Bootcamp no device drivers found (Windows 7 64-bit)

Question

Level 1

8 points

Bootcamp no device drivers found (Windows 7 64-bit)

Hello,

I am desperately trying to install Windows 7 64-bit on my mid-2011 MacBook Pro, on a 100g partition made by Bootcamp.

My Macbook is using the latest Mavericks update OSX.

I am using a Windows 7 .iso trial downloaded from Microsoft DigitalRiver and am using the Bootcamp 5.1.5621, as advised by Apple staff on this website.os

I have an official and working Microsoft Windows activation code with which to activate the trial, once installed.

However, first of all, Bootcamp 5.1 fails to recognize the .iso file. So I burned the .iso to a DVD. I have downloaded the latest Bootcamp Windows Support drivers (as said, 5.1.5621) onto a fully functional and accessible USB drive, which is MS-DOS FAT formatted and inserted in the USB port the whole time.

Now Bootcamp detects Windows 7 on the DVD and starts the installation procedure. Macbook resets, Windows starts installing.

And then, after selecting language and OK'ing 'Install', I get the dreaded Windows Explorer screen informing me that 'No device driver has been found'. In the directories on the USB, I flip through all the files but no .exe or other executables are encountered.

As far as I can see, I'm doing everything by the book. So why isn't the book working?

Looking forward to your advice.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011), OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), Windows 7 64-bit / Bootcamp Support

Posted on Oct 13, 2014 4:48 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 13, 2014 8:37 PM in response to kajleers

1. The USB needs to be USB2 not USB3.

2. From Boot Camp: System requirements for Microsoft Windows operating systems

Requirements for all Windows installations

In order to install Microsoft Windows using Boot Camp, you need the following:

An Internet connection
An administrator account in OS X to use Boot Camp Assistant
The keyboard and mouse or trackpad that came with your Mac (If they aren’t available, use a USB keyboard and mouse)
A minimum of 2 GB of RAM, 30 GB of free disk space are recommended if you are installing Windows for the first time, or 40 GB of free disk space if you are upgrading from a previous version of Windows
An authentic Microsoft Windows full install disc or ISO file
A built-in optical drive, or a compatible external optical drive is required if you are using an install disc
8 GB USB storage device, or external drive formatted as MS-DOS (FAT) to install the downloaded drivers

3. From Boot Camp 5.1: Frequently asked questions

Can I use a downloaded (ISO) version of Windows with Boot Camp?

MacBook Air (Mid 2011 and later), MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 and later, including Retina models), Mac mini (Mid 2011 and later), and iMac (Late 2012) can install downloaded (ISO) versions of Windows 7 and 8.

Reply

Answer 2

kajleers Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 14, 2014 1:32 AM in response to Loner T

You mean to say that Apple has made something that is perfectly simple impossible.

They really are the new IBM.

I guess I should have known. Thanks for this.

Reply

Answer 3

ReMacs

Level 2

295 points

Oct 14, 2014 3:57 AM in response to kajleers

If you got Windows installed, and can not run the Bootcamp Setup from USB, you could copy it to a CD-RW etc. in Mac, then run from there after booting to Windows. Press Option Key at the Bong sound - select Windows drive.

I keep Bootcamp drivers in Windows 7 64 Bit disk partition and have used same for Windows 8.1 and now Windows 10 (Tech Preview) all on a separate drive bootcampedin Mac Pro. I like free Windows 10 which runs "Divinity II" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccMKHVWPoCY) better than W 7 or 8. Rumour has it that 10 will be cheaper than previous releases.

For starters, get Windows 7 AntiVirus protection is http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/microsoft-security-essentials.aspx
and get the Mail, Movie Maker etc. here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows-live/essentials

Reply

Answer 4

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 14, 2014 6:00 AM in response to kajleers

kajleers wrote:

They really are the new IBM.

They now have a partnership for Business with IBM. 😉 Poor Jobs must be very unhappy with what he sees from his lofty perches up in the sky. It is good for Apple shareholders though.

Reply

Answer 5

kajleers Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2014 7:03 AM in response to Loner T

But hey, LonerT, I burned the .iso to a DVD. So now I have a full normal DVD with an official Windows 7 64 on it but that's still no dice with Apple?

Reply

Answer 6

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 18, 2014 7:26 AM in response to kajleers

If your MBP has a built-in Optical drive (or originally had one), Windows DVD should be used to install. The drivers on the USB are installed later.

Using Bootcamp Assistant, after you check the "Install Windows" box, what do you get? A black screen with a hanging cursor, or does the installer come up?

Reply

Answer 7

kajleers Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2014 8:13 AM in response to Loner T

I get the Windows Explorer-based Windows install screen, then it starts looking for the device drivers (Bootcamp files) on the USB and tells me that it couldn't find the necessary boot files. So: 'No device driver has been found'

That. When I click on the USB-disk in the Windows Explorer-screen, I can rummage through all the directories but it simply doesn't find anything. No setup.exe, no nothing, no executables or .bat -- even though I can see they're there when opening the USB-drive in Mac Finder...

See the pics below. Bootcamp files from Bootcamp 5.1.2641 as per instructed by Apple.

Reply

Answer 8

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 18, 2014 8:32 AM in response to kajleers

The JIveServer has challenges for images. Can you post links to the images via an external image sharing service? I use IMGUR, but you can use any service your are comfortable with.

Can you please provide the exact model of your MBP? The Model Identifier would be wonderful.

Reply

Answer 9

kajleers Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2014 9:02 AM in response to Loner T

Wow man... Now this too. LOLOLOL. Apple blocks links to Google Drive... Anyone in the whole world can see these links, but I can't post them here. OK. Going to have to sign up for some service.

Does this work?

http://i.imgur.com/iudIKzz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1ZbHXfi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RvtmS8b.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1KiWITS.jpg

Here is the screenshot of the Support & Coverage page of Apple, where I entered my serial number to find the Model:

http://i.imgur.com/i4K4UeK.png

Reply

Answer 10

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 18, 2014 9:07 AM in response to kajleers

The images work (I used the 'dry' links). There are Early 2011 MBPs and Late 2011 MBPs, but no Mid-2011 MBPs, hence my confusion.

According to Boot Camp Support Software 5.1.5621 this is what you should have on your USB. Since your KVM drivers work, because the installer starts successfully, it is strange that there is a driver lookup. SATA should already be in the firmware. Do you have an SSD in your MBP?

System Requirements

MacBook Air (11-inch & 13-inch, Mid 2011)
MacBook Air (11-inch & 13-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (15-inch & 17-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, & 15-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch,15-inch & 17-inch Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch & 15-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch and 15-inch, Early 2013)
Mac Pro (Early 2009)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010)
Mac Pro (Mid 2012)
Mac mini (Mid 2011)
Mac mini (Late 2012)
iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
iMac (21.5-inch & 27-inch, Mid 2011)
iMac (21.5-inch & 27-inch, Late 2012)
iMac (21.5-inch) Early 2013
Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, 64 bit

Reply

Answer 11

kajleers Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2014 9:30 AM in response to Loner T

Yes I do. Crucial M100 512G SSD.

Reply

Answer 12

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 18, 2014 9:37 AM in response to kajleers

This is a silly question but has the Windows Installer come to point of asking where to install Windows, or is this driver question before that question?

Reply

Answer 13

kajleers Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2014 9:58 AM in response to Loner T

There are no silly questions at this point...

So, what happens from the moment I switch off and turn the MBP back on, the following sequence happens.

I have the USB in its port and Windows 7 DVD in the drive.

- I press ALT. Then I get the option to boot from my SSD, a repair boot, Windows CD or EFI Boot. I select Windows.

- The screen turns black, the DVD kicks into action.

- On the top left of the screen, I briefly see an underscore flickering.

- Then new screen. I see the Windows install bar running from left to right.

- The standard blue Windows background comes on. A short text says 'Starting up'.

- Then that text is replaced by a button: 'Install now'. I click that. It does not ask me about a location where to install.

- The screen turns black again. Takes some time.

- And then the screens I've shown you come on.

Reply

Answer 14

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Oct 18, 2014 10:10 AM in response to kajleers

Can I suggest a silly little ritual? Please have the USB and DVD plugged in, run Boot Camp Assistant, Click the last option - "Install Windows" and see what happens.

Reply

Answer 15

kajleers Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2014 11:07 AM in response to Loner T

Well it's downloading drivers first and like the first time, it's taking its sweet time about it.

Reply