Bootcamp demands windows CD... but no optical drive...

Question

Bootcamp demands windows CD... but no optical drive...

I'm running into an annoying problem. I'm trying to run bootcamp to install windows7 (yes I have a fully lisenced copy of Windows 7 x64, full install version) However when I run the bootcamp assistant, it says "Please insert your windows 7 install disc and wait for it to be recognized" --- my Superdrive is dead (and honestly I have no real desire to pay to repair it since I practically never use an optical drive anymore) so I plugged in my Win7 Install USB (made using the official MS Windows 7 USB Install tool) and even though the USB shows up and can be opened (and even shows the same logo as the intstall DVD) Bootcamp still demands I "Please Insert your windoes 7 install disc (...)"

I know it can be done using the USB - I had a friend with a Retina Macbook that had no optical drive and I installed it for him using a USB without a problem - what do I need to do to get my MBP (MC372LL/A) to let me proceed using the USB? (Or is it hardwired so I'll have to go borrow a USB-DVD drive from somone?)

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Apr 30, 2014 1:35 AM

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Answer 1

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Apr 30, 2014 6:32 AM in response to Ashton_Durkhun

I know it can be done using the USB - I had a friend with a Retina Macbook that had no optical drive and I installed it for him using a USB without a problem - what do I need to do to get my MBP (MC372LL/A) to let me proceed using the USB? (Or is it hardwired so I'll have to go borrow a USB-DVD drive from somone?)

If your Mac has an optical drive fitted you must use it to install Windows, if not (like a Retina) you must use USB.

You can try with an external DVD drive, but it does not always work.

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Answer 2

Apr 30, 2014 6:15 AM in response to Ashton_Durkhun

I may have a solution but, it's a definitely a "try it at your own risk" solution. I believe you can bypass Boot Camp altogether by using disk utility to create your partition, After you have created your partition with the a format that is supported by windows. Restart your Mac and while the USB stick is inserted hold down the alt/options key and at this point you should be able to see your USB drive and proceed with the Windows installation process.

If this is successful, be extremely careful at which partition you choose to install windows on. Don't accidentally overwrite OS X. double check every step.

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