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Possible? Install Windows from external DVD?

UltraNEO*

UltraNEO*

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jun 16, 2007
4,057
16
近畿日本
Evening folks. Think this one is for the more experienced users cause I can't pursued mine to do it, perhaps you've have?

Here's the setup:
Currently my MBP17 (alu) has two HD's installed but they're not RAIDed, the other unit is simply there are added storage. For many years I've never had the need to install Windows until now and since there's no internal optical drive I've been installing everything from the external Lacie Blu-Ray drive and it's been fine; up until now - but maybe it's because I've not tried it before?

Problem:
Anyway... Does anyone know would it be possible to install Windows from a external optical drive connected via Firewire? Because whenever I try, all I get a flashing icons (the usual grey apple logo then a no access mark followed by a folder with a question mark in a folder).

What I do:
1. Start bootcamp, select Install Windows.
2. System restarts
3. Press and hold option key on boot up.
4. then select the Windows DVD

After, the system shows flashing icons.

a. grey apple logo
b. circle with a line through it
c. grey folder with a question mark.
d. (repeat from a)

Anyone have any suggestions? Does the optical drive need to be an Apple supplied unit?? I seriously have no idea. All I know, this drive can install windows on the MP without a glitch. :confused::confused::confused:
 
hold down the :eek:ption: key on boot, it should allow you to boot from the optical drive if you choose it. i think that would work, dont you? seems a logical way to do it.. unless apple is messing with us again :mad:
 
DoFoT9 said:
hold down the :eek:ption: key on boot, it should allow you to boot from the optical drive if you choose it. i think that would work, dont you? seems a logical way to do it.. unless apple is messing with us again :mad:
Click to expand...

think you missed a bit... I've already tried that.. lol

UltraNEO* said:
... Because whenever I try, all I get a flashing icons (the usual grey apple logo then a no access mark followed by a folder with a question mark in a folder). Anyone have any suggestions? Does the optical drive need to be an Apple supplied unit?? I seriously have no idea. All I know, this drive can install windows on the MP without a glitch. :confused::confused::confused:
Click to expand...
 
DoFoT9 said:
what version of windows is it? 64bit? 32bit? etc
Click to expand...

I've tried with

Microsoft Windows XP 32bit OEM
Microsoft Windows Vista 32/64bit OEM
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32/64bit Retail

and they ALL do the same exact thing!!! Do you think it's a windows compatibility issue still? or is Apple farkin' with us?
 
Have you tried starting the OSX install disk from the external drive? This would help determine if this drive is not compatible as a boot drive with your MBP, or if it's a Windows startup issue.
 
In osx, put in the windows DVD and copy it's contents to the root of the partition your going to install windows. (partition needs to be formatted ntfs prior) once copied reboot and hold down option to load up the windows partition(might need refit installed, I did when I did this). Select partition, install.


To format your hard drive to ntfs, download a trial copy of parallels 6, load up your windows DVD and in windows setup format the partition ntfs. (parallels did complain but it still formatted). Close parallels 6 and follow above.

Edit: tell parallels it'll be bootcamp, not a file to be able to format your hdd.
 
drambuie said:
Have you tried starting the OSX install disk from the external drive? This would help determine if this drive is not compatible as a boot drive with your MBP, or if it's a Windows startup issue.
Click to expand...

DoFoT9 said:
well, its going to be a compatibility issue - but its caused by apple. worst of both worlds :p

i agree though, try with OSX install disc
Click to expand...

MacOSX boots fine from my external, just not Windows. :mad:
 
Tortri said:
In osx, put in the windows DVD and copy it's contents to the root of the partition your going to install windows. (partition needs to be formatted ntfs prior) once copied reboot and hold down option to load up the windows partition(might need refit installed, I did when I did this). Select partition, install.


To format your hard drive to ntfs, download a trial copy of parallels 6, load up your windows DVD and in windows setup format the partition ntfs. (parallels did complain but it still formatted). Close parallels 6 and follow above.

Edit: tell parallels it'll be bootcamp, not a file to be able to format your hdd.
Click to expand...


Hi Tortri,

So I followed your advice and downloaded Parallels 6, but I can't seem to find any "reformat" commands so I can convert my boot camp partition to NTFS. Parallel's help section comes up empty. Any ideas?

(The reason I'm in this pickle is that the internal DVD drive on my MBP died so I'm using an External DVD drive via usb. Who knew the difference between an internal DVD and an external DVD would be such a big deal.)

Thanks in advance!
 
Lipplog said:
Hi Tortri,

So I followed your advice and downloaded Parallels 6, but I can't seem to find any "reformat" commands so I can convert my boot camp partition to NTFS. Parallel's help section comes up empty. Any ideas?

(The reason I'm in this pickle is that the internal DVD drive on my MBP died so I'm using an External DVD drive via usb. Who knew the difference between an internal DVD and an external DVD would be such a big deal.)

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Been a while, let me try and remember exactly..

Install parallels, tell it to make a new windows install, make sure you select bootcamp, insert ur bootable windows disk. It should boot into the windows setup, from there format it. Parallels might complain but should still format.
 
Tortri said:
Been a while, let me try and remember exactly..

Install parallels, tell it to make a new windows install, make sure you select bootcamp, insert ur bootable windows disk. It should boot into the windows setup, from there format it. Parallels might complain but should still format.
Click to expand...

Here's what I get...

"Failed to configure the Boot Camp partition's hard disk. A disk configuration error has occurred. Make sure that you have read/write permissions for the disk."

I wonder if this is still an external DVD drive issue?
 
Not sure then, I know back when I did it parallels did complain but still formatted the hard drive. I don't remember exact error message unfortunately :-\ I know they updated parallels since then which might be this error message you're getting.

I only have one mac so I can't exactly mess around to find out whats wrong either.. If I come across something or get another system I'll get back to you on this.
 
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