How to install win 8.1 to boot camp with iso file

[prvt.donut]

So I want to get my windows 8.1 64 bit pro installed to a drive in my Mac Pro 2009 running El Capitan.

I have an iso file and my license key all ready for the install but I run through boot camp and when I reach the step to select the Windows install from location it keeps asking me to insert the disc.

I read that I should put the iso file on a USB drive, that doesn't help, I tried mounting the iso file and that didn't help.

Apple's guide seems to suggest it works with an Iso file as it says to extract the contents of the install disc to an iso.

The only thing left is to burn the iso file to a disc, but that seems redundant. Surely there is a way I can do this? My copy of Windows if the full retail, but came as a download version. Am I going to have to buy another Windows license with a physical disc?!?!?

 

[h9826790]

My understanding is that the USB, ISO installation are for Bootcamp 6, which only avail for newer Mac (Including the nMP, but not the cMP).

For cMP (your 2009 model), only have Bootcamp 5, which require a disc to finish installation via bootcamp.

Anyway, for cMP. All you need is just boot from the USB stick and install windows to any one of your drive (of course you can install on a partition as well, but just not recommended, because it may cause you more trouble, or even accidentally corrupt the OSX partition).

The bootcamp apps basically do 2 things.

1) Make the partition for you (which is not recommended and not necessary in the cMP), also, you can do that via disk utility by yourself.

2) Install the bootcamp apps / drivers in Windows. This is not required for the Windows to work (especailly the newer Windows have all the required drivers). Again, you can download it into a USB stick and install that by yourself.

Bootcamp + CD / DVD may make the process easier, but not 100% necessary.

 

[DearthnVader]

I think you need a MacPro5,1 or newer to boot Windows from USB, so BootCamp won't make the ISO into a USB installer on your 2009 MacPro.

Just burn the ISO to disk.

 

[funkahdafi]

Did you resolve this? I have the same problem and I don‘t have any DVD drives anymore.

 

[prvt.donut]

No, I think the only way is to just boot from the USB installer and install to the volume that you want Windows on.

 

[DearthnVader]

Boot Camp Assistant runs a check in the info.plist "PreUSBBootSupportedModels" if your model doesn't equal "MacPro5,1" or later, it won't make a USB stick out of your ISO file, because your MacPro can't boot Windows from USB.

It's a limitation of the firmware. You can edit the info.plist to read "USBBootSupportedModels" and "MacPro4,1" or whatever your model is and Boot Camp Assistant will make the Windows Installer USB for you, but it still won't be bootable.

 

[prvt.donut]

Boot Camp Assistant runs a check in the info.plist "PreUSBBootSupportedModels" if your model doesn't equal "MacPro5,1" or later, it won't make a USB stick out of your ISO file, because your MacPro can't boot Windows from USB.

It's a limitation of the firmware. You can edit the info.plist to read "USBBootSupportedModels" and "MacPro4,1" or whatever your model is and Boot Camp Assistant will make the Windows Installer USB for you, but it still won't be bootable.

Even if I have the 5,1 firmware installed?

 

[DearthnVader]

Even if I have the 5,1 firmware installed?

It may work with the 5,1 firmware, you'll just have to try it and see.

https://mihail.stoynov.com/2013/04/...ive-for-mountain-lion-with-updated-boot-camp/

You may need to use this after editing the info.plist.

sudo codesign ‐fs ‐ /Applications/Utilities/Boot\ Camp\ Assistant.app