Level 1

24 points

Cannot install Windows 7 32-bit using Boot Camp

I have one of the new iMacs (late 2012) and I can't install Windows 7 32-bit using Boot Camp. Whenever I try to being the installation using the Boot Camp Assistant, I always get the following message: "Need 64-bit Windows installation USB drive or DVD. Boot Camp only supports 64-bit Windows installation on this platform. Please use an USB drive or DVD which contains 64-bit Windows". I have successfully installed 32-bit Windows on my Macbook Pro that is running the same version of Mac OS X and Boot Camp, but I don't know why on this new iMac it doesn't allow me to. Apple's documentation states that I should be able to install either 32-bit and 64-bit without any problem, but this is not the case here. I can't find anything about this problem/error on the Internet either. HELP!!!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Dec 2, 2012 5:05 AM

27 replies

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Dec 3, 2012 12:12 PM in response to AidenT

AidenT wrote:

I guess you missed the part where I posted drivers from Intel and how you could find drivers from Apple's other Bootcamp installers.

There are workarounds.

But it's only a short term one unless Apple can be convinced to continue to support it.

Isn't it why Apple has a support discussion like this? So they can ascertain the needs of the community?

I did not miss that, it doesn't matter to me if you choose to use hacks or not, and I am tired of the constant complaint so I'm off, good luck.

AidenT

Level 1

5 points

Dec 3, 2012 12:21 PM in response to Csound1

At least I've tried to address the OP's queries. As opposed to harping on buying a PC.

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Dec 3, 2012 12:38 PM in response to AidenT

AidenT wrote:

At least I've tried to address the OP's queries. As opposed to harping on buying a PC.

And you have failed to provide a solution to the OP's problem while succesfully jacking the thread.

Very helpful of you.

AidenT

Level 1

5 points

Dec 3, 2012 12:51 PM in response to Csound1

I see you are back 🙂 And still with nothing new to add.

The OP can get Bootcamp to work on his iMac late 2012 with the workarounds I provided. I am not sure why you said it's not a solution.

I am not jacking the thread merely to address a longer term concern. At the moment, the same components in the late 2012 models can still can be found in older models which have the 32 bit drivers from Apple. But as Apple moves to different components where they don't provide 32 bit drivers even if the component OEM partner does, it would be IMHO a bad thing and well worth highlighting.

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Dec 3, 2012 1:02 PM in response to AidenT

AidenT wrote:

I see you are back 🙂 And still with nothing new to add.

The OP can get Bootcamp to work on his iMac late 2012 with the workarounds I provided. I am not sure why you said it's not a solution.

I am not jacking the thread merely to address a longer term concern. At the moment, the same components in the late 2012 models can still can be found in older models which have the 32 bit drivers from Apple. But as Apple moves to different components where they don't provide 32 bit drivers even if the component OEM partner does, it would be IMHO a bad thing and well worth highlighting.

Then why didn't you start your own post instead of jacking someone else's, you're a Troll, and your House is made of glass.

AidenT

Level 1

5 points

Dec 3, 2012 5:59 PM in response to Csound1

I'm not sure where you get your netiquette guidelines from but in most forums, you try not to create multiple threads for the same topic so the knowledge base or discussions on the same topic are not scattered. The general guideline is to search for similar topics and post in the relevant thread than to create the same newbie questions numerous times. And for the record, each time, I merely responded to queries and comments from you and other posters so if this discussion was dragged in a different direction, it was not of my choosing. That being said, getting Apple to identify the issue in the Apple support forums IMHO is not getting off topic.

It's easy to be looking from the outside and seeing no problems, if you aren't directly affected.

dioshy Author

Level 1

24 points

Dec 3, 2012 6:40 PM in response to mende1

Hi Mendel. First of all, Thx for trying to help. Yeah, installing a 64bit version would resolve the issue, but I strictly need 32bit for many reasons that are out of the scope of this thread. Anyway, Thx again for your help. Best wishes!

dioshy Author

Level 1

24 points

Dec 4, 2012 5:04 PM in response to AidenT

AidenT, thanks for your contribution to the thread. I didn't even think about the idea of mixing drivers from the installations of Windows on older Macs. As you pointed out, this could be a good work around, but I would rather prefer not to get into too much trouble fighting for things that don't work well, unless I am really forced to. I will keep your recommendation in my bag of tricks. Again, THANKS!!!

dioshy Author

Level 1

24 points

Dec 4, 2012 5:16 PM in response to Csound1

Csound1, thanks for taking time to contribute on my thread. I just have a few things to say: Why are you complaining about what other people comment while they are trying to help? No one is forced to submit a comment on any topic; if people do is because they want to help. If their contribution works, FINE; if it doesn't work, FINE TOO! There is no harm with sharing information or knowledge of any kind, regardless of the forum!!! Having said that, I think that AidenT's comments went straight to the heart of my discussion. I didn't find any of his comments being out of scope or off the topic. So, his contributions (great ideas) were more than welcomed and appreciated. On the other hand, you contributions didn't provide any solution, work around, or suggestion other than buying a PC (which is complete ouf ot the scope of this thread), and that we should go to 64-bit no matter what (which is out of the stop of the scope of this thread too). Besides attacking other people, your contributions didn't add any value to the discussion. But any way, your contributions were welcomed too and they were respected by the other contributors. I hope that you can start reasoning in a different way and stay focus on providing solutions for other users. Again, thanks.

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Dec 4, 2012 5:33 PM in response to dioshy

Try his suggestions for yourself before you comment on them, I have, have you? has he?

And frankly buying a PC is relevant, Windows runs best on PC's and they are cheap, I wouldn't waste time using Boot Camp, too many limitations, too many instabilities and an awful messy recovery when it goes wrong. Just operate the PC from the Mac, don't need a monitor or keyboard for it. $250 should cover it.

As you won't use 64 bit, and you can not use 32 bit what is the next alternative?

Jan 9, 2013 4:31 AM in response to Csound1

Hello Csound1

whats your point? Isn't your view a bit fundamentalistic? Its just a computer. I bought a Computer and i want it to run proper. You can't find any pre buying Information from apple that limits Boot Camp to 64bit. I don't understand apple. Why do they not support the 32bit Version? There is no technical need for this secret limitation. Thats really annoying and causes lots of trouble. And it is not fair play.

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Jan 9, 2013 8:10 AM in response to Wilfried13

Wilfried13 wrote:

Hello Csound1

whats your point? Isn't your view a bit fundamentalistic? Its just a computer. I bought a Computer and i want it to run proper. You can't find any pre buying Information from apple that limits Boot Camp to 64bit. I don't understand apple. Why do they not support the 32bit Version? There is no technical need for this secret limitation. Thats really annoying and causes lots of trouble. And it is not fair play.

As I was replying to another poster and know nothing of your issues I have no comment.

Why don't you ante up and start your own thread, they're free after all.

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Cannot install Windows 7 32-bit using Boot Camp