Imaging Tool Support for GPT
In generating SW boot images for GPT drives, the user must utilize “GPT aware” software tools. Not all tools will automatically support partitioning and formatting for GPT. For example, only newer versions of Symantec GHOST™ are able to handle GPT partition tables. The user will need to check the particular tool documentation to ensure the software provides support for GPT.
Acertain percentage of users may choose to re-install the 64-bit OS with a Microsoft DVD. On machines with UEFI BIOS, the DVD setup utility may try to install the image in GPT format by default. If this is not what the user wants, then the DVD setup utility will need to be manually selected to install in MBR format instead. To install in MBR mode, the user will need to access the boot menu using F9, then select “Legacy Boot Sources/ATAPI DVD Drive/SATA0” as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. BIOs menu of HP UEFI BIOS system
Drive Encryption
For Opal-based SED (Self Encrypting Drive) hard drives, UEFI protocol definitions and usage for SED are part of the UEFI v2.3.1 Spec published in Feb 2011. To ensure proper operation of Opal-based SED drives with GPT formatting, users will need to use UEFI BIOS and SED drives that conform to this version or to later versions of the UEFI specification. For all types of SED drives, the only other major requirement is that the “Shadow MBR” used in SED drives must not exceed 128MB. Since the GPT partition table is normally 15KB, this should not present a problem. Other drive encryption tools, such as McAfee Endpoint™ software encryption tools, may or may not have specific GPT support at this point. Consult the particular software vendor for details regarding planned GPT support.