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How to Access or Remove a GPT Protective Partition Without Losing Data
If you cannot access GPT protective partition, check disk sector size
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Many reported a GPT protective partition on their PC that prevents users from getting to their files. This can be a big problem and today we’ll show you how to access GPT protective partition without losing data.
Even though this sounds like a serious issue, it’s important to mention that your files are still there, and there’s a way to recover them without having to remove anything.
What causes GPT protective partition?
How do I recover data from a GPT protective partition?
Before we start fixing the issue, be sure to perform these checks:
1. Update the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Control Panel
Keep in mind that this solution applies only to devices that use this software, and this is usually Dell or Alienware PCs. If you’re using an AMD CPU, a few users suggested that installing the AMD AHCI driver worked for them, so consider that as well.
2. Convert partition from GPT to MBR
3. Back up the drive and recreate it
How to convert GPT protective partition to MBR?
As you can see, it’s possible to access the GPT protective partition without losing data, but it requires using third-party tools.
Since this process requires you to convert your drive, you might have toconvert MBR to GPT using the MBR2GPTtool.
Many have reported that theycan’t convert disk to GPT, but we have a guide that details how toconvert MBR to GPT disk, so be sure to check it out for step-by-step instructions.
What method did you use to fix this problem? If we haven’t included it, feel free to share it with us.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
