Enlarging the Windows partition on my iMac for Windows 7

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Enlarging the Windows partition on my iMac for Windows 7

I have a 24" iMac, late 2007, with Windows XP Pro on an 80GB partition. I can't afford a new computer, so I am intending to update the Windows side with Windows 7 Home Premium. Games are the main reason for the Windows partition in the first place, and that's why I chose 80GB, which was a decent size way back when. Now I want to enlarge the Windows partition and install Windows 7 Home Premium so that I can play newer games (will Fallout 4 EVER be released???). This will also mean that when Windows 10 is released, it will be a free upgrade for me. I will probably also replace one of the two 2GB memory sticks with a 4GB one (for a total of 6GB of memory).

From what I've read I understand that even though I have a 64 bit processor on my iMac, I can only install a 32 bit version of Windows 7. If this is correct, what is the reason for that?

It also looks as if (after backing up all files, apps, etc. on the Windows partition to an External HD) I will have to erase that partition, and create a new partition (100GB seems like it will be enough), then install Windows 7 on that new partition.

If I could, I'd take my Mac to an authorized Apple service center and have them do the work for me, but I will have to do it myself.

From what I've said above, does it seem as if I understand what I need to do?

Any help/comments/suggestions are appreciated.

Ruth Brown

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3), XP Pro w/Boot Camp

Posted on Jun 3, 2015 3:27 PM

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Answer 1

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Jun 3, 2015 6:48 PM in response to Ruth Brown1

Based on System requirements to install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp - Apple Support, you have the 24-in mid-2007 iMac (as there is no Late 2007 model). Win7 32-bit is highest you can upgrade your windows to.

iMac (Mid 2007) - Technical Specifications says you have an Intel Core 2 Duo which will support 64-bit, but your peripherals may not support 64-bit drivers or 64-bit registers. You are on the cusp of the 32-bit to 64-bit transition.

Back up your current Windows installation. Be careful with differences between backup/restore on XP with W7 backup/restore. You should consider two backups. One using the Backup Restore and a second separate backup using copy to copy files to an external disk.

After you have back ups, use Set up a Windows partition on your Mac - Apple Support and specifically the Remove the Partition section. Use only BC Assistant to remove Windows, any other utility will cause problems.

One you have removed XP Pro, use How to install Windows using Boot Camp - Apple Support to install Windows. Your model must have a fully functional Optical drive (CD/DVD drive). If it is not working, I suggest keeping Windows XP intact.

Please see the following links for additional information.

Boot Camp 5.1: Frequently asked questions - Apple Support

https://help.apple.com/bootcamp/mac/5.0/help/#/bcmp173b3bf2

The Community resources are next best thing after an Apple Service Center. 😉.

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