Unable to install Bootcamp

Question

Level 1

16 points

Unable to install Bootcamp

I am attempting to install Bootcamp on my iMac 27" (mid 2011) running El Capitan v. 10.11.5, as my OS. I purchased a copy of Windows 10 Home (on a flash drive). I downloaded the corresponding Windows 10 iso from the microsoft website. Then I burned a copy of the program to a Double Layer DVD (Sony) 8.5GB DVD+R DL.

Now I have gone to my Bootcamp installer program and instered the DVD into the Superdrive and check both boxes for downloading the latest drivers and to install Windows. The download for the additonal drivers went off without any problems however when it came to installing Windows 10 I get a message saying that it could not find the installer disk.

I thought maybe my "superdrive" wasn't working as I haven't been able to read ANY disc with this superdrive. SO...I took the whole computer to the dealer who sold me the computer and after a few days they return it to me saying they couldn't find anything wrong with the drive. I get the computer home and NADA . So I take the computer back to the dealer and tell them I want them to replace the "superdrive" even if I have to pay for it. This time they tell me they have to send it to Apple and it would take two weeks. Two weeks later I get the compter back with a message saying they still can't find anything wrong and didn't replace the drive. So here I am back at home with my computer and unable to install Bootcamp.

Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Posted on May 25, 2016 8:45 AM

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Answer 1

Bateau

Level 1

9 points

May 25, 2016 8:02 PM in response to Thrasher60

Windows 10 is not supported by Apple on mid-2011 iMac. See list of supported machines at Use Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp - Apple Support. That's likely the reason why BCA pretends it cannot find the disk.

You can Use Windows 8.1 on your Mac with Boot Camp - Apple Support on mid-2011 iMac and then use free upgrade to Win 10 from MS.

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Answer 2

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

May 27, 2016 1:59 PM in response to Thrasher60

1. What is the size of the ISO file you downloaded from Microsoft? Please post the name and MD5sum of your ISO.

2. A DVD DL (+R DL, even more so) can be problematic on 2011 Macs. If your ISO size is less than 4.75Gb try a DVD-R SL.

3. As Bateau points out, 2011 do not have Apple-certified drivers for 2011 Macs. You can use generic drivers, but all Apple-specific functions may not work. Some drivers from W8.1 can be installed on W10 with Administrative rights and compatibility mode for W8.1/W7.

4. As Bateau has suggested, W8.1 to W10 in-place upgrade is also an option.

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Answer 3

Thrasher60 Author

Level 1

16 points

May 27, 2016 2:04 PM in response to Loner T

The name of the iso from Microsoft is Win10_1511_1_Einglish_x64.iso. I am not sure of the size but it wouldn't burn to a 4.7GB disc. I am in the process of downloading Win 8.1 but it's taking forever to download so it'll be a bit...but I will try this and see if it will work. If I get it installed this way then I will install the Win10.

Thanks

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