How to install windows without the cd drive?

Question

Level 1

5 points

How to install windows without the cd drive?

Hello,

I have a 2009 iMac that I want to install Windows 7 on. I have both a Windows 7 iso and a Windows 7 DVD. However, my cd drive is a mess, and upon trying to install Windows 7 from the DVD, the installation failed miserably 3 times at expanding windows files 0%. From there it just freezes for more than an hour and then gives me an error.

Now, my Bootcamp Assistant has an option to create a windows 7 install disk, but unfortunately it is greyed out.

My question to you guys: Is it possible to install Windows 7 on the iMac without using the cd drive?
I am using Lion, if that is helpful. Also, the Windows 7 DVD works fine, as I have already installed Windows on my 2011 iMac from it.

Thanks!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Dec 25, 2011 2:16 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 25, 2011 2:28 AM in response to techbul

An iso is a virtual copy of a DVD. Simply mount the iso and pretend it is a disk. It's been a few months since I had a Mac, so I don't remember for certain, but you may need to download software to mount a .iso file. I will look this up and update this topic. If you have any questions, just post a reply.

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Answer 2

Dec 25, 2011 2:35 AM in response to Mad Guitar

I looked it up, and OSX is able to mount .iso files on its own.

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Answer 3

techbul Author

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5 points

Dec 25, 2011 2:37 AM in response to Mad Guitar

Yes, it is able to mount .iso files on its own, but the Windows .iso contains a .exe file and it is not possible to run it directly from the Mac. I've already tried several times to make a USB boot with Windows, but it is impossible.

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Answer 4

Dec 25, 2011 2:47 AM in response to techbul

After further research, I have found that it is absolutely necessary to use a DVD. My best recommendation is to use an external drive to read the DVD.

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Answer 5

techbul Author

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5 points

Dec 25, 2011 2:50 AM in response to Mad Guitar

That doesn't work either, unfortunatelly. From what I have read, Apple no longer supports Windows installation from on external DVD drive...

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Answer 6

Dec 25, 2011 2:55 AM in response to techbul

I'm sorry about that. The only other option I can think of is to have your drive repaired/replaced. There may be other ways though, so I would keep this topic open. I am going to bed now. When I wake up, I will see if I can help you more if your issue is still unresolved.

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Answer 7

techbul Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 25, 2011 3:30 AM in response to Mad Guitar

Yes, I know that. But I really don't want to go there just to have Windows on my Mac. There should be some sort of workaround. Thanks for your help, and I will wait for more suggestions.

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Answer 8

M.B

Level 1

70 points

Dec 25, 2011 3:53 AM in response to techbul

Although not using BootCamp, I believe Parallels Desktop allows the installation of Windows from an ISO file.

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Answer 9

techbul Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 25, 2011 4:10 AM in response to M.B

Yes it does. But I want to boot from Windows alone and not use it at the same time with Mac OS X. Isn't there any solution at all?

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Answer 10

Dec 25, 2011 8:09 AM in response to techbul

Have you tried running the DVD player application, then mounting the .iso? That apparently works with movies on .iso, so I'd say it's worth a shot.

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Answer 11

Dec 26, 2011 8:39 AM in response to techbul

If you use Boot Camp and Parallels, you CAN boot into just Windows without running the MacOS. Just hold down the option key during startup and it will allow you to choose which OS you want to startup in.

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Answer 12

Dec 26, 2011 3:29 PM in response to techbul

In your 2011 iMac, go to your sharing settings, and share your dvd drive. This should work. Be sure to register the shared drive as a dvd drive on your 2009 iMac.

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Answer 13

Dec 31, 2011 1:20 AM in response to techbul

theres another way you can take out your hard drive, put it in your imac, and install bootcamp there, thats the best thing, you can boot any mac hdd in any mac..

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Answer 14

rackity

Level 1

14 points

Oct 12, 2013 1:06 PM in response to techbul

I'm in a similar situation. Attending an online university and I need to use Access. But of course, Microsoft doesn't make a Mac version. I can get Windows through the university discount program, but only as a downloadable .iso file and a verification key. My drive works fine, I just don't have an actual CD/DVD to put in there.

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