Can't install Win8 on Haswell MBP

That sounds like you booted the Windows dvd in EFI mode. I don't think EFI mode is supported in Bootcamp (except maybe on the new MBA).
If you hold Alt and boot do you get 2 boot options for the Windows dvd?
One may be Wininstall, which will be non-EFI

You need to use EFI mode. Just do not use the Bootcamp-Assistant. It is broken and Apple is aware of it. Use the Assistant only to create the partition. Format it as WindowsNT FileSystem and the boot from the cd or rather a USB Stick manually in EFI mode.

See here: https://discussions.apple.com/message/23511929#23511929

According to posts in the Apple Support Community Bootcamp is currently broken for some of the new Haswell range. I'd wait to see if things improve with an update.
As far as I'm aware only the 2013 MacBook Air can install Windows in EFI mode.
Unless the new Haswells have the same BootCamp setup and/or firmware as that MBA you will need to install Windows in bios mode (using the "Windows" titled entry in the Alt + boot menu).

However, personally I would await further developments.

hi all.. just got my 13" Haswell rMBP. after reading through that Apple forum thread.. am i correct in saying that this user's steps are what some have accepted as the best procedure to install a fresh new copy of Windows 8.1 via Bootcamp?


1. setup and update mavericks and reboot
2. open boot camp assistant and only check the lower 2 options
3. insert a usb flash drive (for boot camp driver install
4. plug in a usb dvd drive with a retail copy of windows 8 or 8 professional
5 select how big you want your partition. I recommend at least 80gb but just a suggestion based on needs.
6 when its done creating the windows boot camp usb eject the usb drive before you allow it to restart to install windows.
7. when it is at the install screen you will see a message saying that partition 0s4 is unable to install windows. highlight that windows partition and click delete then highlight it and select format.
8 click next to proceed with install
9 when in win 8 run the boot camp installer and all windows 8 updates. restart
10 go to the windows store and select the windows 8.1 update and click install
11 after a restart you are at 8.1 Done. Enjoy.

also.. what's the concensus with the EFI vs BIOS installation? from my understanding.. the normal Bootcamp installation is done via BIOS and not EFI? and that EFI installation is considered unsupported and doesn't really have any advantages besides a slightly quicker bootup time?

thanks

I heard my brother complain about this issue today. Not sure what to say. It isn't going to be an issue with your CPU but display instead.

Windows looks super small on that high-res display. Frustrating.

I think the wiser move would be to await Apple's fix for these problems.

EFI installation of Windows is unsupported by Apple, yes. (Except, it seems, for the 2013 MBA, for some reason).

It has other advantages than slightly quicker booting. The main advantage being that you don't have to worry about exceeding the (Bootcamp-created) hybrid mbr's 4 partition limit or mismatched mbr and gpt partition data.

Other advantages being that you can change the partitions at will - unlike once you have created a Bootcamp partition (and its hybrid mbr).

Quackers said:

I think the wiser move would be to await Apple's fix for these problems.

EFI installation of Windows is unsupported by Apple, yes. (Except, it seems, for the 2013 MBA, for some reason).

It has other advantages than slightly quicker booting. The main advantage being that you don't have to worry about exceeding the (Bootcamp-created) hybrid mbr's 4 partition limit or mismatched mbr and gpt partition data.

Other advantages being that you can change the partitions at will - unlike once you have created a Bootcamp partition (and its hybrid mbr).

Click to expand...

Apple is probably going to take a couple of months to fix anything with Boot Camp, judging from history.

At this point, they should support pure EFI boot and installation of Windows and get rid of the older BIOS emulation.

Mackan said:

Apple is probably going to take a couple of months to fix anything with Boot Camp, judging from history.

At this point, they should support pure EFI boot and installation of Windows and get rid of the older BIOS emulation.

Click to expand...

Agree and 100% agree! This hybrid mbr nonsense is like working with your feet in mud!