Installing Windows 7 on an External Thunderbolt SSD

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Installing Windows 7 on an External Thunderbolt SSD

I have an iMac 21,5" late 2012.

I want to install Windows 7 Professional Bootcamp on an External Thunderbolt SSD (Basic NTFS partition).

I tried the normal Bootcamp installation Guide but it wouldnt let me install on the external SSD drive.

I also tried using this guide http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7-to-usb-external-hard-drive-m ust-read/

But didnt work, probably because it's not for Mac users + not Thunderbolt.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thank you for reply!

Best Regards

Jonas

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), Windows 7

Posted on Dec 19, 2013 11:02 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

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Dec 19, 2013 11:04 AM in response to JonDfox

Window will not install on an external drive. Only on internal drives.

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Answer 2

JonDfox Author

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Dec 19, 2013 11:07 AM in response to Kappy

So if I get a hardware RAID Expansion Chassi via thunderbolt it still wont install?

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Answer 3

Kappy

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Dec 19, 2013 11:22 AM in response to JonDfox

Not unless you find some third-party utility for Windows that can modify the Windows installer so it will install on an external drive and boot from it.

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Answer 4

JonDfox Author

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Dec 19, 2013 11:41 AM in response to Kappy

Ive been digging in things like this for 2 weeks and im not really getting any wiser... i gotta have a word with tier2 tech support, see what they say

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Answer 5

JonDfox Author

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Dec 19, 2013 11:41 AM in response to Kappy

Not that I dont trust or is greatful for your reply, i can tell u know your things but i like to check around 🙂

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Answer 6

Kappy

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Dec 19, 2013 11:43 AM in response to JonDfox

Then call them. We are not Apple Tech Support. We are just users like yourself, and you are not speaking to Apple here.

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Answer 7

Kappy

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Dec 19, 2013 11:44 AM in response to JonDfox

No problem. I agree. I'm not a Windows expert by any means.

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Answer 8

JonDfox Author

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Dec 19, 2013 12:27 PM in response to Kappy

Well you were quick and simple, I like that. I've been trying to solve this for ages now, gonna have to go and buy a PC then, disgusts me, havent had a PC for years. But I have no other choice. Getting a PC will be cheaper than a possible solution anyway... 😟

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Answer 9

JonDfox Author

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Dec 19, 2013 12:29 PM in response to Kappy

I'm actually gonna try this guide one more time, the one I posted orgininally. But this time using USB and install it using a PC. Then connect thunderbolt and see if I can boot from it. I'm desperate as you prob can tell.. heh

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Answer 10

Kappy

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Dec 19, 2013 12:39 PM in response to JonDfox

Those third-party guides assume you are already using Windows. They may not work on the Mac unless you first install Windows using Boot Camp, then run Windows and do the external installation from the Windows system. Just a thought. And, there are many such guides not all of which will work.

Wish I could direct you to something proven, but I have not done this myself.

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Answer 11

JonDfox Author

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Dec 19, 2013 1:27 PM in response to Kappy

yeah thats what I tried with this guide, as I already have windows installed on the iMac but on the internal fusion drive (that doesnt work properly in Windows).

Thats why I want external SSDs booting windows when I edit videos (all my softwares are windows based).

Im gonna try a couple of more things, as I always say "there's gotta be a way!* hehe.

Ill be sure to post here IF I find a solution.

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Answer 12

Kappy

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Dec 19, 2013 1:36 PM in response to JonDfox

I suggest you first search the forums. Others have probably tried this. Some may even have succeeded. Rarely would something like this be in the "never tried before" category.

You can start with the More Like This list on the right side of this page.

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Answer 13

JonDfox Author

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Dec 20, 2013 3:41 PM in response to Kappy

I'm giving up, describing the compatibility between Mac/Windows/External Harddrives = USA/Russia/China, try to solve that.

I'm buying a PC, can anyone recommend me hardware and components for a PC designed for Video Editing + gaming?

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Answer 14

Apr 13, 2014 1:18 AM in response to JonDfox

I can boot Windows 7 from a Thunderbolt connected SSD. I achieved this by cloning the bootcamp partition on my internal SSD drive. I've documented my process here:https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6085191

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