Microsoft basic data partition explained

Microsoft-defined GPT attribute flags for BDPs[1]
Bit number Meaning
60 The volume is read-only and may not be mounted read-write.
62 The volume is hidden.
63 The operating system may not automatically assign a drive letter to the volume.

In Microsoft operating systems, when using basic disk partitioned with GUID Partition Table (GPT) layout, a basic data partition (BDP) is any partition identified with Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) of .[2]

According to Microsoft, the basic data partition is the equivalent to master boot record (MBR) partition types (FAT16B), (NTFS or exFAT), and (FAT32). In practice, it is equivalent to (FAT12), (FAT16), (FAT32 with logical block addressing), and (FAT16 with logical block addressing) types as well.

A basic data partition can be formatted with any file system, although most commonly BDPs are formatted with the NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32 file systems. To programmatically determine which file system a BDP contains, Microsoft specifies that one should inspect the BIOS Parameter Block that is contained in the BDP's Volume Boot Record.

When a Microsoft operating system converts a GPT-partitioned basic disk to a dynamic disk, all BDPs are combined and converted to a single Logical Disk Manager data partition identified with GUID . This is analogous to the conversion from partition types,,,,,, and to partition type on MBR partitioned disks.

Linux used the same partition type GUID for basic data partition as Windows prior to introduction of a Linux specific Data Partition GUID .[3]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: How Basic Disks and Volumes Work . Microsoft TechNet . March 28, 2003.
  2. Web site: Windows GPT Implementation. Windows and GPT FAQ.
  3. Smith. Rod. Need for a Unique Linux GPT GUID Type Code. bug-parted. 23 June 2011. lists.gnu.org . 10 April 2013.