I tried to install Windows 7 on my MacBook Pro Mid-2010 13 inch laptop. I soon found out that the optical drive in the laptop no longer works and is beyond repair (without sending it out for repairs). I have tried every troubleshooting tips Apple Support and MacRumors has to offer (editing Bootcamp plist for USB, using ReFit), but to no avail. I know it is possible to buy an Apple Superdrive for ~$70, but those are not compatible with my computer without changing a .plist. Is it possible to install Windows 7 with Bootcamp on a Mac compatible external usb optical drive?
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Broken Optical Drive
- Thread starter mdo13
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You have the option to install windows, using a USB drive. This is a manual from Apple and it says the following;
To install Windows with a USB flash drive, you need the following:
An ISO image of Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8, or Windows 8 Pro, downloaded from Microsoft.
A USB flash drive that is 8 GB or larger.
Boot Camp Assistant erases the flash drive and copies the Windows ISO and support software to it.
To install Windows with a USB flash drive, you need the following:
An ISO image of Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8, or Windows 8 Pro, downloaded from Microsoft.
A USB flash drive that is 8 GB or larger.
Boot Camp Assistant erases the flash drive and copies the Windows ISO and support software to it.
Macbook Pro Mid 2010 13 inch does not support the option to install windows from a USB Drive.
It doesn't matter, Macs that shipped with an optical drive will not boot a windows USB.
OP, why don't you buy an optical drive from ifixit and swap your defective one out? It takes all of 5 minutes if you have the correct screwdrivers on hand.
Bought an LG External Optical Drive today, works fine. Im going to be buying a new computer within a year or so since im going to be graduating soon. Got windows 7 installed today.
because 90 bucks for a DVD drive is a rip off, especially as you can pick up a generic external that will work for $20