Install Windows on XSERVE Hardware

[synergist]

I bought an Xserve Box to use as an Encoder for DOLBY TrueHD and Episode Engine. Before going into production with these two apps I would like to run some tests under windows 7 on this hardware. No matter what I try I cannot install windows nativley (for performance reasons)on this box.
Have done:
Made windows fat partition.
Tried to start with windows installer disk (disk not recognized as windows. It is simply listed as an EFI disk but does not start)

Tried to install Snowleopard (not server) "This OS can not be installed"

Maybe I have to flash the Bios with one from a MacPro?

 

[Griffter]

This thread should help:

http://macosx.com/forums/boot-camp-os-virtualization-mac/290185-boot-camp-intel-based-xserve.html

I think virtualization is your only option.

 

[alechy]

Ok I know it's about 6 years later but try this: See if you can install Windows Server through bootcamp onto the drive you want for your primary OS from a mac pro.Make sure you have the correct drivers installed for the accelerated graphics in the x serve (think its a GT 120 or 210) Then take the hard drive and put it into your Xserve and see if it will boot from there.

 

[Flint Ironstag]

It's been years, but I'm almost certain that boot camp was never officially supported on Xserve.

[edit] so they used to support it, but stopped in 2010. Virtualization is your only supported method now, though it wouldn't surprise me if someone figured out a way to install Windows natively.

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/mac/apple-drops-boot-camp-its-line-servers-updated-3236840/

 

[warragul]

The early xserves on't have the right boot ROM firmware, according to BootCamp Assistant.
Probably something to do with only having 32-bit EFI. I wonder if SFOTT could help. Not really strong in firmware.

 

[Macintosh4Life]

If the XserveEFI ROM is only 32 bit compatible (mine is a Xserve1,1 32bit [all 2006 models are 32 bit EFI Versions even if the processor is a 64 bit Model ] from early 2006 ) :


Its possible to install 32 Bit Windows (all Versions possible Windows7,8,8.1,10,Server)
(a mac compatible PCIe graphicscard is required )

1. Download a Windows 32 Bit diskimage.
2. Create a bootable Windows USB flash drive with Rufus.
3. Press alt while the Xserve boots.
4. Select the Windows USB
5. install Windows

If the XserveEFI ROM is 64 bit compatible download and install 64 bit Windows

Important: The Windows Diskimage must be compatible with the bootloader for example Windows 3.11,95,98 is not comatible