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claimed4all

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Can it be done? Can I install Windows 7 64 Bit on an early 2008 Macbook via bootcamp. I have read a few places where it has been done, but Apples site says its not supported. Anybody here do it? Any tips? Any good walkthoughs? Just can't see throwing a gig of memory away. Never installed windows on a mac before, so first timer here. Thanks.
 
It should work just fine. Where does Apple say it's not supported?

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1846



These Macs can use 64-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7:

* MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009) and later
* MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and later
* MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008) and later
* Mac Pro (Early 2008) and later
* iMac (21.5 inch, Late 2009)
* iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
* iMac (27-inch, Quad Core, Late 2009)
* MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) and later
* Mac mini (Mid 2010)
 
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1846



These Macs can use 64-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7:

* MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009) and later
* MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and later
* MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008) and later
* Mac Pro (Early 2008) and later
* iMac (21.5 inch, Late 2009)
* iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
* iMac (27-inch, Quad Core, Late 2009)
* MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) and later
* Mac mini (Mid 2010)

Some drivers may not fully support 64bit version but there are plenty of people who run it on 2009 Mac Minis without issues. Give it a try. If it doesn't work, uninstall and install 32bit
 
Not a direct comparison, but I'm happily running Win7 64-bit on my 2006 MBP, the one listed in my sig.

I imagine your newer MacBook can do the same, but of course YMMV, buyer beware, etc. etc.

EDIT: I referred to the walkthrough here for additional help. This resource is a little old, but has screenshots that help you stay on track.
EDIT2: And this help info for Bootcamp-specific problems if your MacBook really is unsupported.
 
Anything else I need to know before diving into this head first this evening?

Hopefully you won't come across it at all, so don't worry about this unless it hits you...

The black screen/blinking cursor error during install can be a pain. I can't remember what I did to get past it -- found a solution online, I know that much. Google something like "bootcamp windows 7 black screen cursor", you'll find links to others who have experienced and and moved past this bump.
 
It worked! I have Windows 7 Installed on my early 2008 Macbook.

The only issue I have now is my bluetooth mouse. It worked twice so far. But it keeps loosing its connection or something. I have confirmed it works fine in OSX and I have replaced the batteries and I have installed IntelliPoint. It will connect and Windows says its connected but it does not work and sometimes it says it cannot connect. Really upsetting. Any Ideas?
 
Bringing back an old thread here...
I have Windows 7 64-bit on an early 2008 macbook too (Bootcamp and Parallels). I can't get it to update to Service Pack 1 though. Just wondering if anyone else has had any success with the same?
 
Yes, it absolutely can be done. I know for a fact because I have an early '08 MacBook Pro, and so far I've ran XP 32-bit, Vista 64-bit, and now Windows 7 64-bit. 7 64-bit runs like a dream.

Bringing back an old thread here...
I have Windows 7 64-bit on an early 2008 macbook too (Bootcamp and Parallels). I can't get it to update to Service Pack 1 though. Just wondering if anyone else has had any success with the same?

You're using both Boot Camp and Parallels? I have read some people had reported having trouble updating to SP1 in Windows 7. Personally, I didn't have any trouble updating. Where is the issue starting? Are you trying to update via Windows Update?
 
it was some times ago, anyway.. does anyone still have windows working on a macbook from 2008? in particular does your microphones work?
 
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