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GPT disk as having a single encompassing (possibly unrecognized) partition,
rather than mistaking the disk for one that is unpartitioned. That is why
GPT-partitioned disk appears to have MBR.
Note: GPT disks can be converted to MBR disks and vice versa only if all
existing partitioning is first deleted, with associated loss of data.
In general, the structure of any GPT disk is as shown in Figure 1-4. The
protective MBR is followed by a theoretically unlimited number of data partitions.
Protective
MBR
Figure 1-4 General GPT disk structure
Note: Currently, only 64-bit operating systems have the ability to read, write,
and boot from GPT disks. 32-bit operating systems do not have built-in
support for GPT disks.
The specification for GPT disk partitioning can be found in Chapter 16 of the
Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) specification. This document is available at:
http://developer.intel.com/technology/efi/download.htm
1.3.2 EFI System Partition
A special partition on the GPT disk is
OS loader files of all installed operating systems. These files are stored in the
EFI directory. The ESP may also contain other files necessary to boot the
system, such as drivers.
Note: The EFI System Partition is shareable among all installed operating
systems. To support multiple operating system installations, create multiple
data partitions.
IBM ^ xSeries 450 Planning and Installation Guide
8
Data partition(s)
EFI System Partition
(ESP). It contains the
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