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Cleanest install ever of Windows XP SP3 on my iMac...

MacLadybug

MacLadybug

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 6, 2008
633
28
I finally got up the nerve to install Windows on our 2007 iMac with Boot Camp. We made the switch to MAC four years ago and have enjoyed the stability, ease of use and everything else that Mac is. The only thing missing was the ability for my husband to continue using his Microsoft Flight Simulator. He’s a pilot and none of the other games come close to FS10. We tried X-Plane, but not the same experience for him.

Even with several calls to AppleCare, it still took me 4 install attempts to get it right because for some reason, no one ever tells you ALL the steps involved. On the 4th attempt I figured it out and my install is so clean. I’ve never had this good an experience with Windows on any PC, not even the new fancy ones!

So for anyone out there that is struggling, or keeps getting that annoying black screen after they have installed Windows, here’s what I found out. First off, my Mac is running Mac OS X 10.6.2 and Boot Camp 3.0.1 and Windows XP SP3 Home Edition.

1. Open Boot Camp and partition your HD. Windows needs room to breathe as well as room for any other programs you will be adding so give it enough space. To be safe I added an extra 20 Gigs to what my programs called for, so I chose 51 Gigs.

2. Boot Camp will instruct you to insert your Windows install disc and you will go to the gross blue Windows install screen.

3. Follow the on screen prompts agreeing to the terms and installing Windows.

4. The next screen asks what partition you are choosing… always pick the one that says C: Partition3 <BOOTCAMP>[FAT32].

5. Then it will ask what format you want to use: NTFS or FAT. If your partition size is over 32 Gigs, you must choose NTFS. This screen gives you several options choose “Format the partition using the NTFS file system”. Do not choose the option to “convert the partition” or the "<Quick>” method.

6. Windows will now load the files. Here’s where a lot of corruption can take place… At this point when it is finished it will prompt you to remove any floppy discs (which I couldn’t since my eject button was inoperable), so as soon as your Mac shuts down to reboot you must hold down the “Option” key. This way it will reboot to the screen that will allow you to eject the disc. If you don’t eject the disc it will restart the Windows setup again and it will corrupt your install… even if you stop it when they give you that choice. So, hold down the Option key after it shuts down and it will reboot to a grey screen that shows your Macintosh HD, Windows HD, and the Windows CD. Click on the Windows CD to highlight it and then press your eject button and remove the install disc.

7. Click the Windows HD icon to boot into Windows. You will be taken to the Windows Setup and you’ll need to fill in your name, set your time zone, etc.

8. As soon as all that is done, it will finally go to the Windows desktop. Now, load your Mac OS X Snow Leopard installation disc. The Windows Installer will now install the Windows version of Boot Camp and it will install all the drivers so your sound, audio, video etc. will work.

9. When that is complete open Internet Explorer and go to http://support.apple.com/kb/DL996 (for 32 bit WindowsXP) and download and run updated file. It will automatically open the Windows Installer and update Boot Camp and all your drivers.

10. Now you are ready to install whatever AntiVirus software you have (and you really need to do this… your C: partition isn’t a MAC anymore). And that’s it.

Very simple, very clean. I’ve never used Windows before when it worked this cleanly and this quickly. Oh and let me add that the MS Flight Sim never worked this good on any PC we had before. My husband is ecstatic.

Good Luck you all.
 
Nice Job MLB! This should be stickied.

I was in (close to) the same boat about 7 months ago, after I did what you did, I finally figured it out as well and posted the steps. This info could defiantly have helped you and I before the hours of headaches!
 
Thanks MikeSantor. I'm that person that has the ability to follow a list of instructions. But it kills me that there's always one step missing. Or that the screen I see, isn't the one pictured in the example. Then you have that 50/50 shot of picking the right choice and invariably I always go the wrong way and have to start over. Drives me nuts. I like it clean and perfect... my ADD is showing now. I don't know how to make a sticky post but if this helps just one person I'll feel like all the wrong attempts weren't for nothing.

And as an update. Man this machine just humms along. Seems every bit as stable as the Mac OS side... except for the constant Virus updates... XP auto updates... the 10 extra clicks it takes to do everything... but it's working great, like it was meant to. I can't help that I am a MAC by preference.
 
Can't remember the basics of Forum protocol, and yet her computers run like fine Swiss watches... oh, that's right, they're Macs!
 
Thank You

I was in the same situation and now is ready to take the plunge to the dark side. Thank you very much MacLadybug for the posting.
 
I also discovered that if you don't get it right and have to do it again, NOTHING on the MAC side is disturbed. We've been using it this way for a few weeks now and everything works great. The only aggravation is that everytime I go to the "Dark Side" I have to wait for the inevitable Windows updates, the virus definition updates and the virus scan. Augh, what a pain. I also have to remind myself that I can't just drag and drop everything either. But, everything is working perfectly and cleanly. Both my husband and I have to use it for companies that require Windows OS.

Good Luck!
 
You can download a manual on Apple's website. I did and it worked perfectly.

And for gods sake, it's Mac, not MAC.
 
Pardon me. At least I was consistent. And I do know better. But seriously, I was just trying to help with this thread. I can't find too many threads without typing errors or grammatical mistakes not to mention the occasional Mac gaff.
 
MacLadybug said:
Pardon me. At least I was consistent. And I do know better. But seriously, I was just trying to help with this thread. I can't find too many threads without typing errors or grammatical mistakes not to mention the occasional Mac gaff.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about it, MAC, Mac or mac we all get the message. Try to go to the Windows side every once in a while, once a week at least, maybe leave it on Saturday nights when you go out or Sunday morning, doesn't matter, set it up so that it downloads and installs the updates automatically.
 
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