Can't install Windows 7 (NTFS partition)

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Level 1

8 points

Can't install Windows 7 (NTFS partition)

New MacBook Pro (bought in August with version 10.5.8), just updated to Snow Leopard. Boot Camp is v. 3.

Created a 100GB partition for Windows using Bootcamp, clicked install and inserted the Windows 7 64-bit disk. Did this twice - same error "Windows cannot be installed to this hard disk space. Windows must be installed to a partition formatted as NTFS."

I was never asked - I thought any partition >32GB was by default NTFS?

iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 5, 2010 5:49 PM

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Answer 1

Pedro

Level 2

460 points

Jan 5, 2010 5:57 PM in response to mulkmon

Boot Camp only makes FAT32 partitions.

The Win7 DVD is supposed to format NTFS for you

But you go to do that when the available partitions are shown

Look for the Format option.

You were on the right page but you missed the option to format.

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Answer 2

mulkmon Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 5, 2010 5:57 PM in response to Pedro

When I hit Disk Options I have a choice to format. I assume I stay on Disk 0 Partition 3?

I have already installed WIndows XP in OS 10.5.8 and didn't have to reformat. Should I be worried?

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Answer 3

Pedro

Level 2

460 points

Jan 5, 2010 6:02 PM in response to mulkmon

The correct partition is called BOOTCAMP. Keep it highlighted and choose to format.

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Answer 4

Jan 10, 2010 11:12 AM in response to Pedro

I have the same problem. I have "Disk 0 Partition 3: BOOTCAMP" highlighted. There is no option to "format." I just see an error message. "Windows cannot be installed to Disk 0 Partition 3." I click for details, and it says, "Windows cannot be installed to this hard disk space. Windows must be installed to a partition formatted as NTFS."

I've seen screenshots of the install screen with the format button, so I know what it's supposed to look like. I'm not missing it.

EDIT: NEVER MIND, I'm a dum-dum. I didn't click disk options or whatever to get to the screen with the format options.

Message was edited by: invisiblebike

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Answer 5

Pedro

Level 2

460 points

Jan 10, 2010 11:08 AM in response to invisiblebike

You have not looked far enough. There is no format button on that first partition list screen. On that screen is a clickable link, something like Disk Options if I remember correctly. Use that to get to the Format function.

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Answer 6

Jan 10, 2010 11:15 AM in response to Pedro

Thanks! I'm kind of impatient, but I figured it out. 🙂

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