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jdhiro Author

Level 1

0 points

Windows 8.1 install fails on new 2013 Retina MacBook

I doubt there are many people out there who can help with this yet. I was able to pick up my 2013 Haswell Retina MacBook Pro from my local Apple store this morning (yay!), and so far everything has been stellar. However, I'm unable to install Windows 8.1 via Bootcamp. I have not tried Windows 8 or 7.

I've tried installing both via USB thumb drive, and via DVD on external SuperDrive, with the same results. I know that 2013 MacBook Airs have to install via UEFI so I've tried that as well. What I've tried:

Booting into UEFI:

- After creating the partition in Bootcamp, I boot holding OPTION

- At the boot selection screen I select "EFI BOOT"

- I go through all the motions, including formatting the BOOTCAMP partition

- After all the files have been copied, I get a message that "Windows cannot update the boot partition and that my progress won't be saved" (not the exact message).

Booting via BIOS:

- After creating the partition in Bootcamp, I boot holding OPTION

- At the boot selection screen I pick "WINDOWS"

- When I get to the partition selection/formatting screen it won't let me proceed, when I expand the error message it tells me that partition can't be used because it has a GPT partition table.

So, I'm stuck =( Any ideas?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Oct 23, 2013 8:56 PM

602 replies

jdhiro Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 1:59 PM in response to WestCoast.

I'd you use EFI BOOT or WINDOWS?

Oct 24, 2013 2:00 PM in response to jdhiro

It has to be done through EFI boot, Windows will not work outside of the UEFI enviroment on a Mac.

jdhiro Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 2:12 PM in response to WestCoast.

I tried formatting NTFS with the Tuxera trial first this time, and it still doesn't work =\ Same error =(

jarvil

Level 1

15 points

Oct 24, 2013 2:57 PM in response to WestCoast.

This is using Bootcamp which reboots you straight into the install screen. When you finish the install you get the error in the original post.

KenEE

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 4:58 PM in response to jdhiro

FYI - Windows 7 Ultimate installed without a hitch with all the drivers and looks FANTASTIC. I thought I would *need* 8.1 because of the hi rez, but everything is perfect. If anything text and icons are slightly bigger than on my 15.4" 1440x900 mbp running win7u, except everything is razor sharp! me likey 🙂

Oct 24, 2013 5:01 PM in response to KenEE

Do you have the 750m gfx card?

KenEE

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 5:20 PM in response to avalanche208

yep and bootcamp/assistant installed the nvidia driver for it.

jdhiro Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 7:01 PM in response to KenEE

Interesting. I'm going to try installing Win7 via Bootcamp and then upgrading to Win8.

Oct 24, 2013 7:24 PM in response to jdhiro

I thought we may need to tackle the similar issue when upgrade to windows 8, I will try it now

Oct 24, 2013 7:24 PM in response to KenEE

thx for your sharing ~

jdhiro Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 7:34 PM in response to jdhiro

Attempt #1: Installing Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 via DVD unsuccessful. Windows gets to the first screen of the setup application and the machine freezes. I'm trying via USB flash drive now...

Novawave

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 7:37 PM in response to jdhiro

Can confirm WestCoast's solution works! Error went away after formatting bootcamp partition with tuxera, rebooting in to UEFI, formatting again in the installer. Nothing else plugged into to mac, and bluetooth off.