Unable to Install Windows 8.1

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Level 1

4 points

Unable to Install Windows 8.1

I have wasted days countlessly researching a solution and am seriously ticked off right now.

Every time I had fixed an error, another one popped up. I'm trying to install windows 8.1 via bootcamp on my mac pro 5,1 running el cap. I had previously tried under yosemite thinking that might fix it assuming that bootcamp was updated in el cap for 8.1 support but still shows 7 when I've seen 8 elsewhere. Regardless, I have been getting a MBR GPT error and then seemed to have fix that only to get another error stating unable to select or create partition.

I am using a bootable usb thumbrdrive as well as a bootable external usb hdd to install, I have no opitcal drives and have two ssds in place of them in which I am trying to install 8.1 on one of them.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.0.x)

Posted on May 2, 2016 5:53 PM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,519 points

May 3, 2016 1:10 AM in response to imgarrett

What model Mac Pro?

Older ones require an DVD and not USB non-optical drive.

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Answer 2

imgarrett Author

Level 1

4 points

May 3, 2016 2:05 AM in response to lllaass

Uhhh what? I stated it in the post, its a 5,1. Did you want the year? It's 2009.

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Answer 3

lllaass

Level 10

210,519 points

May 3, 2016 5:50 AM in response to imgarrett

I's sorry I missed the 5.1. The 5.1 is a 2010 Mac Pro.

What do you mean by "I am using a bootable usb thumbrdrive as well as a bootable external usb hdd to install,"

Does one of the external devices have the Win 8.1 ISO?

If yo boot to OSX or to Recovery what does Disk Utility say about the SSD yo plan to install Widows to?

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Answer 4

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

May 3, 2016 6:15 AM in response to imgarrett

In addition to lllaass 's suggestions, please be aware that Windows cannot be installed on a tower MP, if

1. You have any RAID sets connected.

2. Any disks that are connected but do not participate in the Windows installation.

The GPT/MBR issue is easily fixable. Please also see Boot Camp: "We couldn't create a new partition or locate an existing one" alert during Windows 8 install - Apple Support for reference. Your MP needs a physical DVD and a fully-functional DVD drive. USB can be used to download/store Bootcamp drivers, but should not be connected during the installation.

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Answer 5

imgarrett Author

Level 1

4 points

May 5, 2016 11:48 PM in response to imgarrett

Oops, yes I meant 2010.

I don't know anymore because I removed all of my drives, this is just fricking ridiculous the hoops I have to jump though to install this bloody operating system. I put my opticals back in but I can't even boot the windows installer via optical it just hangs at the black screen with blue windows, it only goes through EFI.

I started all over, re-installed el cap, then used BC to partition my drive, OS X and Windows 8.1 are sharing the same drive. Can only boot using EFI mode.

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Answer 6

imgarrett Author

Level 1

4 points

May 5, 2016 11:49 PM in response to imgarrett

Never mind, I guess the windows installer actually works it just took like 5 minutes to change screens.

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Answer 7

imgarrett Author

Level 1

4 points

May 6, 2016 1:01 AM in response to Loner T

I've been able to successfully install 8.1 only to get an error upon trying to active my serial stating that “that key can’t be used to active this edition of windows. Please try a different key” I bought a new oem key to use, I know the key is tied to the bios/motherboard but it hasn't been used yet, so that shouldn't be the problem. I've installed windows 8.1 pro n, I was reading that may be the problem as I have install the standard 8.1 version with all the crap and add-ons?

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Answer 8

Rudegar

Level 10

181,128 points

May 6, 2016 2:42 AM in response to imgarrett

serials are only for one type of windows pro and home does not crossover

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