Install Windows 7 on a Mid 2010 Mac mini using USB or SD media?

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Install Windows 7 on a Mid 2010 Mac mini using USB or SD media?

Is is possible to install Windows 7 on a Mid 2010 Mac mini using USB or SD media? I have not figured this out. Here's what I have observed:

I can install OS X Lion using USB or SD media. Both are detected in the boot menu, and will boot.

An SD card with Windows 7 installation files formatted MBR/FAT32 using diskpart appears (with an SD card icon) in the boot menu but when selected as a boot device, the boot fails and the existing OS X instance on the Macintosh HD starts. A USB stick formatted as described does not appear in th boot menu at all.

An SD card or a USB stick formatted as described will boot on a Mid 2011 MacBook Air, and can be used to install Windows 7.

Is this due to EFI differences between a Mid 2010 Mac mini and a Mid 2011 MacBook Air?

Thanks.

Mac mini

Posted on Jul 28, 2011 5:50 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 29, 2011 1:57 PM in response to sejong1

The Mac Mini Mid 2010 has a DVD player built in, you can startup and install from a Windows 7 DVD. The Mac Mini Mid 2011 does not have a DVD player built in. I am happy that in new computers I can make use of an USB-stick to install Windows 7. Windows 7 uses MBR and Mac OS X uses EFI and that is why it was not possible on a Mac Mini Mid 2010. I think the EFI on a Mac Mini Mid 2011 is different.

I should like a firmware update on my Mac Mini Mid 2010 if possible. In that case I could choose between DVD or USB stick if I want to install Windows 7.

I also have a FireWire CF Card Reader. I think it is not possible to install Windows 7 via FireWire too.

I do have an external USB HD with 2 partitions: Mac OS X 10.6.8 and Windows 7, but is is not possible to start up Windows 7 from the external HD. It is possible to start up Mac OS X 10.6.8 from the external HD on a Mac Mini Mid 2010.

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Answer 2

sejong1 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 29, 2011 2:08 PM in response to Ton Haarmans

Thanks for your reply. I should have been clearer in my original post that I was referring to a server version of the Mid 2010 Mac mini, which lacks an optical drive. You are correct that the non-server version allow for installling Windows from optical media. The method I have used up until now is a USB-connected optical drive.

I also agree a firmware update for Mid 2010 Mac minis to allow for installing Windows from USB stick or SD card would be good.

It's interesting that the Mid 2010 Mac mini does allow for installing OS X Lion from USB stick or SD card though. Maybe someone can explain why this is so.

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