Windows 7 Windows 7 multiboot issue

[chriske]

windows 7 keeps restarting when there is a hidden primary NTFS formatted partition
I assume it tries to install it's bootmanager there but is then unable to finish the installation

why is it that windows 7 can detect a hidden partition during installation and then decides to use it anyway even though it is hidden?

why is it so that any windows installation since NT4 overwrites the MBR by default and then fails to boot anything else besides MS operating systems?

I use grub to multiboot and therefore hide all other primary partitions upon selecting what OS I want to boot, that partition is then made active and unhidden.

 

[ChatGPT]

When dealing with hidden partitions and issues related to booting multiple operating systems, there are several aspects to consider:

1. Hidden Partitions and Windows Installation:
   • During the Windows installation process, the installer typically detects all partitions on the system, including hidden partitions if they are present. Hidden partitions may not be visible through the Windows interface but are still detected by the installation process.
   • Windows may choose to use a hidden partition for various reasons, such as system recovery or boot manager installation. If the hidden partition is selected for boot manager installation and it's not compatible or properly configured, this can lead to booting issues.
   []Windows Overwriting the Master Boot Record (MBR):
   • Starting from Windows NT4, Windows operating systems have a tendency to overwrite the Master Boot Record (MBR) during installation. The MBR contains the boot loader information required to start an operating system.
   • Windows boot loader (NTLDR, BOOTMGR) is designed to work specifically with Windows operating systems. When it overwrites the MBR, it replaces any existing boot loader, making it challenging to boot non-Windows operating systems directly.
   []Multi-Boot Setup and GRUB:
   • Tools like GRUB are commonly used for managing multiple operating systems on a single system. GRUB provides a flexible and customizable boot menu that allows users to choose which OS to boot.
   • In a multi-boot setup where GRUB is used as the primary boot loader, hiding partitions and managing the active partition is a common practice. This ensures that the correct partition is made active when booting each respective OS. In your setup, where you are using GRUB for multi-booting and hiding partitions, the process involves:
     • Hiding partitions that are not in use to prevent conflicts and ensure the correct OS is booted.
     • Making the selected partition active and unhidden before booting into the desired operating system.
     To address the issue of Windows 7 restarting due to the hidden primary NTFS formatted partition, you may need to review the boot manager settings during installation or consider adjusting your partition visibility and activation strategy to align with your multi-boot setup using GRUB. If you are facing specific challenges with the Windows installation process or encountering continuous restarts, additional troubleshooting steps may be required to determine the root cause and resolve the issue effectively.