You cannot install Windows Server 2008 R2 on a computer that uses EFI

Consider the following scenario:

• You install Windows Server 2008 R2 on a computer that uses Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI).
• During the installation process, you select a disk that has the GUID partition table (GPT) partition style on which to install Windows Server 2008 R2.

In this scenario, you receive the following error message:

This problem occurs because the EFI loader (Winload.efi) incorrectly identifies raw disks as GUID partition table (GPT) disks. Then, Windows tries to enumerate GPT partitions on the raw disks. Therefore, the computer will no longer start.

To prevent this problem from reoccurring, integrate this hotfix into the Windows Server 2008 R2 installation media. Then, reinstall Windows Server 2008 R2.

To integrate this update, extract the contents of the update, and then replace the files on the Windows Server 2008 R2 installation media in the \efi\microsoft\boot folder with the updated versions that were extracted.

Note You cannot use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command line tool to integrate this hotfix because the updated files are not in the Install.wim file.

Hotfix information

Important Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 hotfixes are included in the same packages. However, only one of these products may be listed on the “Hotfix Request” page. To request the hotfix package that applies to both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, just select the product that is listed on the page.

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The Global version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2008 R2, x64-based version

Windows Server 2008 R2, Itanium-based version

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

This is one of two required hotfixes to fully address this problem. If you are experiencing this problem, you should also apply the fix documented in the following Knowledge Base article:For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Steps to add the hotfix to x64 installation media

You must have the Win7/2008r2 WAIK or OPKtools installed to create the installation media by following these steps:

1. Copy the operating system installation DVD to your hard disk (C:\bin).
2. Make customizations as needed.
3. Open Windows6.1-KB975535-v3-x64.cab in Windows Explorer.
4. Extract the files to a convenient location (such as C:\Hotfix).
5. Copy the files from the CAB file to C:\bin\efi\microsoft\boot. (Replace the existing files.)
   cdboot.efi
   cdboot_noprompt.efi
   efisys.bin
   efisys_noprompt.bin
6. Copy efisys.bin to a convenient location (such as C:\Hotfix). This file will be used with OSCDIMG.exe for ISO creation. ETFSBoot.com is installed with and is part of the WAIK/OPKTools.
7. Run the following command to create the ISO: :
   Oscdimg -m -o -u2 -udfver102 -bootdata:2#p0,e,bC:\BIN\2008\etfsboot.com#pEF,e,bC:\hotfix\efisys.bin C:\BIN C:\x64_2k8.iso
   
   For more information about this command, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   947024  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947024/ ) How to create an ISO image for UEFI platforms for a Windows PE CD-ROM for Windows Server 2008
8. Burn C:\x64_2k8.iso to a DVD.