Is it better to install Windows 8 via Boot Camp than risk installing an unstable version of Windows 8.1, which isn't yet supported?

Apologies for asking this question as I note a number of similar questions have been asked. However, having read many answers on here and trawled the net I'm still not sure what the right answer is...
The Boot Camp 5 FAQs state that Windows 8.1 is not yet supported: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5639
Despite this, I have noticed that some users have installed 8.1 with varying success and in some cases have needed to use workarounds.
I've not partitioned a drive before and want to take the most straightforward route to installing Windows on my Mac.
This leads me to believe that I should buy Windows 8 now, wait for Boot Camp to be updated in the near future and then update to 8.1 (or later).
Is this correct?

Thanks Bob,
Would you install the OEM system builder version or the full retail version of Windows 8?
My understanding is that the OEM version is cheaper and can still be registered for personal use, but doesn't come with the full documentation or helpdesk support from Windows which concerns me a ittle.

Similar Messages

Installing Windows 7 Professional via Boot Camp Assistant on late 2013 iMac 27"

So here I am with a brand new 27" iMac bought on Nov 3. Machine is top of the line w/ 3.5GHz quad-core intel i7Core, 4GB Video Card, 3TB Fusion Drive and right out the box on first start up and first update, I install Windows 7 via Boot Camp. Best install of all time, right on through no problems whatsoever and I'm thinking - Problems? what problems! HA! ... well a week later Windows 7 crashes from my own bone-headed mistakes and i go to reinstall windows thinking oh i'll be down for maybe 2 hrs? but it'll fix my problem. No way.. 1 week and an exchange-for-another-identical-imac-from-store later plus $300+ dollars in tech services Here I am with no resolution to this problem of installing Windows 7 via boot camp. I just absoultely couldn't get past the stinkin' step of "Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing partition... yadda yadda yadda"
UNTIL NOW - 9:07AM on 11/19/13 I have SOLVED the problem. Read from here down to get my instructions (with Pictures of course!!)
Before you even start this is VERY IMPORTANT. Things will go to all **** if you don't.
USB ports. On the back of my iMac, there are 4 of them. From Left to Right (you have to acknowledge this or things will never work), place your Super Drive (CD/DVD Drive) in the Left slot. Next, place your USB Mouse in the 2nd from Left slot. Finally, place your USB/Flash Drive in the 3rd Slot (it will be 2nd from the Right). See Fig1.
FIG.1
Now you go to Boot Camp Assistant, start it up, and check off the SECOND option:
"Download the latest Windows software from Apple". See Fig2.
FIG 2
Let the download do its thing and when its done, Boot Camp will advance to the partitioning screen. Allocate the space you want for the Windows 7 Partition and hit "Install".
CRUCIAL: Immediately after hitting "Install", Boot Camp will pop up a message stating that the USB/Flash drive currently inserted providing Windows Software drivers brings a functionality issue and Boot Camp will disable the drive to continue. This has to happen in order to avoid the dreaded "A new setup partition or existing partition cannot be located" message that comes during the Windows 7 Install when picking your partition. I am convinced that this pop up only occurs when you have your DVD drive, Mouse, and USB/Flash drives inserted into their appropriate slots.
After you accept Boot Camp's disabling of the USB drive, install is pretty standard there on out. Boot Camp will create the partition, the computer will reboot and begin its Windows 7 install via your CD/DVD drive. Also want to note that I used a wireless keyboard during the entrie intallation process. I had a wired keyboard installed in my numerous attempt this past week b/c I had read in so many forums a wired keyboard was better for this install - well NOT IN THIS CASE. In fact the added USB ports that come with the wired keyboard only confused things for me even further.
I am happy to say that Windows 7 has installed successfully on my iMac, and I've reached its appropriate updates as well. Now onto 3DS Max 2014 install.

You can't do what you want with GUI utilities, which will only allow a total of 4 partitions due to the limitation of MBR needed to support Windows. Those four partitions: EFI System (hidden), Mac OS, Recovery HD (hidden), Windows. So with Lion, you only get two visible partitions if you're going to use Windows with BootCamp. You can't make anymore with the included graphical tools.
If you need more partitions you'll need to use something like GPT fdisk (gdisk) to create the partitions in the GPT first. Then add the Windows partition only to the MBR and flag it as bootable. gdisk can be googled and downloaded for Mac OS X off sourceforge. It is not a GUI tool.
You should read this:
http://www.rodsbooks.com/gdisk/
And this:
http://www.rodsbooks.com/gdisk/hybrid.html

Cannot boot to Windows disk to install XP (via Boot Camp)

I've got an issue w/ my late 2006 24" Imac that I have not been able to resolve.
Last week, I had the local Apple store replace the Video card in my Imac. The installed card was a nvidia 7300 GT. It was replaced w/ a 7600 GT (or at least that is what is reporting in System Profiler). My Imac had Tiger running w/ bootcamp beta 1.1.1 & a Windows XP partition.
After the card replacement, I was no longer able to boot to Windows. Selecting the Windows HD at boot-up resulted in just a grey screen. The tech at the Apple store said to try and do a Windows repair install, which seemed fine to me. Got the Imac home and found that I could not boot to the Windows install CD. Same result: a plain grey screen. You could hear the drive accessing the disk, but I saw nothing on the screen.
Went back to the Apple store, where the tech said all he could reccomend was a full wipe and re-install of the Mac OS & then new Windows install via boot camp. I was loath to do this for obvious reasons, but I went ahead and wiped the disk and installed Snow Leopard, with all updates.
So, of course, after creating the boot camp partition, I am STILL not able to boot to the Windows install disk. Everything else works fine, but when I try to boot to the Windows disk, I get just that same grey screen. I have tried re-burned copies of this disk, as well as two other Windows XP disks. I've also tried a Windows 7 disk; None of them worked.
So I ask here: Has anyone ever seen anything like this, and been able to get it resolved? What steps should I try next? Thanks for any help or insight you can provide.

WHY did you take it in?
And go back and have them provide (if they or AppleCare can) with a proper correct 7300GT. I don't see 7600GT as being used in iMac.
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP28
http://www.apple.com/support/imac/intel/
http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp
Buy a copy of Snow Leopard for $29 to get Boot Camp 3.0. I assume you wanted Boot Camp 2.2 and that you need to upgrade to XP SP3 or later at this point.
As for burning Windows ISO - from where? and how? Disk Utility can, but not well, and to do so needs to be burned at REDUCED 2X if it is to work.
I'd say 75% of Store Geniuses are clueless when it comes to Windows on Mac, unless they've actually done it themselves and have hands on experience and "quote" gotten their hands dirty "end-quote."
That or build your own off the shelf Sandy Bridge based system.

Error 0x80070017 when installing Windows 7 via Boot Camp...

I've been trying hard to research this issue and haven't come across anything that has worked for me.
At work, we have an iMac (Early-2009) that we wish to install Windows 7 on. Previous user has left, so I reinstalled Snow Leopard (10.6) and used Disk Utility from the disc to reformat complete to GUID single partition Mac OS Extended (Journaled), which is pretty standard for Macs. Mac OS X installed and booted just fine. I updated completely to 10.6.8 and all other updates. Only installed Microsoft Office 2011 and Firefox.
So Boot Camp begins...
Found that the early-2009 model doesn't "support" Windows 7 64-bit, so we are fine going with 32-bit. The 32-bit Windows 7 disc has been used to install Windows 7 using Boot Camp on 2 Mac Mini's (one Intel Core Duo, the other one Intel Core 2 Duo) just a few days ago.
Opened Boot Camp Assistant, partitioned the 1TB drive equally, inserted the Windows 7 disc, and clicked Restart.
It boots from the Windows 7 disc, I go through the options, choose the BOOTCAMP partition and format it (I assume Windows 7 is choosing NTFS for me). Click next.
It copies the files instantly, but then "begins" to Expand the files. It remains at 0% for 5-10 minutes (I can hear the Windows 7 DVD spin down and spin up, but mostly spin down). That's when the error hits:
"Windows cannot copy files required for installation. The files may be corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are available, and restart the installation. Error code: 0x80070017"
I click Ok and cancel the install. Restart and boot back into Mac OS X. And here I am.
Important Notes:
I've tried multiple times with a 64-bit disc as well. I will likely go check out another 32-bit disc from our software department, but I know this disc works on other Macs.
This issue occurred a month back as well when we attempted to install Windows 7 via Boot Camp (so before the hard drive and OS were reformatted and reinstalled). I was hoping reformatting and reinstalling the Mac OS X would solve the issue.
The Superdrive appears to be working just fine.
I read somewhere that I need to use repair disk to fix it. Does anyone know if I can repair disk a NTFS partition? Or am I suppose to repair disk the parent drive itself? The place I read it wasn't specific AT ALL and the forum was closed and I couldn't find a way to get a hold of the person. It just said "Repair disk did the trick". People, if you find a solution to your own problem, POST the solution!
Thanks in advance!

Yea, I saw that kb article. I verified we have the early 2009 iMac. It's an iMac 9,1 (3.06 24-inch, A1225).
As far as different hardware, I really don't think so, but I'll have to double check with my fellow employees. The specs all match up, but I'll see if anyone remembers having to replace hardware or send it into Apple.
I did think of trying an external DVD drive too, I'll see if I can scrounge one up. I'll post if it works or not.
The employee using the machine knows Windows, but is willing to learn the Mac OS X. Diversify your experiences I always say!
An added note to the Repair Disk "solution". Turns out you can't run Repair Disk on NTFS partitions or the parent hard drive that contains that partition, which makes since. I can only run Repair Disk on the HFS+ partition which did no good. (This is, of course, from booting up using a Mac OS X Install DVD).
Mac_Win, thanks for the suggestions!

Using one copy of Windows to install via boot camp and on a virtual machine?

I have a copy on windows 7 coming in the post and I was wondering if it is possible to install windows 7 via boot camp when I want to do something more memory intensive such as gaming and also install it on a virtual machine such as virtual box just for other regular stuff. Also would this be possible using one copy of windows and one licence key?

Then you need Parallels or Fusion to link to a native Windows partition.
Comparison of VMware Fusion Parallels VirtualBox

Install Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit via Boot Camp

I am using a 17" MacBook Pro with and Intel i7 2.66 GHz processor, 8GB 1067 MHz RAM and a 7200RPM 500GB hard drive. I am trying to install Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit via Boot Camp. I do what Boot Camp tells me to do, but when my MacBook Pro restarts to boot from the Windows 7 disc, all I get get is a white screen! I have tried to boot manually from the Windows 7 disc, but it won't boot. It freezes on the white screen and I have to reboot the Mac using the Mac OS X partition. How can I fix this ASAP so I can install Windows 7? I need to get it done TONIGHT! I just found out that I am running the 3.0.2 version of boot camp on my Mac OS X 10.6.4 version. Is this the problem? Do I need to update my Boot Camp Utility? If so, how do I do it or do I have to install Windows Vista first since the update is a .exe file?
Message was edited by: The Elite Technician

The Elite Technician wrote:
It is the Windows 7 64-bit disc that came with my Dell a while back, but I no longer have that Dell. I have also tried using my Vista Ultimate 64-bit disc and my Windows XP Pro SP3 disc, but none of these worked. Same result - white screen. All of these discs came with my previous PC computers that I used to have, but I no longer have those PCs. Only their discs. Is using discs that came with other computers for those computers the problem? Do I have to use a Windows disc that has not been used before?
Message was edited by: The Elite Technician
The disks that come with PCs most often include only the drivers and applications required by the PC they were made for. You can not use these disks to install on other than the original hardware.
Message was edited by: BobTheFisherman

MacBook Pro 15 with Windows 8.1 installed via Boot Camp problem with keys "@" and " " of the keyboard

Hello,
I have a MacBook Pro Retina Maverick in 2013 on which I installed Windows via Boot Camp 8.1.
The installation went well but when I am running Windows 8.1, I have a problem with "@" and "<" keys on the keyboard.
When I type the "@" key, I get "<"
When I type the "<" button, I get "@"
I have reinstall Boot Camp from Windows 8.1 for reinstall the drivers and see if it would solve the problem but it was not the case.
Someone of you has he encountered the same problem?
Thank you.

The language of my Keyboard is French

I install windows 8 via boot camp but its corrept so i recover this by the bootable usb which is helping me to install windows 8 but in recovery my osx is formatted automaticly now its become a pc how can i install my mac osx again?

i install windows 8 via boot camp but its corrupt so i recover this by the windows 8 by the help bootable usb which is helping me to install windows 8 but in recovery my osx is formatted automatically now its become a pc how can i install my mac osx again in my mac mini? please help me

If you have a Mid 2010 model: Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery. If later then see below:
Install Mavericks, Lion/Mountain Lion Using Internet Recovery
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
Boot to the Internet Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND-OPTION- R keys until a globe appears on the screen. Wait patiently - 15-20 minutes - until the Recovery main menu appears.
Partition and Format the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your newly installed hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed. Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion. Mavericks: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks and click on the Install button. Be sure to select the correct drive to use if you have more than one.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.
If you have an earlier model:
Clean Install of Snow Leopard
     1. Boot the computer using the Snow Leopard Installer Disc or the Disc 1 that came
         with your computer. Insert the disc into the optical drive and restart the computer.
         After the chime press and hold down the "C" key. Release the key when you see
         a small spinning gear appear below the dark gray Apple logo.
     2. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue
         button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
         After DU loads select the hard drive entry from the left side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive
         size.) Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window. Set the number of
         partitions to one (1) from the Partitions drop down menu, click on Options button
         and select GUID, click on OK, then set the format type to MacOS Extended
         (Journaled, if supported), then click on the Apply button.
     3. When the formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed
         with the OS X installation and follow the directions included with the installer.
     4. When the installation has completed your computer will Restart into the Setup
         Assistant. Be sure you configure your initial admin account with the exact same
         username and password that you used on your old drive. After you finish Setup
         Assistant will complete the installation after which you will be running a fresh
         install of OS X. You can now begin the update process by opening Software
         Update and installing all recommended updates to bring your installation current.
Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

How can I partition internal HDD after installing Windows 7 Professional via Boot Camp 4.0?

I recently purchased MacBook Pro 13" (Late 2011) model with OS X v10.7.2 Lion installed. I've upgraded to OS X v10.7.3 Lion and updated all other software.
I require Windows 7 for some Windows based softwares that do not support Mac OS X. Therefore, used Boot Camp 4.0 to install Windows 7 and then tried partitioning single internal HDD to have 3 partitions (4 total including BOOTCAMP partition). Disk Utility created a 648.5MB partition and then I was able to create 3 other partitions of custom sizes. After applying these changes, I got an error message that said selected volume size is too small. I resized this 648.5MB partion to a custom size and had total 4 partitions, including BOOTCAMP.
After reapplying these changes, BOOTCAMP partition was removed and I was left with only 3 partitions and empty space.
I've tried several different ways to partition the disk, all in vein. Is there a way I can partition my single internal HDD after installing Windows 7 Professional via Boot Camp 4.0?

You can't do what you want with GUI utilities, which will only allow a total of 4 partitions due to the limitation of MBR needed to support Windows. Those four partitions: EFI System (hidden), Mac OS, Recovery HD (hidden), Windows. So with Lion, you only get two visible partitions if you're going to use Windows with BootCamp. You can't make anymore with the included graphical tools.
If you need more partitions you'll need to use something like GPT fdisk (gdisk) to create the partitions in the GPT first. Then add the Windows partition only to the MBR and flag it as bootable. gdisk can be googled and downloaded for Mac OS X off sourceforge. It is not a GUI tool.
You should read this:
http://www.rodsbooks.com/gdisk/
And this:
http://www.rodsbooks.com/gdisk/hybrid.html

Could not install Visual Studio 2013 in Windows 7 via Boot Camp

Hi there,
For a intro to programming class, I was required to install Visual Studio Express for Windows Desktop on my machine. Because I use a MacBook Pro Retina 13 , I had to install a copy of Windows via Boot Camp. I decided to install a copy of Windows 7 as I had
a license with me on hand.
Unfortunately, I had trouble installing Visual Studio as it gives me a fatal error for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.1 during installation
Here is a copy of the log file that I obtained from the attempted installation:
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i001: Burn v3.7.3424.0, Windows v6.1 (Build 7601: Service Pack 1), path: C:\Users\Yeen125\Downloads\wdexpress_full.exe, cmdline: ''
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'ExtraEditionDisplayName' to value '#loc.slipstream'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'EditionDisplayName' to value 'Express 2013 for Windows Desktop'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'MoreLanguageFwlinkId' to value '427815'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'PrivacyAgreementFwlinkId' to value '427803'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'PrivacyStatementFwlinkId' to value '427803'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'MinOsLevelFwlinkId' to value '427813'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'SolutionFwlinkId' to value '427804'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'HelpFwlinkId' to value '427805'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'IE10FwlinkId' to value '427807'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'WinBlueFwlinkId' to value '427810'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'SHA256BlockFwlinkId' to value '427811'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing numeric variable 'Win81PreRelBlockFwlinkId' to value '427809'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'NetfxProductVersion' to value '4.5.31101'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'ProfessionalVSVersion' to value '11.0.50727'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'BaselineBundleVersion' to value '12.0.21005'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'FirstSlipstreamBundleVersion' to value '12.0.21006'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'ProductKey' to value '4JD6KB7RFPK8GFJC7MC8J7B4P'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'WinSDK_Desktop_KitsRootPath' to value '[ProgramFilesFolder]Windows Kits\8.0\'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'WinBlue_Common_KitsRootPath' to value '[ProgramFilesFolder]Windows Kits\8.1\'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'WinBlue_Desktop_KitsRootPath' to value '[ProgramFilesFolder]Windows Kits\8.1\'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:57]i000: Initializing string variable 'VS_Install_Path_VC' to value '[CustomInstallPath]'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:58]i000: Setting string variable 'WixBundleLog' to value 'C:\Users\Yeen125\AppData\Local\Temp\dd_wdexpress_full_20150122232558.log'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:58]i000: Setting string variable 'WixBundleOriginalSource' to value 'C:\Users\Yeen125\Downloads\wdexpress_full.exe'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:58]i000: Setting string variable 'WixBundleOriginalSourceFolder' to value 'C:\Users\Yeen125\Downloads\'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:58]i000: Setting string variable 'WixBundleName' to value 'Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2013 for Windows Desktop - ENU with Update 4'
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:58]i000: Loading managed bootstrapper application.
[0FE4:0970][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: Creating BA thread to run asynchronously.
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: Ux Started
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Loading LocalizableStrings.xml string from LocalizableStrings.xml
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Reset Result
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Current action: Install
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: Setting string variable 'CurrentOperation' to value 'Install'
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: Setting string variable 'IsLanguagePack' to value ''
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Current action: Install
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: Setting string variable 'CurrentOperation' to value 'Install'
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: New last unconfirmed source: Web
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Source confirmed
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: Setting string variable 'CurrentRepairPackage' to value ''
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: Setting numeric variable 'HypervisorSupported' to value 0
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: Setting numeric variable 'HypervisorEnabled' to value 0
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Resume = None
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Restart = Prompt
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Relation = None
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Action = Install
[0FE4:1248][2015-01-22T23:25:59]i000: MUX: Display = Full
Could you help me install Visual Studio 2013? I need it before my first assignment is due. Thanks!

Your install log is peppered with this error: "MsiViewExecute failed", which indicates a problem with your Windows Installer.
For suggestions on repairing WI in Windows 7, read here:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-performance/need-to-reinstall-windows-installer-in-windows-7/4cb8e54c-5a4e-439d-9d46-1dcd387d2604

I have a Mac Book Pro A1226 - can i install Windows 7 on this via boot camp

I have a Mac Book Pro (A1226 -late 2007) and I want to run Windows 7 Ultimate on it via Boot camp. I am currently running Mac OS X 10.6.8 with Boot camp 3.0. For some reason I can't seem to install Windows 7 through Boot camp. Can I even install it on this computer? Would I be able to run Windows 7 on this computer if I purchased Parallels instead.
Thanks

You should try asking in the Boot Camp forum where the Boot Camp gurus hang out. Your issue has been discussed there many times.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/windows_software/boot_camp

Installing Windows XP Pro via Boot Camp

Does anyone have any do's and dont's about installing Windows XP Pro on a 20" IMAC (OS X 10.5.7) via Boot Camp. All I want to have on the partition is Quickbooks Pro 2009, Anti Virus Program and possibly PC version of Office,

Have you tried emulation software, such as Parallels or VMFusion? None of the programs you list are overly intensive, so you may be able to get them working fine in an emulator--which means you wouldn't have to restart the machine to use those programs. Both of the programs I listed offer free trials.
Additionally, there's a few free options that are similar to MS Office that work on the Mac. NeoOffice & OpenOffice are the first that come to mind.
If you do choose to go with BootCamp, here's some pointers:
1) Get your data backed up at least once before you do anything
2) Only use the BootCamp Assistant to partition the drive and/or delete the partition
3) Go for free anti-virus, such as AVG Free. It does the job just fine.
4) Make sure you follow the BootCamp instructions carefully--if you don't, you'll find that your OS X partition mysteriously vanishes.
Good luck!
~Lyssa

Time Machine stuck at "Looking for backup disk" after installing Windows 8 via Boot Camp

I've been backing up via Time Machine to an external USB drive and it's been working fine. I recenty installed Windows 8 via Boot Camp and now TM gets stuck forever at "Looking for backup disk...".
I've tried the following, to no avail:
Using "Select Disk" in TM preferences to re-select the disk
Deleting /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine.plist
Running system maintenance via Onyx
Resetting PRAM
Formatting the drive and setting it up for TM backups again
The Boot Camp partition is on the same drive as OS X (on a 180GB Intel 330 series SSD). During the Windows installation I re-formatted the partition as NTFS.
If I start OS X in Safe Boot mode, TM backups work. In Safe Boot mode, the NTFS partition isn't loaded so I suspect it has something to do with this. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I installed Paragon NTFS for Mac and it started working all of a sudden.

After attempt to install windows 7 via boot camp onto Mac mini, my screen reads "no bootable devise--insert boot devise and press any key. However, disk still in reader, and not using a Mac keyboard

After attempt to install windows 7 via boot camp onto Mac mini, my screen reads "no bootable devise--insert boot devise and press any key. However, disk still in reader, and not using a Mac keyboard

Reboot your Mac, as soon as you hear the chime press the option/alt key and hold it until the boot manager appears, select OSX to boot from.

New MBP users using XP via Boot Camp - Can you install Open Type Fonts?

Have any of the new MacBook Pro owners that have been using Windows XP via Boot Camp been able to install Open Type Fonts, i.e. fonts that are sold by Adobe?
I have now tried this on two new MacBook Pros, and I have tried three different retail versions of Windows XP on each system. It just does not work.
I keep getting the "Unable to Install Font" message, which suggests that I contact the font vendor, which I have. I have also tried many different versions of different fonts.
After having troubleshooted with Adobe and Microsoft, and after having reinstalled Windows over 6 times on two different new MacBook Pros, I am starting to believe that this issue affects all new MacBook Pros.
For some points, could someone please try to install an Open Type Font in Windows XP, and let me know if you are successful?
Thank you!

I had the exact same problem and *finally solved it*. I am running Windows XP Professional on a new MacBook Pro via BootCamp as well. Although its totally contradictory to logic, you need to use True Type fonts. I understand, you open your fonts folder and all the standard fonts are Open Type. We had purchased a font family that I had running on my Dell which used the exact same operating system. It was Open Type and it worked fine. I got a new MacBook Pro and was transfering everything over, including all of my fonts. The fonts that we purchased as or had converted to Open Type for me (the only windows guy working on graphics related stuff) were not loading on the new machine (MacBook Pro) even though they worked fine on the old (Dell). When I tried to install them, I kept getting an error that read something like "unable to install font. it may be corrupt, contact font vendor." I spent about a week with the font vendor trying to figure it out. no luck. One day I tried install a folder full of other fonts, mixed versions of True Type and Open Type, and all of the True Type installed and the Open Type did not. I got my hands on a True Type version of the font I was struggling with and now it works fine.
It makes no sense. Every person who seemingly knows way more about this type of stuff seems to think that this is not possible, and that I'm not smart enough to understand what I did. They will tell you that there is nothing different about running windows on a Mac than on a PC, in fact it should run better on a Mac, blah blah blah (not really true in actual practice as far as my experiences go). But this worked for me and I have no problems with it anymore. Good luck.

Is it better to install Windows 8 via Boot Camp than risk installing an unstable version of Windows 8.1, which isn't yet supported?

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