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Q: Installing windows on second internal drive

I've just started taking a course in datamatics, and therefore I need to get my hands on a windows computer for class. I currently own a 13" 2011 Ultimo MacBook Pro

 

I have previously changed my old HDD with a SDD, for better performance and with great results. Instead of buying a new computer as resolution, i figured i can buy second SSD and a SSD-adapter to replace my super-/disc- drive(*). Basically i thought, that I could install the new SSD, and download Windows 8.1 from Microsoft's online store, and install that on the new SSD. But i am beginning to worry, if I am going to run into any complications with the installation of Windows. If I download windows on my "old" SSD, will it not be able to install on the new one? Or is Bootcamp just gonna consider the two SSD's as one, and not have a problem transferring the installation package between the two of them?

 

*The SSD-adaptor included an external superdrive-casing that ultimately turn my disc drive into an USB-device. check the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221251367597?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m149 7.l2648

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Sep 17, 2014 10:57 AM

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Q: Installing windows on second internal drive

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  • by C. Arnold,

    C. Arnold C. Arnold Sep 17, 2014 11:07 AM in response to Fskot5
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Sep 17, 2014 11:07 AM in response to Fskot5

    Here's what I found in Boot Camp help:

     

    When you’re asked to create a Windows partition, specify a partition size. If you have multiple hard drives in your computer, you can select a different hard drive and create a single partition on that drive, so that the drive is solely used for Windows.

    Note: You can’t resize the partition later.

     

    Retrieved from: https://help.apple.com/bootcamp/mac/5.0/help/#apdecf0e4b6-b472-438d-881e-57c230b 1c250

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Sep 17, 2014 12:56 PM in response to Fskot5
    Level 7 (24,596 points)
    Safari
    Sep 17, 2014 12:56 PM in response to Fskot5

    There are a few Macs which come with a second disk (SSD/HDD). These are Mac mini and MacPro. Bootcamp Assistant understand the configuration of the Mac and possible combinations. If you replace the Optical drive and use an Optibay adapter and an SSD instead, Bootcamp assistant will not use the second SSD to install windows, because for that specific Mac model, the original configuration is a single HDD/SSD, not two.

     

    The second issue with this configuration is due to the SSD and SATA speed differences between the Optical drive and SSDs. SATA III SSDs do not work well in the Optibay. This causes a lot of pain during Bootcamp/Windows installation.

     

    The only solution that works is by using an SSD/HDD in the main bay (without a second drive installed. Leave the optical drive in instead, because most Macs with an Optical drive require a DVD with few exceptions as documented in Boot Camp 5.1: Frequently asked questions - the ISO question) and then moving it to the Optibay, and installing a second SSD in the main bay. Please see Unable to Install Windows 8 on secondary Hard Disk for details.

     

    I suggest leaving the original configuration intact, install Bootcamp, and then move the disk containing Bootcamp to Optibay. Please be aware that SATA speed issues should be addressed before an SSD is bought. There are few SSDs that can work with SATA I/2/3 (Samsung 840 Pro being one, but not the EVO line, which has its own firmware challenges).

     

    In the case of Mac mini with Fusion drives (or two HDDs), Bootcamp will only address the second drive, and will not install properly on the SSD/first HDD. The workaround to use the SSD requires buying Winclone.

     

    In the case of MacPro, the only drive which should be in the MacPro (Generation 1) is the designated drive, all other drives should be removed prior to Windows installation. Please see Re: How to install Windows 7 on extra Internal Disk.

     

    You can start a new thread if you want to try the Bootcamp installation in the original configuration and then move disks.