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MacBook Air 2013 Windows 7 freezes during installation

Hi there,


I have a new MacBook Air Mid 2013, 13" model (UK region) and am trying to install Windows 7 (via bootcamp) as a second OS.


When holding down 'Alt' and selecting my Windows boot DVD, everything goes OK but it freezes on the inital user input screen (Language selection). Using the same procedure, and same DVD in a Retina MBP, it works OK.


Anyone else seeing this behaviour / have any suggestions?

Posted on Jun 13, 2013 5:30 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 13, 2013 8:25 AM

It turns out this isn't a freeze, but rather the Keyboard and Mouse are unresponsive in the Windows Installer.


It seems when initially re-booting in to the Windows Installer process *DIRECTLY* from BootCamp assistant, the Keyboard and Mouse DO work, however after any subsequent restart, the Keyboard and Mouse are not recognised (such as the restart half-way through installation of Windows 7). External, USB Keyboards and Mice are not recognised either.


So it seems like some firmware glitch perhaps where Bootcamp assistant is setting something when changing the startup disk that otherwise doesn't get set. Most likely this relates to the Haswell chipset in the new MB Air.

87 replies

Jan 26, 2014 12:42 AM in response to khsaechao

Had the same problem, tried everything, but only khsaechao solution worked.


"- Put a copy of windows 64 bit iso on desktop

- Ran bootcamp wizard and selected create boot disk and download latest software (not sure exact wording but you get the idea)

- Ran bootcamp wizard again and only selected downloaded latest software

- Ran bootcamp wizard again and choose install windows"


I have also read that newer Mac Air's need to have the USB boot disk on the left hand side (some change in the USB ports). I ended up having to unparition the drive and then rerun boot camp and install windows as it still wouldn't work if I held option down and selected the windows boot USB disk.


Thanks

May 11, 2014 9:40 PM in response to Codeus

Here's how to fix the problem.



Macbook air 2011 freeze fix



1. Install Windows using Boot camp on battery power (AC adapter unplugged).

2. After the installation, right click on the power icon.

3. Click More power options

4. Click change plan settings for the balanced plan

5. Click change Advanced power settings

6. Select "PCI Express"

7. Selct Link state power management

8. Change Plugged in from Moderate to OFF.



Done! No more crashing. Now you can plug in your AC adapter.

May 15, 2014 6:46 AM in response to Codeus

Hi Everyone


I just purchased the new MacBook Pro 15" with Retina display, so far spent the last 10 hours trying to install windows 7 Ultimate.


I have to say my situation is a little different as I like in my previous MacBooks I install windows on the first partition so I can encrypt the windows system drive, it works like a dream on the old laptops but this USB3 is messing up everything... I dont think that the fact that I am trying to install it on the first drive makes any difference in this conversation.


I read all pages of this thread numeros times, I really tried everything and I still cant get any pad or keyboard controls when Windows starts up after the Restart:


1. I made the windows start up disk with the help of BootCamp on a USB drive and merged the windows ISO file togther with the bootcamp drivers - Didnt work.

2. I tried it from both USB Ports (both sides of the computer) - Didnt work

3. I tried having the windows startup disk on 1 usb port and the drivers (autounattend.xml and the 2 folders they come with) on another USB storage on another port - Didnt work

4. I tried another version of windows - Didnt work

5. I tried (i didnt understand the logic) to download the drivers again and merge them into the USB drive - Didnt work.

6. I tried another type of storage disks with no luck either.


I need the keyboard or mouse to complete the windows installation, how do i get that in another hacky way?


Thank you.

May 17, 2014 11:39 AM in response to ensu1

Hi Ensu1


Hours of work and I am getting close but not there yet.


I understand how to mount the drivers, I think my problem is that I dont have the correct drivers, from this link the download link doesnt work - http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/35429-Could-someone-help-to-extract-the -Microsoft-s-generic-USB-3-0-drivers-for-me/page2


any ideas which exact drivers would work?


much appreciated and best weekend.

Jun 1, 2014 12:11 PM in response to raamar

Hey,


i had the same thing as you with my macbook pro R 13in stoping at 65%


TRY this it worked for me!!!


1- go to this link and download the new windows 7 iso (its free) the link for the download is in blue. http://techsavvystuff.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/issue-2-no-device-drivers-found.htm l


2 - Once u have installed windows 7 tho bootcamp, You need to find a Torrent file called (windows LOADER 2.2.2 by daz) install LOADER 2.2.2 by daz on the windows. the loader will restart the computer and your windows shold be Activated!!!!


hope this helps.

it worked for me.

Jun 16, 2014 7:49 PM in response to videocd

I did that option before, and it was working. But my problem now is I'm following this guy's steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGPO9-7dJZA and he does not use bootcamp to install Windows. His keyboard & mouse is working during the installation, but mine's not. 😕 Is it my Windows problem or my USB problem? Just let me know if u have any ideas. Don't worry, I still have Windows 7 installed through bootcamp because I need to use it for some of my programs atm.


My specs:


MBA 13' Mid 13, running OS X Mountain Lion, fully updated

128GB ,4GB of RAM


My goal : Removing Mac and install Windows completely.

My problem: Keyboard & mouse does not work when install Win 7 manually


Thanks.

MacBook Air 2013 Windows 7 freezes during installation

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