So I have a bootcamp partition setup with Windows 10. When I start my computer and hold down the option key to select Windows, if I have my keyboard plugged in, it won't boot. It just hangs on the selection screen. I'm not liking unplugging the keyboard every time I want to boot Windows. On a normal PC I would assume the boot order in the BIOS was set to boot USB over a hard drive. Anyone know a fix for this?
MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011)
What brand/model is your USB Keyboard?
It's a Razer Deathstalker. I have two other Razer periphrials plugged in via USB that don't affect Windows from booting. I have also tried having it plugged into my hub vs directly into one of the computer's USB ports. Either configuration prevents booting.
Can you test with a standard Apple USB Keyboard, if possible? Does it properly when using OSX?
I don't have an Apple brand one but I have a few generic ones laying around I can test when I get home from work. The only issue I've found on MacOS is sometimes it won't work to type in my password but works perfectly once I'm into the desktop.
Try the generic keyboards when you have an opportunity.
OK I have a generic Logitech that allowed booting. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the onboard memory I believe the keyboard has? But then again the other two Razer products that also have onboard memory don't prevent booting. I'm stumped...
Do you have the ability to test the same Razer on a Windows PC?
I tested the same Razer keyboard on a Windows machine and it did not affect booting.
Was it tested on W10?
Yes it was.
What is the BC driver package version? W10 on 2011 Macs does not have Apple-supported drivers. If BC5.x drivers are installed in compatibility mode with administrative privileges, you can run into issues. Have you tested W7/W8.1 on your Mac with the Razer?
I have bootcamp 5.1 it looks like. I haven't had Win 7 installed in awhile and skipped Win 8.1. It's starting to sound like its something I'll just have to live with.
As a test, do you want to try W7/W8.1 and check?
I'm hesitant because I just spent a few days trying to get Windows 10 on a separate internal hdd in place of my SuperDrive and finally have a stable Windows OS running. Do you know if I can run a second bootcamp partition on the drive containing MacOS? I do have a Windows 7 install disc that I could install and test with. But then again if that worked I'd be stuck with Windows 7 then right?
Please be aware that Windows on disk which is not in the main HDD bay, is prone to crashing, corruption and can cause data loss. The other challenge is the ability to recover such installations, because its is non-standard hardware configuration.
You can run a second Bootcamp on the main disk, but I suggest disconnecting the Optibay disk. BCD corruption is the first problem you will have to face. The legacy MBR/BIOS Windows OSes (WXP, Vista, W7) are much easier to manage, than EFI derivatives like W8.1/W10, when using more than one disk in a Mac. The only supported hardware for multiple disks is the old tower MacPro models.
USB keyboard prevents Bootcamp from starting.
