Can I install Windows 7 without Boot Camp?

If I put in my Mac OS X restore disk and booted from that, then erased my hard drive and partitioned it so there were two partitions, could I install OS X on one partition then insert my Windows 7 disk and boot from that disk and install it on the other partition? Then use the Mac OS X restore disk to install the Boot Camp drivers?

If you do a google search there are some that have installed Windows on a Mac without boot camp. But all of them have had problems getting all the hardware to work.
What is your problem using Boot Camp? All that it does is partition the drive and set it SO Windows will install on it.

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Another BC Question (Installing Windows WITHOUT Boot Camp)

Is it possible (and/or even advisable) to install Windows on my second internal without Boot Camp? (i.e. reformatting the entire drive as one Master Boot Record Partition, then boot and install from Windows disc directly)?
If so, are there instructions for doing this anywhere? or would i just do it the same way i would install a new Mac OS from cd (more or less).
After that, would I insert Leopard CD and install drivers as usual?
If done this way, would there still be a way to boot back to Mac OS from windows? or would i have to do the option key at start up process each time?
No other reason than that I'd like them each on their own drive.
I will likely install Vista, but might wait to buy 7, if that matters. Primarily for games.
Thanks again.

I'm interested in this as well and tried it out on my mid-2009 macbook pro using the following instructions:
http://derekhat.com/install-vista-on-a-macbook-without-bootcamp/
I haven't gotten the drivers to work out nicely (eject, function keys, delete, trackpad scrolling/rt-click) don't work yet but things work for the most part. I tried to find the drivers by navigating through the Max OSX disk (Windows couldn't find all the drivers even though I guided it through all the available folders) and also by running Boot Camp (errors didn't let me install it).
I'm interested in learning more if anyone has gotten further.

Installing Windows WITHOUT Boot Camp

Upgraded my MB to a 250Gb HDD and now have the room to run Windows. I'd use Boot Camp, but I have the HDD partitioned in two and BC requires a single partition. Since I prefer the separate partitions, can I do the following?
1. Backup everything
2. Erase second partition and divide remaining space into two new partitions (resulting in 3) one of which is for Windows
If so, how would I install Windows on the third partition? Can I just boot of the Windows CD and be very careful to install Windows on the 3rd partition?
And yes, I have the Mac driver CD ready.
Thanks for your help

As it turns out, you don't. I simply backed my drive up, partitioned it into three, restored Tiger to Partition 1, my photos to partition 2 basically just a data drive) then installed Windows on partition 3. I can boot to it by holding Option on bootup and I can also run it in a VM using VMWare Fusion. Looks like Boot Camp is just a way to do it for those unfamiliar with partitioning, etc. I'm guessing decades running PC's told me it was doable. May also have given me somehow know-how that I applied without really thinking about it. Dunno.
Bottom line: Boot Camp is NOT required to run Windows natively on a Mac. Nevertheless, I thank you both for your comments
PS rEFIt was not necessary either

Can't Install Windows in Boot Camp - Windows Driver Issue

Before update to Mavericks, I had an installation of WIndows 7 running in Bootcamp. I had updated this to Windows 8.
Just prior to Mavericks release, the hard drive in my MacBook Pro started to fail. I had a full backup of the OS X partitiion, but did not have one of Windows.
After the drive was replaced, I did a fresh install of Mavericks and I'm planning on doing new installs of my apps over the coming days. (It's an opportunity to clear-out remains of old apps/OS's.) I have hit a wall with Boot Camp, though:
I used the Boot Camp Assistant to download the driver sets ("Windows support software") to a USB stick and partition the HD. However, although the Mac then boots off the Windows 8 (64-bit) installer DVD I can only get as far as choosing the installation language before I get stuck on the next step where it's looking for missing drivers. At first, I thought this was some reference to the ones downloaded from Apple, but I am now pretty certain that these just get installed after [in] Windows to allow access to the Apple hardware.
I have tried installing Windows 7 and get hung-up at the same point (which did not happen on 10.8).
Does anyone have any insight into what's happening and how I can get around the problem please?

Just chiming in - having the same issue as Bernard and Ian here myself, but with Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. Trying to install on MBP Late 2013, Mavericks, using USB. I get through the bootcamp phase to the language selection in Windows and then get the drivers error message.
Called apple tech support and they indicated that OEMs can sometimes be lightweight versions of the DVD installers (i.e. they leave out certain drivers because they assume a certain set of hardware components will be present, typically hardware that perhaps only PCs have and Macs don't) - so they suggested trying to get my hands on a retail version of the ISO file that might have all of the drivers necessary. I tried downloading every feasible iteration of the windows trial ISOs here but every one of them gave me the same error message in Windows setup. My next step is to call microsoft to ask them for a "complete" ISO - I'm hoping they can cooperate since I do have a valid, un-used authentication code for my Windows product. I'll let you know if this works.
In the meantime - has anyone found an easier fix?

I can't Install windows via Boot Camp Assistant please Help!

My superdrive damaged so i use external dvd-rw. Boot camp assistant shows only two options and it recognise my ext dvd-rw then i partition for boot camp partition but after the partition that restarts automatically then blank screen displayed infinitely give me solution.

Also, If you have a Mac which is a UEFI model, and not in the list as shown by the BC Info.plist file, then a direct UEFI install of Windows 8 (not Windows 7) is possible and works very well.

Can't install Windows with Boot Camp. Cannot Verify/Repair HD drive, fails.

Here's what it says when I click on Verify Disk:
Repairing permissions for “Macintosh HD”
Reading permissions database.
Reading the permissions database can take several minutes.
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/DVD.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/FRSettings.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/FRSources.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/Movies.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/Music.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/Photos.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/Podcasts.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/PlugIns/TV.frappliance/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/BackRow.framework/Versions/A/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/Frameworks/iPodUpdater.framework/Versions/A/C odeResources", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/Resources/iTunesHelper.app/Contents/CodeResou rces", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DeviceLink.framework/Versions/A/CodeResources ", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Permissions differ on "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/iTunesAccess.framework/Versions/A/CodeResourc es", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DiskManagement.framework/Versions/A/Resources /DiskManagementTool" has been modified and will not be repaired.
Warning: SUID file "usr/sbin/pppd" has been modified and will not be repaired.
Warning: SUID file "usr/sbin/vpnd" has been modified and will not be repaired.
ACL found but not expected on "Applications/Utilities".
ACL found but not expected on "Applications".
ACL found but not expected on "Library".
Permissions repair complete
Verifying volume “Macintosh HD”
Performing live verification.
Checking Journaled HFS Plus volume.
Checking Extents Overflow file.
Checking Catalog file.
Checking multi-linked files.
Checking Catalog hierarchy.
Checking Extended Attributes file.
Checking volume bitmap.
Checking volume information.
Invalid volume file count
(It should be 618142 instead of 618143)
Invalid volume directory count
(It should be 160288 instead of 160287)
The volume Macintosh HD needs to be repaired.
Error: Filesystem verify or repair failed.

"...so I don't think he has the discs still."
Have him call AppleCare and get a new set. If his system goes south that's the only way he can do repairs, check his hardware or reinstall a new OS. Those disks are gold. (not really gold, just a metaphor).

I made a mistake. i installed windows using boot camp without os x lion dvd. what should i do? help pls

i made a mistake. i installed windows using boot camp without os x lion dvd. what should i do? help pls
Re: can i install windows for pc on my mac or do i need the windows for mac?

There is no Lion DVD. Start Boot Camp Assistant and select the menu item to download the Windows Support Software.
Read and follow the Boot Camp Installation Guide. http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/boot_camp_install-setup_10.7.pdf

I can not install xp through boot camp, the team just bought yesterday, is a macbook pro 13 when my old computer did it without problem with the same install disc

I can not install xp through boot camp, the team just bought yesterday, is a macbook pro 13 when my old computer did it without problem with the same install disc

There are no XP or Vista drivers for the new Apple computer hardware. Apple stopped XP and Vista support. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4410.

Can I install Windows without optical Driver

Hi!
I have a Macbook pro Early 2008 - MB134LL/A but its optical driver cannot read any disc. Now I want to install Windows via BootCamp but it cannot. Anybody know how can I install Windows without optical Driver? I tried to boot by USBflash, USB DVD Driver but it cannot boot.
I think that does external optical drivers via firewire work?
Thanks alot!

Thank you for your reply, and the information. This is what I came up with:
I added the strings as instructed, however when I went to sign the script in terminal, I was told:
/Applications/Utilities/Boot Camp Assistant.app: replacing existing signature
/Applications/Utilities/Boot Camp Assistant.app: code object is not signed at all
In subcomponent: /Applications/Utilities/Boot Camp Assistant.app/Contents/info.plist
Also, here are screen captures of the lines that I added. Mine are the top string entries:
Thank you for your help, thus far!

Boot Camp Question .... I just bought a 2013 late model Mac Book Pro Retina and am wondering if it is worth installing windows through boot camp. If I install the windows component in order to run an exe file and its component "Declans Korean Flash Cards"

I just bought a 2013 late model Mac Book Pro Retina and am wondering if it is worth installing windows through boot camp.
If I install the windows component in order to run an exe file and its component "Declans Korean Flash Cards"... will it make my mac suseptible to viruses overall due to having a windows component? also will it make my mac slower as well

If you are only going to use one or two window only programs then I wouldn't waste the space. Try WinonX it allows you to install exe. Files on Mac without installing windows.

If i buy parallels can i install it with boot camp?

So yeah If i buy parallels can i install it with boot camp?

bootcamp is a bootloader
a setup tool for osx
and a zip file with tested windows drivers and programs for the apple hardware
one use the setup tool to make some of the apple hd windows filesystem
one install windows on the space and the bootloader let you hold down option key to boot into what you want to use today
parallels is a virtual machine as in running windows under osx in a window if one wish
parallels can as the only virtual machine that I know of access a bootcamp patition directly where other virtual machines just keep the other hd as a file
when parallels use the windows partition it will like other virtual machines not be able to access the video card for 3d games though that is only for real bootcamp
users who don't need to play fancy 3d games on windows will have an easier time using a virtual machine like parallels or virtualbox(free) or wmware
they require much much much less tech knowlege to install and dont have driver issues like bootcamp can
both a virtual machine and bootcamp require you to bring your own windows and valid windows key

I just bought a 15" macbook pro, do the cds that come with the mac have the drivers i need to update windows after installing windows using boot camp?

I just bought a 15" macbook pro, do the cds that come with the mac have the drivers i need to update windows after installing windows using boot camp?

What DVDs are this ?
If it is OSX Snow Leopard Installation DVD then yes this disc contains the BootCamp Drivers version 3.x and is needed after the installation of Windows to install the BootCamp Drivers.
With OSX Lion BootCamp is at version 4.x and the BootCamp Drivers have to be downloaded during use of the BootCamp Assistant in OSX.
Boot Camp 3.0, Mac OS X 10.6 FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Lion and Boot Camp 4.0
Stefan

I can not use my mouse or keyboard when I am trying to install windows via boot camp

Please can you help!
I can not use my mouse or keyboard when I am trying to install windows via boot camp

Starting a couple of days ago my mouse and keyboard stopped working suddenly.
How are they connected? In my case they are wireless and their receiver is plugged into my USB hub. After an update I found the OS inexplicably not recognizing my USB hub and hence any devices which were plugged into it. My fix was to
plug the receiver into a different USB port (so I could use the mouse and keyboard; otherwise I would have had to use the OSK via Touch or pen.) Once I had normal access into my machine again I used Device Manager to remove all USB controller and
hubs (including hidden ones) and I then shut down, disconnected all USB devices and powered back up, this time using only Touch to get going. Once the OS had settled down I started plugging stuff back in the way that I wanted it to be recognized.
If I didn't have Touch I would have had to have left the wireless receiver plugged in both places which I assume would be OK. I have no idea why updates have such a catastrophic effect for USB devices.
Robert Aldwinckle

Windows without Boot Camp or virtualizers on external HD?

If I install Windows on an external HD, can I boot up in Windows by simply choosing the external HD (or its Windows system) as the starup disk (not talking about dual booting) without Boot Camp or other software?
I'm aware of and considering virtualizing software like Parallels as well; just considering options for infrequent Windows use.
I have a feeling it's not that simple but thought I'd ask.
Message was edited by: bcoppola1

Robbie:
You do some of the most interesting things LOL.
Your 2 icons in the system tray are probably linked to each of the boot camp folders on Drive C as you noted.
Try the following:
1. Rename each boot camp folder ONE AT A TIME and do not delete yet.
2. Reboot after renaming one of the them (boot camp old or something).
3. See how it affects Windows
4. Rename the other one as old and previous one to what it was
5. See how that works on windows
6. After the above steps you should know which Boot Camp folder affects the operation of Windows and should be able to decide which one to delete.
Also, you could easily disable one of the instances of loading by disabling one of the them in the startup section of windows. How do you get there?
1. Go to START and choose RUN
2. Type MSCONFIG and hit ENTER
3. From the window that opens up choose the STARTUP tab
4. You will see a list of items with check marks besides them which are being loaded at startup.
5. You will see several boot camp related instances.
6. Uncheck items that you don't want to load at startup
7. Reboot and see how it affects windows.
Robbie, a lot of trial and error to determine which are the right files but worth the time.
Axel F.

Please help! Need to re-install windows under boot camp

Hi,
My windows (in boot camp) is not booting but I have many software licenses on there and cannot afford to wipe windows off.
I am hoping I can re install windows over the top of the current windows without losing my applications/licenses with boot camp but am not confident enough that a: re-installing windows wont mess up the mac osx and b: I cannot even see an option in the boot camp assistant which offer me the option.
Has anybody esle ever had to re-install windows over an existing installation and managed to do so without losing applications etc?
Thanks for any help on this.
Spencer

*In addition:*
IMPORTANT: Make sure you select "preserve user preferences and data" when you performed the A&I?

Installing Windows in Boot Camp - ISO image?!

Hi all,
So I've got some Sage accounting software which only works with Windows....I've downloaded Boot Camp and it's asking for the ISO image - what the **** is this?! I haven't yet bought Windows, I don't want to pay for it until I know I'm buying the right thing. When I bought Office for my Mac, I downloaded the software and bought the key code to activate it. If I buy the windows thing below, I won't get an actual disk will I? Can I still install this via Boot Camp? I'm so confused and rubbish with computers!
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/Windows-8.1-Pro-Student/produ ctID.288533400

I've just read the reviews and found this -
No .iso file
There is no downloadable .iso file and i do not own a computer that runs Windows so i am unable to create a bootable iso myself. I am now left with a £50 OS that is completely useless
Can anyone direct me to what I should buy? All I need is the most basic windows so I can install the Sage software :-(

Can I install Windows 7 without Boot Camp?

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