Fix the issue of incorrect GPT formatted disk partition type selection

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Many users report encountering an error message when they try to format a raw disk space or create a new partition using unallocated space: “The selected GPT-formatted disk contains a partition that is not of type 'PARTITION_BASIC_DATA_GUID,' and it is sandwiched between two partitions of type 'PARTITION_BASIC_DATA_GUID.'”

You're seeing this because you've restored a backup from a smaller GPT partition to a target disk using an MBR partition table. Don't worry if you find yourself in this situation. In the sections below, you'll find all possible solutions on how to resolve the incorrect partition type for the selected GPT-formatted disk.

"How to address the issue with a selected GPT-formatted disk?"

The cause of this issue is now apparent, and the solution is simple: convert the disk from GPT to MBR. There are several methods available for this process, and three of the most common and convenient are summarized here.

• 1. Convert GPT to MBR using Partition Master Tool
• 2. Convert GPT to MBR in Disk Management
• 3. Convert GPT to MBR using Diskpart Command Prompt

1. Convert GPT to MBR with Partition Master

When it comes to dealing with computer partitions, data loss is the last thing you want to encounter. Therefore, we first recommend a data-safe method: use the tool Partition Master to convert GPT to MBR without losing data. This tool specializes in computer partition management and can directly convert GPT to MBR without erasing data or deleting volumes.

Download Partition Master now and follow the guide to fix the selected GPT formatted disk.

1. Click "Disk Converter" in the left menu. Select "Convert GPT to MBR," then click "Next" to proceed.
2. Select the GPT disk you want to convert, then click "Convert."
3. Wait for the conversion to complete.

2. Convert GPT to MBR in Disk Management

You can also change the partition format through Disk Management on your computer. However, back up all your data and close any running programs before doing this.

Step 1. Run as administrator on Windows. Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management.

2. Under Storage, click Disk Management. Right-click a volume, and then select Delete Volume. Repeat this step to delete all volumes.

Step 3: Right-click the GPT disk you want to convert and select "Convert to MBR disk".

3. Convert GPT to MBR Using Diskpart Command Prompt

Another solution you could try is to perform the process via Command Prompt. This solution also includes disk deletion. Remember to back up first.

Step 1: Run Command Prompt as administrator by pressing the Win key and selecting “Command Prompt.”

Step 2: Type diskpart, then type list disk and press Enter.

Step 3. If Disk 1 is a GPT disk, type select disk 1. After you select the GPT disk, type clean to delete all data from the disk.

Step 4. Type in convert mbr and press Enter to proceed.

When it's done, type exit to close the Command Prompt.

Differences Between GPT and MBR

To assist those unfamiliar with GPT and MBR, let's first delve into the basics of these terms and their differences.

MBR and GPT are both partition styles used on Windows computers. MBR is older, having been introduced in 1983, while GPT didn't appear until the late 1990s.

Different structures

One obvious difference between GPT and MBR lies in their structure. MBR consists of three parts: the master boot code, the partition table, and the disk signature. The structure of GPT is more complex because it contains more components than MBR. If you'd like to delve deeper, read "MBR vs GPT" for more details.

Different numbers of partitions

Another difference is the number of partitions supported. MBR allows users to create a maximum of four primary partitions. If you need more partitions, you have to create an extended partition. With GPT disks, the number of primary partitions is almost unlimited. On a Windows computer, you can create up to 128 partitions on a GPT disk.

• Different launch modes

These two disk types have different boot processes. An MBR disk must boot Windows in BIOS mode (also called legacy boot mode), while a GPT disk can only boot Windows in UEFI mode.

Bottom line

As you can see, the safest and most reliable way to convert GPT to MBR is by using the Partition Master tool. It not only supports conversion between GPT and MBR but also allows you to convert a basic disk to dynamic, switch file systems from FAT32 to NTFS, and change logical partitions to primary ones, among other operations. With Partition Master, partition management becomes much more straightforward.

"Frequently Asked Questions about 'Selected GPT-formatted Disk Contains Partitions'"

How to fix the issue of selected GPT-formatted disk containing partitions?

You can use three tools to fix the selected GPT-formatted disk: Partition Master, Disk Management, and Command Prompt.

How to delete a GPT partition?

Delete GPT partition via Disk Management:

1. Open Disk Management, right-click on the partition and select "Delete Volume."

2. Click "OK."

Repeat this step to remove all partitions on the GPT disk.

How can I convert a GPT partition to a regular partition?

If the disk contains other partitions or volumes, delete them.

2. Right click on the GPT disk and select "Convert to MBR disk".