to recover lost data after converting from MBR to GPT disk?

Causes of partition loss and data disappearance during disk conversion

Some users are unaware of how their partitions and data become lost following a disk conversion, be it from MBR to GPT or GPT to MBR. This is indeed a common issue. As depicted in the image below, the conversion option is not available within Disk Management:

To make the conversion option accessible, you must erase all existing partitions. This is why you cannot view all current partitions and saved data. So, how do you recover all lost data and partitions? Keep reading, as you will find dependable solutions on this page.

Solution 1: Restore Lost Data and Create Partitions on the Converted Disk

Cease utilizing the computer hard drive immediately upon experiencing data loss after disk conversion, whether it be from MBR to GPT or GPT to MBR. This precautionary measure ensures that the hidden partition data or lost data is not overwritten by new information. Proceed with the instructions provided here to recover your disk partition along with all the lost data:

# 1. Recover Lost Data from Disk Conversion

A reliable hard drive recovery tool or software can greatly assist in restoring data from a deleted hard disk partition. We recommend trying out Data Recovery Wizard. This software is proficient in recovering data from various complicated scenarios, including unallocated hard drive recovery.

It is fully compatible with Windows 10/8/7/XP, and even Vista. Users of all levels can utilize this software to resolve their data loss issues in just three simple steps.

安装此软件在您的电脑上，然后按照步骤来恢复磁盘MBR转GPT后丢失的数据：

Step 1. Run the Data Recovery Wizard tool. Select the partition where the lost files were stored and click "Scan". The tool supports partition recovery for file systems including FAT (FAT12, FAT16, FAT32), exFAT, NTFS, NTFS5, ext2, ext3, HFS+, and ReFS.

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Step 2. If you want to quickly locate the lost data from the numerous scan results, you can utilize the filter or search function.

Step 3. You can preview files before recovery. Then, select all desired data and click "Recover" to restore files from existing partitions. Do not save the files to the partition where you lost the data.

Note: Save the recoverable files and data to an external hard drive before making the converted disk available for use again.

# 2. Create New Partitions on the Converted Disk

Your next step is to create new partitions on the hard drive. You can do this in one of two ways: using Disk Management or a free partition management tool. For this tutorial, we'll guide you through the manual process.

To create partitions on an unallocated hard drive using Disk Management, follow these steps: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu. 2. Click on "Disk Management" from the list. 3. Once Disk Management opens, you'll see a graphical representation of all the drives connected to your computer. 4. Locate the unallocated space on the hard drive. It will appear as a black bar without any drive letter assigned. 5. Right-click on the unallocated space and select "New Simple Volume." 6. A New Simple Volume Wizard will appear. Click "Next" to proceed. 7. Assign a size for the new partition by either accepting the default or entering a custom size. Click "Next." 8. Choose a drive letter for the new partition from the available options. Click "Next." 9. Select the file system you want to format the partition with (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT). You can also choose the allocation unit size. Generally, leave the default setting for most users. Click "Next." 10. Review your settings and click "Create" or "Finish" to start the partition creation process. 11. Wait for the formatting process to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on the size of the partition. 12. Once done, the new partition will be ready to use. Remember that creating partitions involves modifying the disk structure, so ensure you don't have any important data in the unallocated space before proceeding.

• Step 1: Right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and choose "Manage" > "Disk Management".
• Step 2: Locate the unallocated space on the converted hard drive, right-click on it, and select "New Simple Volume".

• Step 3: Set partition size, drive letter, and file system (NTFS), etc.

• Step 4: Click "Finish" to complete the process.

If you want to create additional partitions on the drive, repeat this process. You can then save the recovered files and data back to the hard drive, reusing them.

Solution 2: Perform Partition Recovery on the Converted Disk

Another solution you can try is to directly use reliable partition recovery software to restore the deleted partitions along with their data due to disk conversion. Tools like Partition Recovery are designed to scan the unallocated disk space directly and locate all deleted partitions without altering the disk partition style (preserving its converted state - MBR/GPT).

Since this software is a trial version, you can proceed with the process without payment until you are certain that it has successfully located your partitions and data in step 3. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Run the Partition Recovery tool on your PC.

Select the disk or device where you lost partition(s), and click "Scan" to continue.

Step 2. Wait for the scanning process to complete.

允许程序扫描所选磁盘并找到丢失的分区。

Step 3. Preview and restore the lost partition(s).

Double-click on the partition that is labeled as "Lost" with "Good" recoverability.

Preview the contents of the lost partition. Click "OK," and then click "Proceed" to start restoring the lost partition.

Step 4. Click "Recover Now" to complete the partition recovery process.

Note: If the program alerts you of a conflict, first back up the listed partition containing crucial data to an external hard drive. Proceed to perform the final operation to recover your lost partition.

In conclusion, both solutions provided on this page can effectively recover lost data and partitions resulting from disk conversion - MBR to GPT or vice versa.

If you encounter a more complex partition recovery issue or require online assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us by sending an email to support@tools.com. Alternatively, you can opt for a customized manual data recovery service provided by our expert team at Tools Data Recovery:

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Consult with Tools Data Recovery Experts for personalized manual recovery assistance. Following services are available after a FREE diagnosis:

• Repair damaged RAID configuration, unbootable Windows operating system, and corrupted virtual disk files (.vmdk, .vhd, .vhdx, etc.)
• Recover or repair lost partitions and repartitioned drives
• Undelete hard drive and fix raw drives (including BitLocker encrypted drives)
• Resolve disks converted to GPT protected partitions