User profile for user: Fidelity
Fidelity Author
User level: Level 1
36 points

Can't install windows outside of EFI boot

I'm trying to (re)install windows on my 2012 MacBook Pro and can't get it to boot outside of EFI mode (which causes problems with graphics and audio drivers as well as stability in general). I've tried burning DVDs, USBs through bootcamp and the terminal DD method, and both Windows 8.1 and 10 x64 images. I've tried wiping the disk and destroying the GPT table, manually setting a protective MBR, installing on a second partition -- everything I could think of.


I can't reset the PRAM / SMC on my computer since I'm using an external keyboard with a damaged internal one (or, more correctly, a damaged connector on the logic board).


Does anyone have any tips? The install works once every so many months and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong at all other times to make the computer freeze at boot.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9), Mid 2012 15" 9,1

Posted on Jan 7, 2016 1:29 PM

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9 replies
User profile for user: my ginger
my ginger
User level: Level 5
4,948 points

Jan 7, 2016 2:11 PM in response to Fidelity

When using an external keyboard the key commands for pram reset and smc reset work the same as with internal. I have done so on a Macbook using an external keyboard. As to booting in EFI mode. Are you saying you go to a screen with writing and text displayed? That is single user. When using bootcamp to install window. It does everything for you. It sets MBR and the partition. Is your copy of windows a full install or an upgrade? Is it bootable?

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User profile for user: steve359
steve359
User level: Level 6
17,197 points

Jan 7, 2016 2:45 PM in response to my ginger

Best action, my ginger, is to just leave this thread. I doubt you have much to offer the OP because the OP is trying to do something few actually implement ... "only Windows" instead of BootCamp along with an OSX install so Apple can provide hardware patches. Even the experts in Bootcamp will be challenged by this.


@OP:


Most people do not completely delete the OSX partition, for the simple reason that Apple provides minor updates that come through OSX. my ginger is advising you the best possible, and has not directly insulted you. You are saying your MBP has a broken keyboard/logicboard link and needs to be reset to this configuration every couple of months.


Few can help you. Maybe the Bootcamp forum has people who mainly look in that forum and may be better able to assist. If you wish I will request this thread be relocated.

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User profile for user: Fidelity
Fidelity Author
User level: Level 1
36 points

Jan 7, 2016 2:52 PM in response to steve359

Thanks for the reply, Steve. I'm actually ok with installing under boot camp; I formatted the drive and destroyed the partition map in an attempt to see if it was causing the boot loader to fail (under the assumption that it was failing when trying to get a list of partitions on the main hard drive). Unless I use EFI mode, it fails every single time, automated bootcamp install included (where it hangs at "booting from boot camp assistant created drive" or a cursor if I use either the internal DVD drive or an external one).


You are right about posting under the boot camp forum -- I forgot that it existed. I appreciate that you're willing to help, but how do I pester the mods? I'd prefer to know how should I post in the wrong in the wrong place in the future (something which is more likely than I'd prefer to admit).

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User profile for user: Loner T
Loner T
User level: Level 9
59,586 points

Jan 7, 2016 7:44 PM in response to Fidelity

I have a 13-in 2012 MBP, which has a Hybrid MBR W8.1 installation, and I have not run into any issues in terms of installation, so far. It is my El Capitan/W8.1 test machine, which has been wiped and rebuilt numerous times.

Unless I use EFI mode, it fails every single time, automated bootcamp install included (where it hangs at "booting from boot camp assistant created drive" or a cursor if I use either the internal DVD drive or an external one).

1. You need to ensure your USB is a USB2 flash drive, if you are using the USB Installer. A USB3 does not work due to lack USB3 drivers in W7/W8.1 installers.

2. The W10 installation on 2012 Macs use the EFI partition to store BCD and Boot files. Even though your Mac is a preUEFI, this 'kludge' is used to install W10 in EFI Mode (only for W10).

3. Dual-GPU Macs have other challenges with EFI boot on 2012.

4. If your Mac has a built-in Optical drive, an external Optical drive cause more issues (black screens).

5. The CSM-BIOS layer proper exposes the embedded Cirrus devices, while EFI on 2012 does not.

7. W8.1 works much better on 2012 MBPs in legacy BIOS/MBR mode. I would not recommend an EFI install.


Could this be an issue with device enumeration? Would getting the firmware flashed help at all?

A SMC/NVRAM reset should be usually be executed without any external devices (storage and peripherals alike). You have a special situation that the built-in keyboard is damaged. The built-in keyboard uses the internal USB bus, while your external USB keyboard is using an external connector. You have only one source of SMC and EFI, which is Apple. If you want to write your own FW, it is a long and arduous journey.

The install works once every so many months and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong at all other times to make the computer freeze at boot.

This indicates a loose connection between the KBD and LB, which is intermittent. Apple Hardware Test may show it that way. You may want to re-seat it and see if it addresses the KBD issue. I have fought the damaged keyboard battle (and lost it - please see booting from boot camp assistant created USB drive ).


You may want to consider the VMware Fusion/Winclone route as an option.

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User profile for user: Fidelity
Fidelity Author
User level: Level 1
36 points

Jan 8, 2016 8:38 AM in response to Loner T

Hey LonerT, thanks for the response. I didn't know about the USB3 thing, that'll help in the future. I have used the internal DVD drive and external drive separately (I normally run the laptop with two hard drives installed). Windows 8 will not, for whatever, install in CSM-Bios mode. That is the problem I still have. I don't know if El Capitain's assistant has updates to the bootloader it installs and whether or not that provides some form of its own bios emulation, I'll give it a try.


If Windows 10 only installs in EFI mode, something is def. wrong with the EFI on my laptop -- it will not install at all. When I talk about having it flashed, I don't mean that I'll write/have custom firmware written for it (I'm no longer smart enough to do something like that) -- but rather that I'll take it in to the apple store and see if they can reflash it with stock firmware (I tried downgrading it but the packages were missing files that the article was referring to from previous versions).


As for the keyboard, as stated in the original post, the connector itself is damaged. Either my fault or the guy who I let work on the laptop during a lazy moment -- I need to get a new one soldered on there if I can find an SMD guy in the area.


Thanks again for the info.

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Can't install windows outside of EFI boot

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