Installing Windows XP on Mac Mini

[Bloodsmasher]

I know it sounds kind of stupid, seeing as I do also have Windows 7 (Borrowed) but there are so many compatibility issues with Windows 7 and besides, I kind of like the old school setup (why would anyone use Linux otherwise).

Lion however is quite determined to force Windows 7 upon me. I have an ISO image of both XP and 7 on my desktop and a 4gb USB to install XP on. Unfortunately the tutorials on the internet assume either you a. Have a disk drive or b. are running on a PC.

Any help would be much appreciated.

~BLoodsmasher

 

[Bloodsmasher]

Wrong forum

Oh sorry, could someone send this to the Windows on a Mac section? Only if you deem it necessary but whatever.

 

[seong]

You can use a USB to install windows 7 on Macs that doesn't come with an optical drive. Bootcamp Assisstant app should let you create a windows 7 install USB by selecting the image file.
I know you like some old school stuff, and while I do too, I wouldn't stick with an OS that's nearly a decade old. There aren't any compatibility issues with installing windows 7 on Mac, so try it.

 

[Ishmumrhmn]

You can use a USB to install windows 7 on Macs that doesn't come with an optical drive. Bootcamp Assisstant app should let you create a windows 7 install USB by selecting the image file.
I know you like some old school stuff, and while I do too, I wouldn't stick with an OS that's nearly a decade old. There aren't any compatibility issues with installing windows 7 on Mac, so try it.

Sometimes, but very rare, windows 7 gives BSODs about hardware compatibility on mac
But like I said, its rare

 

[Bloodsmasher]

Alright I'll see if I can get WIndows 7 to work sustainably, in the meantime my HD has fragmented from repetitive partitions and I can't use bootcamp but that'll be for another day.

 

[robbieduncan]

Oh sorry, could someone send this to the Windows on a Mac section? Only if you deem it necessary but whatever.

Your wish is my command In future if you use the report post to report your own first post asking for the thread to be moved a moderator will pick it up.

 

[Bloodsmasher]

Much appreciated robbieduncan.

~Bloodsmasher

 

[Chipg]

Alright I'll see if I can get WIndows 7 to work sustainably, in the meantime my HD has fragmented from repetitive partitions and I can't use bootcamp but that'll be for another day.

I bought windows 7 pro that has a free download for XP virtual machine to run inside it. No probe here with it but I'm also running it on an iMac not a mac mini.

 

[Bloodsmasher]

I bought windows 7 pro that has a free download for XP virtual machine to run inside it. No probe here with it but I'm also running it on an iMac not a mac mini.

Yeah a VM would do the job except VirtualBox hates me, all the good ones are pricy and I'm mostly getting it for gaming. If you've ever played Forsaken you'll know even XP is too new for it and it sucks because it is an awesome game.

 

[Evostar*]

Hi. i managed to install Windows Thin PC via bootcamp by doing the following.

Initially the Bootcamp Assistant was having none of the Win Embedded version and spat out a insert disk error after the assistant made the USB Boot drive. I believe this to be a version check of windows when it comes to the format screen in boot camps setup assistant)

You will Require a copy of Win 7 and your XP.

1. Use Bootcamp assistant to make a Win 7 USB Boot stick. (With 7 Install Media/ISO)

2. Make a Bootable USB XP Installer / or use your DVD

3. With your Win 7 USB installer connected. Startup the Bootcamp Assistant and carry out the Install Windows 7 Setup.

4. format your HDD as required via Bootcamp Assistant (At this point if a diff version of Windows other than 7 was on the Installer creation Drive , an insert Disk error would be present.)

5. *** Important! *** Bootcamp Assistant will RESTART your Mac at a certain stage. At this point remove the Win 7 Install Media!

6. The installer should now load up your XP install Media.

I have only Done this once. so the above steps might not be exact science.

Just have your System Drive backed up first mate.

James.

 

[Bloodsmasher]

That sounds useful, but it requires a disk drive does it not? Do you know how I can make another thumb drive XP bootable from a Mac?