Cheapest way of gettings Windows on my iMac?

I have a mid 2011 iMac and I love it. I would however like to install windows on it using bootcamp. What I would like to find out is;
1) Can I only install windows 7/8 on it or can I buy and use an older version like XP/Vista?
2) Which is the cheapest away of getting windows on my iMac? I was thinking (but not really sure what I'm looking at) I'd imagine windows xp is the cheapest windows os to buy seeing as its the oldest, then do the upgrade to windows 8... Wondering if that would be cheaper than buying a full version of windows 8 out right.
But as windows 8 is so new, I'd imagine there are small problems that will need sorting out, should I just get windows 7?
I'm really confused!

Lion and Moutain Lion do not support Windows versions older than Windows 7.
There are no Windows 8 Bootcamp drivers so you will have problems installing Windows 8. Read the many posts here where people have posted about Windows 8 installation problems.
Get and install Windows 7. Then when Apple releases the Windows 8 drivers, upgrade to Windows 8.

Similar Messages

  • Cheapest way to get VLK for Windows 8.1 Pro

    Usually the cheapest way is 1 8.1 upgrade and 4 server 2012 Cals.
    The server cals run about $30ish if I remember correctly.jackwithers wrote:
    I am looking to get VL so I can quickly reimage business PC's using WDS. The problem we have is deploying the OEM build media is not legal and does not activate correctly, however, my understanding is that I can buy one Windows 8.1 Pro VL, then create an image using the VLK media, and use that for activation as the PC is legally licensed to have a copy on it. 
    RegardsThis is true, you will have match Pro to Pro, ect. I believe this set up also involves using KMS to activate.

    I am looking to get VL so I can quickly reimage business PC's using WDS. The problem we have is deploying the OEM build media is not legal and does not activate correctly, however, my understanding is that I can buy one Windows 8.1 Pro VL, then create an image using the VLK media, and use that for activation as the PC is legally licensed to have a copy on it.However, looking at the Microsoft License Adviser, this will be very expensive. People report they just buy 4 Windows Vista DVD playback packs, and one Windows 8.1 Pro license, however I cannot seem to find this on the Adviser.If I speak to a Microsoft representative will they offer me the 1x Win 8.1 Pro and 4x Windows Vista Business license. Being able to create one golden image and deploy unattended for various clients would save a lot of time and as a result, money, as staff can...
    This topic first appeared in the Spiceworks Community

  • After errors with disk partition, I removed Windows from my iMac. Now when I start my computer it goes into a black screen and not straight into the Mac area like it used to, unless I hold Alt straight away to give me the option.  Any help?

    Hi,
    Sorry, I'm new to the community, so apologies if I'm repeating myself.
    OK, so I tried to install Windows Vista onto my iMac with the disk partition.  Everything was going fine and it wasn't until last minute, when it was installed that an error came up saying that this can only be done with Windows 7.  After this error, I couldn't access any errors of my iMac and when I shut down and restarted my computer, it automatically logged into Windows.
    So after a panic, I rang Apple Care and the lady helped me log into my apple area, delete Windows from my iMac, and all was restored.
    However, now when I shut down my computer and boot it back up, I think my iMac is trying to log into Windows areas that no longer exist.  It loads up a black screen and doesn't move from there.  To log into my Apple area, I have to do the whole process of holding Alt immediately after I switch the power on and access the Mac drive and log in that way.
    It's beginning to become a real pain and I'm paranoid this process is going to damage my computer.  Any advice on how to restore logging-in back to it's former glory when I first purchased it?
    Thanks

    Solved it.  Thank you very much for that!

  • Installing Windows 7 on IMAC 27 256G SSD 2 TB HD Core I7 8G Ram

    I am a relative computer novice and purchased in Aug 2010 the lastest IMAC 27" with a 256G SSD and 2TB HD Core I7 withe 8G Ram. Here are my questions:
    1. I wish to install Windows 7 on the SSD using Bootcamp. I would then like a recommendation as to whether to install my other programs (MS Office 2010, Quicken, Norton360, et. al.) on either a) the SSD or b)the 2TB Hard Drive.
    If I install Windows 7 on the SSD, then how would you recommend partitioning the SSD between OSX and Windows 7? Is there a way to put Windows 7 on the SSD and my other programs (MS Office 2010, Quicken, et. al.) on the 2TB HD?
    I'm looking for guidance on the best way to set up this computer. I want the boot up speed of the SSD if possible. The majority of my work is on Windows 7. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thx.

    I just got everything working the last 2 days.
    I gave it a try with the HDD still under GUID and had made one partition in HFS and one in Fat32.
    And like a miracle everything went smooth,no problems at all with the Win7 install under Bootcamp!
    So it looks like the new Imacs got a new motherboard and Win7 now installs without a problem though the second drive has GUID.
    The only minor inconvenience I see is,that after booting in Win7 the speakers are muted,but one click to demute and everything works fine.MacOS starts with speakers on as usual.I read somewhere,that MacbookPro owners mentioned exactly the same problem and it is as yet unsolved.
    As far as I can see there are two types of audio devices,one is Cirrus,the other WS-Audio.
    I also sidestepped the bluetooth issues by using a usb keyboard and mouse from my Win PC.Only ejecting of the Win7 DVD didnt work ,but one boot in OSX took care of that too.
    I am really happy with my first Mac and thanks again for your help
    clamic

  • Windows 7 on imac 2006

    Does anyone know the best way to install Windows 7 Pro on late 2006 imac running Mac OS 10.6.8.?

    Okay, I asked MS support about this.  After reading their reply (which said go check out the Apple support), and then reading Apple's support threads, I attempted to update my first-generation, very first-Intel-based, early 2006 iMac.  (20", 2.0 GHz CPU, 1.5 GB RAM)
    I had been waiting so all the drivers could catch up and all the issues could be ironed out.  I am happy to report that everything went just perfect.
    I backed up EVERYTHING.  I used Windows Easy Transfer to get all my files and settings moved to the Win 7 platform.
    In anticipation of problems, I downloaded all the drivers I could find (sound, display, wireless and ethernet drivers).  I also downloaded all the versions of Boot Camp, except version 4.0.  I did not need all the various drivers, as Win 7 seemed to recognize everything with the first Boot Camp install (3.0, from my Snow Leopard disk).  And then all the Boot Camp updates installed just fine.
    The only hiccups I had were getting my Magic Mouse to work.  I had to revert back to the 2009-ish driver for the BlueTooth (that did it!).  Win 7 was trying to give me a "Generic Bluetooth Driver" so I had to go manually find the Apple Driver.  And then I had trouble getting a cranky HP Officejet to work (8500).  I've been having that problem with this d**n printer for months and months.
    I love Windows 7 (though I did not dislike Vista).  Highest marks to both Microsoft and Apple.  It is not hyperbole when I say that this iMac is the best Windows machine I've ever had!
    Best of both worlds!!!

  • Is there a way to sync outlook calendars with Imac, Ipad, Iphone calendars.  I am not running exchange server.

    Is there a way to sync outlook calendars with Imac, Ipad, Iphone calendars?  I am not running exchange server.

    hello,
    BlackBerry devices do not support ActiveSync.
    you have several ways, from best to less good :
    1)
    if your company has set up Outlook Web Access, you can use the BIS connection of your device to connect to the Exchange server (email + Address book) through the url of the Outlook Web Access. The OWA needs to be accessible from outside the company.
    2)
    if your company has setup an external link to the exchange server (can be accessible from outside the company), you can configure your BIS directly to the Exchange server (email only if I recall correctly)
    3)
    if your company allows it, on your PC you can setup your email account to automatically forward all incoming emails to a third party email (like GMail or Hotmail), and then configure BIS to connect to that email provider. You will get push email. You can then setup a reply-to: field.
    4)
    use a Windows Mobile phone that has the ActiveSync feature.
    The search box on top-right of this page is your true friend, and the public Knowledge Base too:

  • I would like to know if there a way to use window (via bootcamp) and use a dual screen with the use of thunderbolt?

    I would like to know if there a way to use window (via bootcamp) and use a dual screen with the use of thunderbolt?

    There are very specific requirements for using an iMac as an external display.
    From Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support
    What are the requirements for TDM?
    A Mac notebook or desktop with a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt connection
    A Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable
    A supported iMac with OS X 10.6.1 or later. The table below shows iMac computers that support TDM, the required cables, and the port of the computer to which you are connecting the iMac.
    iMac Model
    Cable Supported
    Port on Source Computer
    iMac (27-inch Late 2009)
    Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort
    Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt
    iMac (27-inch Mid 2010)
    Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort
    Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt
    iMac (Mid 2011)
    Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt
    Thunderbolt
    iMac (Mid 2012 and later)
    Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt
    Thunderbolt
    Note that the iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) does not support Target Display Mode.

  • What is the best way to use windows?

    I have an 2.8 intel Imac and I want to setup windows on this machine. I tried using parallels but it only lets windows 16mb ram of video and optimally 512mb ram. This isnt going to do anything for me. Is there a better way to run windows and use all the power of my mac?

    Windows on Intel Macs
    There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs.
    1. Install the Apple Boot Camp software. Purchase Windows XP w/Service Pak 2 or Vista. Follow instructions in the Boot Camp documentation on installation of Boot Camp, creating Driver CD, and installing Windows. Boot Camp enables you to boot the computer into OS X or Windows.
    2. Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
    3. VM Fusionand Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
    4. CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows. The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
    5. VirtualBox is a new Open Source freeware virtual machine such as VM Fusion and Parallels that was developed by Solaris. It is not yet fully developed for the Mac - some features are not yet implemented - but it does work otherwise.
    6. Last is Q. Q is a freeware emulator that is compatible with Intel Macs. It is much slower than the virtualization software, Parallels and VM Fusion.
    Note that Parallels and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc. There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization. The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system.
    See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion.
    Boot Camp is only available with Leopard. The Boot Camp Beta that was used with Tiger has expired and is no longer available for use. So contrary to the other poster's comment, Boot Camp isn't truly "free." You must purchase Leopard to get it.

  • My wife and I each have our own apple ID's which we use on our own iPhones and iPads. We share an iMac. Is there a way of enabling Facetime on the iMac to accept calls to either of our IDs without the need to login as that particular user?

    My wife and I each have our own apple ID's which we use on our own iPhones and iPads. We share an iMac. Is there a way of enabling Facetime on the iMac to accept calls to either of our IDs without the need to login as that particular user?

    no, when using facetime you log in with the apple id you want people to reach you at, so unless you both agree to share one apple id for all the facetime you do, it will be necessary for you to logout and login each time you use the application.

  • Is there a way to connect an old Sunflower iMac (OSX 10.4.11) to a new Time Capsule?  It used to work with old Airport Extreme with updates thru Snow Leopard but now seems to only allow WEP encryption instead of WPA.

    Is there a way to connect an old Sunflower iMac (OSX 10.4.11) to a new Time Capsule?  It used to work with old Airport Extreme network, run from a intel iMac with updates thru Mavericks but now seems to only allow WEP encryption instead of WPA and can't connect to Time Capsule.  Airport Extreme Base was controllable from either computer up through Snow Leopard (I didn't do any of the Lion upgrades).  Then when I upgraded to Mavericks I lost the ability to use Airport Utility with this hardware on the Sunflower but could still connect wirelessly to network without any problems.  But now with the Time Capsule upgrade the Sunflower is blocked from network by a dialogue that requests ony WEP password, not WPA pwd used by Time Capsule.  Neither can I use the old airport extreme base to extend the time capsule network since I can't input the correct password/encryption approach to join it.  Is there a work around?  Would a newer but old Airport Express be able to extend network to Sunflower?  Or maybe a third party wireless (such as Netgear, Dlink, etc) that has browser type control rather than special utility?
    Another question--before I used MAC addresses to control who could access network.  Now on Time Capsule I don't see anything about this--so is it true now that the only access control is via WPA2 pwd now (which appears to be the encryption pwd and not the time capsule pwd)?

    Is there a way to connect an old Sunflower iMac (OSX 10.4.11) to a new Time Capsule?
    I can’t claim to completely grasp the issue(s) you’re describing, but the underlying problem is presumably your iMac’s obsolete AirPort card. Whatever the case, an obvious (if not particularly helpful) answer to your stated question would be to connect your iMac with an ethernet cable, using powerline adapters as an alternative if you don’t want to have wire running all over the place.
    My still fully functional clamshell iBook, with an original AirPort card, connects wirelessly to my 4th Generation TC network by means of a cheap 802.11b/g/n USB Wi-Fi adapter. This might be an option for you too.
    Another question--before I used MAC addresses to control who could access network.  Now on Time Capsule I don't see anything about this
    When you edit your TC's settings the access controls appear under the Network tab, don't they?

  • Is there a way to view windows media files on an iPhone?

    Is there a way to view windows media files on an iPhone?

    There are some apps that provide for viewing the closed/proprietary format such as OPlayer.

  • Is there any way to make windows "sticky" in mission control?

    If I have several applications open, then invoke mission control, then click on a window to select it, the windows are in a different position the next time I invoke mission control.  This is like trying to hit a moving target, or as I sometimes refer to it,  "musical windows".  I've tried checking and uncheckng the mission control options in system preferences, but the windows still move all over.  Is there any way to make windows "sticky"?  What I would prefer ideally is that each group of windows remains in the same location, then new ones are added after.  I find it frustrating to have to scan mission control and locate the window I want, which is always being moved.
    -Thanks

    Go to Intel Download Center and select the 3000/4000 driver.
    you may need to uninstall the current driver if it won't install on its own

  • Airport setup asst. doesnt work.  Is there way to use Windows to add airpor

    Airport setup asst. doesnt work. Is there way to use Windows to add airport express to my current linksys network so that my iTunes will play through my stereo?
    Previously the air-assit recognized the air-exp unit but kept asking for a password to continue. I tried passwords like admin and public but nothing worked. Then Windows network connections kept trying to connect my laptop to the internet using the air-exp. Don't remember what I did to fix that problem but now my laptop doesn't try using it to connect me to internet anymore.
    However, now air-asst. doesn't read the air-exp anymore. Windows network connections DOES read it now but doesn't try to use it anymore to connect me to the internet.
    I have a linksys WAP and separate linksys router. If memory serves, when I firt got the air-exp about 6 months ago I could not connect either and Apple tech support had to help me. I think, but not sure, they had me use Windows to add the air-exp to my wireless network. Also if my memory serves me, but not sure, I had to type in either some IP or MAC addresses in order to get the air-exp to connect to my existing network. I DO remember thinking after it was finally working that "Wow, this is definately NOT a plug and play thing." It wasn't very easy to set up.
    I lost my laptops wireless connection last week and couldn't connect to my network and had to call linksys tech support. They had me input a new IP and DNS address because somehow my laptop "lost" the previous ones. Since then I have not been able to use my air-exp to connect to my stereo.
    I have called Apple tech support but since my 90 days is up they want to charge me $49.95 for up to five days worth of tech support. Which I think is a rip off becau linksys will help you out at anytime for fee but that's a topic for another discussion group. Common Apple, how about a $10 charge for one day of tech support, or even just 15 minutes worth to get my gear working again?
    Anyway, if anyone knows of any on-line walkthroughs of how to deal with these airport express set-ups or problems please let me know. Or, of course if anyone can walk me through this that would be even better. THANKS

    Thank you for your help.
    When I run air-util a window called base station chooser comes up and all the fields are blank. When I push "re-scan" nothing happens. When I push "other" a window pops up asking for IP address and password. I typed in the IP address given to me from Linksys tech and tried to move on but it came back asking me to fill in the password. I tried the default linksys password "admin" but it came back with an error.
    Do I hard (factory) reset the air-express by simply pushing the reset button or do I have to hold it in while I plug it in or simply push the button for a certain length of time?
    Thanks again.

  • Is there a way to reinstall windows 7 from an erased disk? HP support states there is

    Hello,
    I completley erased the hardrive on a Compaq Presario CQ57 that I plan to sell.  I don't have the recovery discs to reinstall Windows 7 Professional 32 bit. 
    I phoned HP and they they told me that although the hard drive is wiped clean, there is a partition that still houses the operating system and does not require disks.  However, they stated they would have to charge an out-of-warranty fee of  $59.99 for the information on how to do this.  Declining such, they stated someone on the forum should be able to help.
    I have searched the forum but have not found a way to restore Windows 7 on the notebook without recovery disks so far.  Was HP support mistaken about bein able to restore Windows without disks?
    Thank you.

    When requesting assistance, please provide the complete model name and/or product number of the HP computer in question. HP/Compaq makes thousands of models of computers. Without this information it may be difficult or impossible to assist you in resolving your issue.
    The above requested information can be found on the bottom of your computer or inside the battery compartment. Please do not include your serial number. Please enter the model/product information into HP's Online Consumer Support page and/or post it here for our review.
    If you only erased the Windows partiton and left the factory recovery partition intact, then yes you can possible recovery the computer with out the discs. If you ereased the entire disc, there is no way to recover the computer to a factory like state without the HP Recovery Disc set.
    Please enter you computer information HERE and select "Drivers", then the original OS to see if an HP Recovery Disc set is available from HP. You can also see if third party vendor www.computersurgeons.com has an HP Recovery Disc set available for your computer.
    Alternatively, if you can still can still read the 25-digit product key on the Microsoft COA affixed to your computer, please see "How to Install Windows 7 Without the Disc" to download Windows 7, create the Windows installation media, and install Windows.  If you prefer to install Windows 7 from a USB Flash Drive, please download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool to create a Windows 7 SP1 USB Flash Drive. Please note that you will have to source the needed drivers from HP or directly from the chipset manufacturer's websites. This method will result in a plain Windows installation with no HP customization.
    If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
    Please click the white KUDOS star to show your appreciation
    Frank
    {------------ Please click the "White Kudos" Thumbs Up to say THANKS for helping.
    Please click the "Accept As Solution" on my post, if my assistance has solved your issue. ------------V
    This is a user supported forum. I am a volunteer and I don't work for HP.
    HP 15t-j100 (on loan from HP)
    HP 13 Split x2 (on loan from HP)
    HP Slate8 Pro (on loan from HP)
    HP a1632x - Windows 7, 4GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
    HP p6130y - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
    HP p6320y - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GT 240
    HP p7-1026 - Windows 7, 6GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
    HP p6787c - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GT 240

  • Is there a way to leave Windows 7 OS and install Windows 8 additionaly

    Is there a way to leave Windows 7 OS and install Windows 8 additionaly with Bootcamp 5, means to have a triple boot option or dual boot option where the windows partition can choose to start windows 7 or windows 8 ?

    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
    The problem you have is that Boot Camp doesn't allow you to create more than two volumes on the hard drive: one for OS X and another one for Windows, so you can't create another one for another Windows. If you want to test Windows 8, I recommend you to download a virtual machine application like VirtualBox, create a virtual machine and install Windows 8 there

Maybe you are looking for