Installing windows bootcamp external HD rMBP

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by Arpetee, Mar 20, 2013.

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  1. Arpetee, Mar 20, 2013

    Arpetee macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2013
    #1
    Hey all,
    I'm aware you are able to install Windows via a usb stick through bootcamp, however my question is whether you are able to install it from a USB external hard drive. I've loaded up a Windows 8 .iso on to my WD My Passport and tried to get it going through bootcamp, but every time I try I get "Your bootable USB drive could not be created."

    I have made sure the image is not mounted. Any ideas? Does it just not work on an external HD and have to be a flash drive? Thanks.
     
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  2. swerve147, Mar 20, 2013
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2013

    swerve147 macrumors 6502a

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2013
    #2
    If I recall correctly the external drive needs to be seen as a SATA device (i.e. it can't be USB). Essentially only a Thunderbolt drive can be used as a bootable drive into Windows. The process requires a small boot partition to be kept on the internal HDD/SSD but it can be done.

    I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

    EDIT: Here you go:

    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1497778
     
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  3. Arpetee, Mar 20, 2013

    Arpetee thread starter macrumors newbie

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    Feb 10, 2013
    #3
    I'm not actually trying to install W8 ON the external drive. I'm trying to install it internally, just install it OFF the external. Exactly like one would do with a USB Flash stick. I just don't have a stick bigger than 4gb convenient.
     
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  4. Arpetee, Mar 21, 2013

    Arpetee thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2013
    #4
    Ok this is beginning to get quite frustrating. No one has any ideas?

    I've tried 2 different .iso's, my external HD, and a USB stick now as well. Same problem every time. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
     
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