Can't install Windows 8 x64 on late 2013 MBP with1TB SSD

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Level 1

4 points

Can't install Windows 8 x64 on late 2013 MBP with1TB SSD

Just got my new MBP and I'm trying to install Windows 8 using Bootcamp. I've tried using the DVD (with the thumb drive bootstrapper created by Bootcamp) and also an image written to the thumb drive by Bootcamp. In both cases, the install seems to go fine -- files copied, files "readied" (whatever that means) and so forth, all the way to 100%. Right after this step, though, the installation quits with the popup error message:

"Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed."

The installation quits right there, and tells me "The installation was canceled" and "Any changes to your computer won't be saved." Then it reboots.

I have tried repairing the installation using a Windows 8 repair disk, and I've tried (using the command prompt from the repair disk) to fix the MBR. Nothing works.

My best guess is that the x64 drivers for this model are not working properly, but I really have no idea. Searching the 'net has yielded nothing helpful. I suppose I'll have to bring it in to the Genius Bar, but I'd really rather save that couple of hours if I can avoid it.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9), Late 2013, 2.6 GHz, 1TB SSD

Posted on Oct 23, 2013 9:24 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 6, 2013 4:55 AM in response to skipsizemore

Thought I would add my experience, as I got Windows 8.1 to install with very little trouble.

I have a Windows 8.1 DVD. I unchecked all options during bootcamp installer except for the last one (to install Windows via DVD), using a USB bluray drive. I used a USB memory stick as required to hold the boot files, and created the windows partition through bootcamp.

The first attempt to install windows failed, with message that windows is unable to install on the drive. Upon rebooting machine was stuck at the grey screen. I rebooted with command-R held down, and ran the disk utility from the menu. I deleted the partition created to install windows, and did nothing else (no need to resize osx partition). I rebooted and held down command for boot menu. From the boot menu I selected EFI. I repeated the windows install and then created a partition with the empty space. I left the drive 0 partition 3 (619MB) untouched, and windows created two partitions one of which is 128MB. Windows 8.1 installation worked without any further problems.

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Answer 2

Oct 23, 2013 10:01 PM in response to skipsizemore

I have the same issue, did it been solved ?

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Answer 3

Nvius

Level 1

0 points

Oct 23, 2013 10:28 PM in response to skipsizemore

I'm having the same issue. The installation process gets all the way through from copying files to installation, but doesn't seem to ever get past finishing process. Very frustrating as I need Windows working ASAP.

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Answer 4

Oct 23, 2013 11:41 PM in response to Nvius

I just made a call with apple, they said they will transfer this issue to their tech team and microsoft...

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Answer 5

skipsizemore Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 24, 2013 9:45 AM in response to skipsizemore

I had a long call with them today, and they were very responsive. It looks like a new issue with Bootcamp or a driver. They've referred the case to the engineering team, and expect to call me back in the next week or so. I'll post anything I learn here.

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Answer 6

Oct 24, 2013 11:50 AM in response to skipsizemore

hi there,

Windows x64 8.0 should work (more or less) flawlessly. Only the new version 8.1 is currently not compatible with Bootcamp 5.x

So if you need an immediate solution you should stick to Windows 8.0 for the time being.

Hope this helps,

Chris

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Answer 7

Ataaa

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 12:03 PM in response to skipsizemore

I've got the same problem here but i went to Apple store they swapped the macbook for me . Just wondering because i've already gone through the intial steps for installing window but actually it hasn't been installed properly and now i have a new machine , will i be experiencing any problems in terms of activation ?

Please if somebody knows or even has a hunch , help me 🙂

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Answer 8

Ataaa

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 12:13 PM in response to Christian A. Burkert

I'm trying the install 8 not 8.1 !! Please don't throw your strong opinions when you're not sure about something 😉

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Answer 9

skipsizemore Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 24, 2013 12:58 PM in response to Christian A. Burkert

Thanks for the info! I'm actually attempting to install Windows 8.0. I used the very same disc, in fact, to install Windows 8 on my old MBP (early 2010 17", OS 10.8) just a couple of months ago. Both the Windows 8 install and the Windows 7 install previous to that went fine. It seems to me that the problem must exist either in the hardware drivers for the new MBP, or in the version of Bootcamp that ships with Mavericks. It could be in the hardware itself, but that seems unlikely.

As for activation, I have never had an issue with it; for this present install I can enter the "CD-Key", and that works fine, but I can't actually activate Windows because it never fully installs.

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Answer 10

Oct 24, 2013 6:59 PM in response to skipsizemore

Same here. Brand-new Retina MBP 15" Haswell 2.3GHz, trying to set up Windows 8 Pro (from full-version DVD on a USB SuperDrive) in Boot Camp in a 128GB partition; I enter my Windows key, then the installer spends a few minutes getting to 100% then it says:

"Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed."

At this point, whenever I would reboot my computer, it would come up a grey screen for a minute and then reboot again. I almost panicked, I though the Mac was dead, but then I remembered to hold down Option during boot and select the Mac partition, then use System Preferences to default to the Mac partition.

I guess we'll have to wait for a fix from Apple.

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Answer 11

skipsizemore Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 24, 2013 7:03 PM in response to Brian Kendig

Good that you remembered that! Yes, this is exactly identical to the issue I have seen. If you thought it might be different using an ISO to boot, I can save you the hassle -- same thing. 😉

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Answer 12

Oct 24, 2013 11:27 PM in response to skipsizemore

Same issue with late 2013 retina MBP. Windows 8 iso installs but then error is shown "Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed"

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Answer 13

Oct 25, 2013 1:28 AM in response to skipsizemore

Identical problem here - shame. I realise Boot Camp isn't Apple's highest priority, but you'd think they'd at least install the latest version of Windows on their new models before rolling them out. I can't imagine it's that difficult a fix, but will need Apple to update Boot Camp - may take a while. (Here's hoping I'm wrong.)

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Answer 14

ynot729

Level 1

0 points

Oct 25, 2013 5:49 AM in response to skipsizemore

I am having the same problem... Everything goes fine up untill the very last installation step "finishing up" and then the error message "windows could not update the computer's boot configuration" ... Trying to install windows 8.0 on a new MacBook Pro 15"

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Answer 15

Oct 25, 2013 8:56 AM in response to skipsizemore

Yup, same here, got home with my new 15" 2.3 Ghz MBPr and having the exact same issue. Not exactly the smoothest start. Here's hoping this isn't a hardware issue. Has anyone tried to install windows 7 on their new MBPr ????

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