Cannot install Windows 7 32-bit using Boot Camp

I have one of the new iMacs (late 2012) and I can't install Windows 7 32-bit using Boot Camp. Whenever I try to being the installation using the Boot Camp Assistant, I always get the following message: "Need 64-bit Windows installation USB drive or DVD. Boot Camp only supports 64-bit Windows installation on this platform. Please use an USB drive or DVD which contains 64-bit Windows". I have successfully installed 32-bit Windows on my Macbook Pro that is running the same version of Mac OS X and Boot Camp, but I don't know why on this new iMac it doesn't allow me to. Apple's documentation states that I should be able to install either 32-bit and 64-bit without any problem, but this is not the case here. I can't find anything about this problem/error on the Internet either. HELP!!!

AidenT wrote:
Yes, circumstances do change but if Apple is, as they claim to be, serious about seamlessly migrating what is still a large and dominant market share of users from Windows, supporting 32 bit versions is not a nice to have, but a must have.
I don't see why users have to make excuses when there is a clear shortfall of what is promised.
In other discussions, there is talk of an opportunity for Apple to make a significant impact, as Windows 8 has deviated so much from the comfort zone of traditional Windows users. But to make that change, Macs have to support what is still a primarily 32 bit environment in the installed base.
As for the use of VMs, I had a tough time migrating out of Parallels 6 after an upgrade to Mountain Lion broke compatibility so IMHO it is not a long term solution unless you are happy to hand out $50 every 2-3 years just to support the same functionality.
Use Virtual Box, it's free.
32 bit may have a reasonable user base but it's going away fast, if you must use 32 bit Windows and won't use a VM your choice is limited.
Buy a PC, or buy an older Mac.
The rest of your post is speculative and I won't go there.

Similar Messages

Can not install windows 7 pro using boot camp as mouse and keyboard will not work Help please

I have a new iMac and trying to install Windows 7 Pro using boot camp. I have reached the stage of starting to load windows from the DVD then discovered the mouse and the keyboards not working so I could not interact with windows installation.

Open, if not so already, the Windows formatter. Identify the BC Windows partition. It will be the one listed with the proper size you created and/or will be labeled as a C: drive. Be careful you select the right one or you may be corrupting the entire drive.
Format the partition as NTFS.

Just installed windows 7 Ultimate using Boot Camp. Problem is when I chose to boot the windows partition, I get the windows icon on the sreen showing that it is starting, but few second after I get a black screen

Just installed windows 7 Ultimate using Boot Camp. Problem is when I choose to boot the windows partition, I get the windows icon on the screen showing that it is starting, but few second after, I get a blank screen. I suspect a driver (screen) issue, since I also installed Parallell using the boot camp partition and that works fine.
Do anybody out there has an ideal of what to do to solve this issue.
Thanks
Pierre317

Hi Pierre,
more tips can be found here ...

Cannot install Windows 8.1 via Boot Camp on MBPr 13" Early 2013; tried almost everything.

Hi guys,
yesterday, I decided to install Windows 8.1 on my Mac using Boot Camp. I tried to install it, but the first attempt ended into booting to the screen, where it says "Cannot find any bootable device" or something like that. So I googled it up and then tried the EFI Boot. The EFI Boot booted into the Windows installation properly, but I cannot choose the partition I want to install it on. I tried partitioning it in Disk Utility using Tuxera to NTFS, I tried formatting it in the installation itself, always restarted between the processes, I tried to delete the partition and create a new one in the installation, but no luck. I am still stuck on the error "Cannot install Windows on MBR partition. Please, choose a GPT partition". I have a 256GB SSD disk. I browsed the problems and solutions for 3 hours, but no luck. None of the solution helps. The only solution that would work I guess is if I don’t boot into EFI, but into the BIOS installation. But when I do that, I get the "Cannot find any bootable device", so a dead end here. I also tried the tips where they say to remove the USB stick when the Windows installation starts, but didn’t help either.
I am installing using a bootable USB drive, I do not have a Superdrive and cannot even lend it or something like that.
I am really desperate, can anyone please help me?
Thanks in advance,
DavidKop_

Some people have been successful installing 8.1 (me, for instance) despite it not being supported. However this seems to be hardware dependent.
I would have expected the normal WININSTALL option to be available on a Bootcamp-created USB, not just the EFI boot option.
It really depends on whether Bootcamp is creating a hybrid MBR when it creates the Bootcamp partition. Some later model Macs do not. On the Macs that do not create the hybrid MBR Windows may install in EFI mode.
If you remove everything and stretch the Macintosh HD back to the full size of the disc again then reboot and when the system restarts begin the Bootcamp installation again but do not let it restart at that time, you can then run the following code in the terminal and report its output we will be able to see if a hybrid MBR has been created (this is after the partition has been created by Bootcamp, but before it reboots).
sudo fdisk /dev/disk0

Installing Windows 7 "Upgrade" using Boot Camp 4?

I've run myself into a bit of a dilemma and I'm hoping there is a work around... I have a MacBook Pro that came with Lion and Boot Camp 4. I understand Boot Camp 4 does not support running anything earlier than Windows 7. After going through the whole process and installing the full version of 7 on Boot Camp I realized when I got to the part where Windows wanted a license key that my license is only for an "upgrade" and therefore said it wasn't valid. I have Windows Vista that I can upgrade from, but I apparently can't install Vista with Boot Camp 4, and I've read I cannot downgrade to BC3. I'm trying to avoid buying a new license key for a full version of 7. Does anyone know if there is a way to make this work? I hope I have explained it properly... pretty much a catch 22!

OK, here's what you do. I'm assuming that you've got the partition laid out and your drivers ready:
Insert your Win 7 Upgrade DVD and hold down the C key while restarting the Mac This boots Setup
Run through Setup once, formatting your Boot Camp volume. For this go-around, use a Custom install
You will get to a point where you are asked for your Product Key. Skip this request now!
Install the Boot Camp software
Next, go back to your Win 7 Upgrade DVD and allow the AutoRun. Click Install Now on the window that opens.
You're in Setup again. This time, do an Upgrade. You should be back at your Desktop when this runs through. If asked for the key again, skip it.
Click Start > Computer
Now click System properties
At the bottom of the System Properties window is a link, Change product key. Click this link.
Enter the Upgrade key now while you walk through activation. It should be accepted this time.
We've just tricked Windows into thinking it was upgraded, thereby fulfilling the license requirement. This method works because the installer makes no check as to what specific versions of Vista or 7 the upgrade will qualify on. In this way, it is possible to "clean install" an upgrade copy for about $100 less than a full copy.
Nate

Problems installing Windows XP Pro using Boot Camp

I bought a MacBook this week for the purpose of running Windows XP off a partition. I ran the Boot Camp Assistant, partitioning 15 gig of my 160 gig hard drive for the Windows OS. Boot Camp prompted me to insert the Windows XP Pro with Service Pack 3 installation disc I'm using, so I did. I followed the Boot Camp instructions exactly, and the installation seemed to be on its merry way ... until the screen indicated there were 33 minutes left.
With 33 minutes to go, the screen seemed to freeze (except that I could move the cursor/mouse) but the installation never advanced. I waited about an hour and it was the same, so I held the power button down and restarted the computer. It booted in Windows and tried to resume installation with 39 minutes to go. When it got to 33, it hung again.
I've noticed other people having problems with this, but no solutions. Any ideas, folks?
I want to be able to boot into Windows XP, not use Parallels or any other program.
Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like your OS is dirty. Odd for a new product. I suggest try holding down Command S at start-up to open into single user mode. You get a black screen with text only. Read the lower portion of text giving you disk mount instruction fsck -fy (in Leopard and Tiger). type the code, press enter and the computer runs a whole series of Unix scripts for cleaning system, files and disk function. After several minutes the text concludes with the words ‘The volume (name of your volume) appears to be OK.’
If so type exit and the computer opens into OSX.
If the message reads ‘The volume (name of your volume) has been modified’ that means settings are incorrect. Type the fsck -fy again, press Enter, let the system run and the result will be volume appears OK. type Exit and your back into OSX.
This bit of Unix code is invaluable for tuning up your system directories etc into sound condition. You will find an immediate speed increase. Having done this try your Boot Camp/ Windows install again. I hope it works, Good Luck.

Tapping no longer works after installing Windows 7 RC using boot camp.

After installing it i found that tapping to click no longer works in either OS X or Windows. I've checked system preferences and it is still ticked and all other gestures work except double tap and single tap. How do i fix this?

OK, here's what you do. I'm assuming that you've got the partition laid out and your drivers ready:
Insert your Win 7 Upgrade DVD and hold down the C key while restarting the Mac This boots Setup
Run through Setup once, formatting your Boot Camp volume. For this go-around, use a Custom install
You will get to a point where you are asked for your Product Key. Skip this request now!
Install the Boot Camp software
Next, go back to your Win 7 Upgrade DVD and allow the AutoRun. Click Install Now on the window that opens.
You're in Setup again. This time, do an Upgrade. You should be back at your Desktop when this runs through. If asked for the key again, skip it.
Click Start > Computer
Now click System properties
At the bottom of the System Properties window is a link, Change product key. Click this link.
Enter the Upgrade key now while you walk through activation. It should be accepted this time.
We've just tricked Windows into thinking it was upgraded, thereby fulfilling the license requirement. This method works because the installer makes no check as to what specific versions of Vista or 7 the upgrade will qualify on. In this way, it is possible to "clean install" an upgrade copy for about $100 less than a full copy.
Nate

How do I install Windows 8 Pro using Boot Camp?

I was given Windows 8 Pro as a gift and I am curious as to how I can work around installing Windows 8 without having to purchase a System Builder. I don't want to have both System Build and Pro :/
Thanks in advance.

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
It's illegal to install this version if you haven't got Windows 7, Vista or XP installed, so if you want to use the upgrade version you have purchased, first you have to install Windows 7 in Boot Camp.
Then, after installing Windows 7, check that your Mac supports Windows 8 > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5634 After that, download and install the Boot Camp 5 support software, and finally, insert the Windows 8 disc and follow the steps

Install Windows 8.1 with Boot Camp

Greetings you all,
I've been trying to install WIndows 8(.1) on my MacBook Pro early 2011, but without any success. I downloaded the .ISO of Windows, stored it on my external HDD, downloaded the software via Boot Camp to host Windows (I'm sorry I'm french so I'll have to translate everything) and put it on another external HDD, and when I plug them to my Mac and start the installation of Windows, it doesn't detect the USB.
What should I do? If possible, avoiding any installation of the disk image on a DVD.
Thanks.

Hello Mickaelpopo,
Thank you for the question. It sounds like you are trying to install Windows 8.1 using Boot Camp 5 on your MacBook Pro. Currently, Windows 8.1 is not a supported version of Windows for Boot Camp:
Which versions of Windows work with Boot Camp 5?
You can use:
Microsoft Windows 8.0 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 8.0 Pro (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit)
Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Enterprise versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8 are not supported.
Windows 8.1 is not supported with Boot Camp 5.
You can find more information here:
Boot Camp 5: Frequently asked questions
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5639
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Sheila M.

Installing Windows 7 RC1 with Boot Camp AND Parallels?

I have a 24" iMac (2009 model) and have successfully installing Windows 7 RC1 using Boot Camp. No problems at all and everything is working fine. But now I'm contemplating purchasing Parallels and using Windows 7 in a window.
I just need to know the steps involved and how this works. First I purchase and install Parallels. Then I run it and somehow tell it to use my Boot Camp partition for the VM, right? In this way, I'm assuming I don't actually have to install Windows 7 again or make another partition, right? Once I get the VM installed, then I can either boot to Windows 7 from startup OR boot from within Mac OS using Parallels and it would be the same?
If I can do it this way, can anyone point me to step-by-step instructions on how to choose the right settings in Parallels? I have found instructions for installing Windows 7 using Boot Camp and Parallels separately, but not how to use the Boot Camp install for the VM in Parallels.

Wow, it was much easier than I thought it would be! Downloaded the trial of Parallels. Installed it and pointed it to my Boot Camp partition with Windows 7 installed on it. And minutes later, I'm up and running with Windows 7 in Parallels. Sound didn't work at first, but after I did a Windows Update, it installed the correct driver and now everything is working great. I can't believe how smooth this thing runs within Leopard. I allocated 1GB of RAM for WIndows 7 and it's seems fine so far, but I really haven't run any resource-intensive apps yet.

Cannot get Magic Mouse to work in Windows 7 64-bit using Boot Camp

I recently purchased a Magic Mouse and installed it on the Mac OS X partition of my MacBook Pro. After successfully installing on the Mac side, I switched to Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit using Boot Camp to install on the Windows partition. When I try to "Discover" a new Bluetooth device, the Magic Mouse does not show up in the list of devices (the mouse is powered on and next to the computer).
I am using the most recent version of Boot Camp (3.0.2) and have updated Windows 7. Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, is there a fix for it?
I appreciate any help!

OK, that is a Bluetooth mouse so open Windows Devices and Printers>Add a Device Toggle the power (on the mouse) off and then on. he mouse should appear in the window, follow instructions to add it.

I installed windows 7 using Boot camp, Then i wanted to install the support software using boot camp and it always stops at 50% i tried installing the software using internet it always gives me error when i start installing it on windows, What to do?

I installed windows 7 using Boot camp, Then i wanted to install the support software using boot camp and it always stops at 50% i tried installing the software using internet it always gives me error when i start installing it on windows, What to do?

What is the error? Are you following the Bootcamp instructions? Where on the "internet" are you trying to install from? Did you try downloading from here http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/downloads/?

I am using windows Macbook pro 15 retina display model with latest mountain lion 10.8.3 software Have installed windows 8 perfectly via boot camp. However many a time the machine is not able to boot windows 8 and aborts. just shows the green screen for a

I have installed Windows 8 perfectly ia boot camp but on booting the windows 8 does not load up fully. It comes upto the windows green screen for a moment and then goes blanlk. It is very frustrating.

no one has replied me too got this issue ,

Trouble installing Windows 8.1 with Boot Camp

I'm having an issue installing Windows 8.1 under Boot Camp on one of the new MacBook Pros (late 2013). After sever troubles (and not a few tribulations) fighting with the stupid Windows installer program (couldn't Microsoft just let me download a freakin' ISO?) I got the installer running after creating the partition, but at the end of the Windows install, I get:
Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed.
Googling around for a solution I found several references to UEFI problems, along with a couple different procedures that were claimed to work. Unfortunately, these procedures were pretty lengthy and require several third party tools -- and I'm not positive they're even applicable because none of them dealt with the newest model of MacBook Pro.
So, can anyone out there point me towards a procedure that's known to work with the new models?
Thanks.

OK... Finally solved the problem during my winter break... took almost 1.5 months Actually we users are creating the problem... Bootcamp is OK... our late 2013 Mac is OK... but Apple is't as it's not giving us the solution Now let me clear concisely what actually occurs behind the problem.
When you open bootcamp to install Windows, you get a popup window. Then you click continue... then you choose the options among the three which suits to your intention. Then if you chose to create a installation disk or/and download the Windows Support Software, bootcamp does so. Then the nextPROBLEMETIC STEP comes! Yes! you got it! This step creates the actual problem: Partitioning the hard disk for installing Windows. Before bootcamp starts partitioning, a simple POPUP WINDOW will inform you whether you will get the f*cking "Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed" message or not during your windows installation! Andddd... the popup window is here:
Soooo... super duper simple fact: if you don't get this popup window, you're going to get that error. Because this HELPER TOOL will simulate proper environment for installing Windows in your Mac
Now be sure:
1. You just have one partion in your Hard Disk before partitioning it into two for installing Windows
2. This PARTITIONING SHOULD ONLY BE DONE BY BOOTCAMP if you want your Windows in EFI mode. The way jarvil told us is for BIOS mode. I'm not going to explain here what is EFI and what is BIOS. Simply keep in mind that EFI is latest, better and faster for booting your Windows
That's it guys! If you don't get that popup window, follow the instructions:
1. Turn your hard disk into a single partition by using Bootcamp/Disk Utility. Bootcamp is recommended
2. Take a flash drive, format it, and then open Bootcamp
3. Choose all the three options:
     Create a Windows 7 or later vertion install disk
     Download the latest Windows Support software from Apple
     Install or remove Windows 7 or later version
Yes! We are going to create a new installation disk...
4. I know you are clever enough to guess what should you do now! Just enter your password when you get THAT SPECIAL POPUP WINDOW!Then Mac will restart after partitioning your hard disk!
5. Do noting untill the windows installation window comes
6. Go forward pressing Next, putting serial, and accepting the agreement that we never read
7. Select advanced installation... I mean the second option
8. Now find the partition named BOOTCAMP
9. Select it and Format it!
10. Click Next
You are done! Your Mac will install windows without any problem or error message After installation, if you find that your drivers aren't working, go to the installation disk and open the folder named BOOT CAMP. Open the exe named Setup... Install the drivers and restart after completion... Your Mac now owns Windows in EFI mode like mine!
That's all I have known killing my winter break! Thanks everyone! Take care!

Friends, MacBook Pro 8,1 – Intel Core i5 – 2.23 GHz (early 2011) New MB Pro with OSX 10.6 – current on all updates. I successfully installed rEFit. I used Boot Camp to install Win 7. All was great. Then installed debian 6. Somehow after the debian i

MacBook Pro 8,1 – Intel Core i5 – 2.23 GHz (early 2011) New with OSX 10.6 – current on all updates.
I successfully installed rEFit. I used Boot Camp to install Win 7. All was great.
Then installed debian 6. Somehow after the debian install and restart (I know this sounds crazy) but I am now reduced to Win 7 only. rEFit is not present when rebooting nor is OSX or debian. Further, I am unable to force the install DVD to launch when rebooting, by holding C, D or F8. The Option key brings me to the grey screen with a padlock. I have attempted the root and local pw- no go. Restart holding D takes me to the windows boot manager. I have attempted several options within the Advanced Options; including – Repair Your computer, safe mode and “last known good config,” All of which did nothing.
I can see all my OSX files within win7. I tried to install the OSX within windows. Ya right, that did nothing..
I only desire to get back to OSX...
What are my options??

Yes, you royally hosed up your machine.
You should first try to get your files off, any way you can to a external drive.
Your going to need to hold c and boot from the disk that came with your computer and a couple of screens in under the menu is a option for Disk Utility.
Select your drive and Erase with Security Option Zero, format the drive HFS+ Journaled and when that's finished (about a hour or so) then quit and install OS X from the installer.
I hope this works, but I suspect it won't. Others have hosed their machines trying to use a Linux disk without proper partition formatting too.
Another option might be to use another Mac to c boot off the Snow Leopard disk and install OS X onto a external drive, take that to the problem Mac and try holding option and booting off of it to erase your internal drive.
You could replace the drive.
frederick s wrote:
The Option key brings me to the grey screen with a padlock.
Is this holding option while booting?
There was someone else around here who hosed their Mac with a Linux disk too. Try to find it.

Cannot install Windows 7 32-bit using Boot Camp

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for