Q: Installing Windows 7 using Bootcamp on El Capitan

jeffmarani wrote:

 

Hi,

 

I want to install Windows 7 Ultimate on my MacBook (13-inch Late 2009) using Bootcamp in El Capitan, it's been more than a week I'm struggling.

 

I can't let Bootcamp download support files, because it seems it's a huge file (Downloading says like: 29000 minutes remaining, then 28000 and so on...), and it gives "Connection error" after a few minutes.

 

Are you using a wireless connection? If yes, please try a wired (ethernet connection). On a 2009 Mac, you do not need the drivers to install Windows. You must use a physical DVD in your built-in Optical drive. External Optical drives will not work. Please do not connect any peripherals during Windows installation.

Please also see Install Windows 7 and earlier on your Mac using Boot Camp - Apple Support . Step 11 is meant to be used if you are using a USB Installer, but not in your case.

 

First Question:

Is there any way I can download the Bootcamp v6 (in El Capitan) support files separately?

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What I have is a mixed Service Pack 1 Windows (All Editions).

When I run Bootcamp it says "Install Windows 7" but although the disk is in drive and it's bootable (installed WIndows with it on PCs), it says "Could not find the installer disk".

 

I searched and read many many topics on Apple's forum and other places.

Like creating USB bootable from Windows installation disk. none worked.

 

Please download a 64-bit (or 32-bit) Windows 7 ISO from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 using your W7 product key. Do not use a mixed 32-bit/64-bit DVD or ISO. Your Mac does not support USB Installers for Windows.

Second Question:

What's the problem with this disk while as I said it works on PCs?

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Talking to Support Staff they advised me to download Bootcamp v4.1 (I guess it was that - around 600MB in size).

Please look at the Install W7 link and download the BC drivers appropriate for your Mac year/model. BC6 drivers support W8.1/W10 on newer Macs. They are not appropriate for your Mac.

 

Third Question:

I need sound, trackpad and other stuff work inside Windows.

Will this file work in Windows 7?

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There is a way to install Windows without Bootcamp:

Shrink Mac partition, format it as ms-dos, put Windows installation in drive, reboot and install Windows 7.

The BC drivers that you download will provide appropriate support. You need to run setup.exe from the Bootcamp folder once you download the correct drivers to a USB2 Flash drive. Do not use a USB3 flash drive. Let BC Assistant do what it was designed to do. Bypassing it will lead to further problems during and after installation.

 

Last Question:

Can I install Windows without Bootcamp and have devices working inside Windows?

Yes, but see the suggested methods. There is no need to bypass BC Assistant, unless you have a partially functional Mac.

jeffmarani wrote:

 

 

The connection is wireless, but the main problem is, internet traffic is expensive where I live, that's why I want to download fewer files as much as possible.

If this step (downloading BC 6 support files) is necessary then I have no choice but to install Windows without BC. it seems the file is more than a GB in size.

Do not use BC6 drivers at all. They are not needed. You do not need any BC drivers to install windows for your specific 2009 model.  BC6 drivers are 1.6Gb. 4033 is needed, only after Windows is fully installed, not before.

jeffmarani wrote:

 

Should I burn that Windows ISO file from Microsoft on disk and install Windows using the disk?

Yes. Your built-in Optical drive must be fully functional. You will need to burn the ISO to a DVD .

You still need BC drivers after the standard installation. The drivers must be downloaded from Apple servers. 

I suggest downloading a valid ISO from Microsoft.

You do not need BC drivers for installation of Windows, but you need them post-installation for your Apple-specific hardware to work properly. These are two separate phases .