[Solved] The Selected Disk Is Not a Fixed MBR Disk

Part 1: Possible Reasons for "The Selected Disk Is Not a Fixed MBR Disk" Error

Before discussing the fixes, it's essential to first understand why "the selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk" error occurs. "The selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk active" error can occur due to various factors, including:

• GPT Disk Format: This error often arises when attempting operations like designating a partition as active on a GPT-formatted disk. GPT disks lack support for these particular features.
• Boot Manager Challenges: Issues with the boot manager can be the root cause of this error message. It's usually possible to address this problem by executing specific command-line procedures.
• Boot Mode Differences: Discrepancies between boot modes, such as UEFI and Legacy, can lead to compatibility conflicts that result in this error. Switching between these modes might offer a solution.

Now let's discuss how you can get rid of this frustrating error.

Part 2: How to Fix "The Selected Disk Is Not a Fixed MBR Disk" Error

There are different fixes that you can try to resolve "the selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk" issue. Below are the fixes with step-by-step instructions.

Fix 1. Convert GPT to MBR without Data Loss

If you are trying to create or modify an active partition on a disk which is GPT-formatted, you will face "the selected disk is not a fixed MBR" error. In order to get rid of this, you will have to convert your disk from GPT to MBR. But, how can you do that without losing your data?

Converting GPT to MBR using the Diskpart utility within the Command Prompt can be a complex and daunting task.

Fortunately, there's a simpler and more user-friendly solution available –4DDiG Partition Manager.

4DDiG Partition Manager is the ultimate MBR/GPT disk converter, offering a wide range of powerful features designed to make disk management a breeze. With its intuitive interface and robust functionality, it's an excellent choice for users looking to convert GPT to MBR without risking data loss.

Here are some key features:

• MBR/GPT Conversion: Seamlessly convert between MBR and GPT disk formats without losing data.
• Partition Management: Easily resize, extend, shrink, create, delete or format partitions to suit your storage needs.
• Data Backup: Safeguard your data with comprehensive backup and restore options.
• OS Migration: Effortlessly migrate your operating system to a new SSD/HDD with just a few clicks.
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive interface ensures that users of all levels can navigate and perform tasks with ease.

Now let's discuss how you can convert GPT to MBR without losing data with the help of the 4DDiG Partition Manager tool.

• First of all, download and install 4DDiG Partition Manager on your computer and launch it. On the main interface, go to Convert Disk and then hit the Convert GPT to MBR button.

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• Now you will have to choose the disk you want to convert and hit the Continue button.

  

  If it's your system disk, the tool will first download the PE component. Once the download is completed, you will have to confirm the warning by hitting the Sure button and letting the computer restart.

  
• Once your computer restarted in the PE environment, hit the Convert GPT to MBR button.

• Now again select the disk you want to convert and hit the Continue button.

  
Note:

Please note that in the PE environment, users can only see their own system disk.

• This will start the process and you have to wait for the process to be completed. It might take a few minutes depending on the number of partitions on the disk.

  

• Once the process is completed, you will have to boot your computer according to the instructions provided.

  

Fix 2. Fix the Boot Manager

The selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk error might occur due to the issue with the Boot Manager. So in order to get rid of this issue, you will have to fix the Boot Manager with the help of a few commands.

So, here are the steps that can help you.

• First of all, insert your Windows installation or recovery disk in your computer and boot from it.

• Now select your language preferences, click "Next" and then click on "Repair your computer" at the bottom left.

  

• Here you will have to choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

  

• In the Command Prompt, type the following commands and press Enter after each:

  • bootrec /fixmbr
  • bootrec /fixboot
  • bootrec /scanos
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd
• Once the commands have been completed successfully, exit the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

This will solve the selected disk is not a fixed MBR issue caused by the Boot Manager.

Fix 3. Disable UEFI and Change to Legacy

As you know the discrepancies between UEFI and Legacy can also cause "the selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk active" error.

So, in order to get rid of it, you will have to disable the UEFI and change to Legacy.

For this, here are the steps that can help you.

• First of all, restart your computer and during the boot-up process, press the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, or Del) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Navigate to the "Security" menu and then select "Secure Boot Configuration." Press the Enter key to proceed.
• A warning message may appear before accessing the Secure Boot Configuration menu. To continue, press F10.

• Here you will have to use the down arrow key to highlight "Secure Boot" and then use the right arrow key to modify the setting, changing it to "Disable."

  

• Now, it's time to switch the boot mode from UEFI to Legacy. So, go to the "Boot" tab locate the "Boot Mode" option within the BIOS settings screen and change its value to "Legacy."

  
• Now choose "Exit Saving Changes" and restart your computer.

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MBR VS GPT, What's the Difference

FAQs about MBR Partition Table

1. How do I fix a selected disk that has an MBR partition table?

There are 3 different methods to fix “Windows cannot be installed to this disk, the selected disk has an MBR partition table” error.

• Convert MBR to GPT without Data Loss using 4DDiG Partition Manager
• Convert MBR to GPT Using Diskpart
• Change BIOS Boot Settings

2. Can the active partition only be used on fixed MBR disks?

Yes, the concept of an "active" partition is primarily associated with Master Boot Record (MBR) disks. In the context of MBR disks, the active partition is the one that contains the boot loader, and the system boots from this partition. GPT disks do not use the "active" partition concept; instead, they rely on EFI system partitions for boot information.

Conclusion

So, that's how to fix the selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk error on your computer by yourself. All you have to do is carefully follow the steps and you will end up getting rid of the issue.

All the methods given above are legit and will help you fix the issue. However, it is recommended that you use the 4DDiG Partition Manager tool to get rid of all types of disk-related issues as it's the ultimate tool for disk management. Besides, its user-friendly interface makes it perfect for beginners. So just give it a try!