Boot Camp and WinXP SP1?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3777


In my opinion, unless your running 3D games or something, better off using a virtual machine software like VMFusion or Parallels.

You need to Slipstream SP3 into your Win XP SP1 cd.

http://lifehacker.com/386526/slipstr...nstallation-cd

You won´t need to slipstream if your running a virtual machine software.


Install VM Fusion or Parallels > File >New Virtual Machine

Insert XP SP1 > follow instructions

Once you got Windows running in a window on OS X you can either


1: Start Menu > Windows Update

or

2: Tell Fusion or Parallels to designate the Superdrive to Windows and insert the disk with SP2 then SP3 and run the update from the disks. Just like running a program.

I'd install XP SP1 in a virtual machine and get nLite and CDBurnerXP. Download the SP3 exe from microsoft and slipstream it using nLite and then just burn the ISO using CDBurnerXP.

Another (free) option is VirtualBox. It works well as long as you care not about graphics. It worked well for me while experimenting with Windows 7 Beta and Release Candidate. I run Leopard on an iMac 20 from mid-2007.

My experience with BootCamp was odd at best. Windows 7 is not supported in Leopard. I had issues with the Realtek audio drivers. They didn't work at all with W7 Beta, but eventually did with W7 RC. The audio did not work well. Sound was too loud, and I couldn't seem to find a fix. Also, my bluetooth keyboard and mouse would not work correctly. Keyboard was fine, but not recognized as bluetooth. Mouse worked, but would not scroll.

It is possible XP will work for you, especially if you are using USB input devices. I would give XP a try. Don't install the extras from the Mac OS X DVD if they are not necessary. In my case, lost input because the bluetooth drivers were installed.

Just don't register Windows until you are sure it works for you.

I hate to say this, but if you want to run Windows, do it on a PC. Rumor is downgrade rights to XP Pro from Windows 7 Pro may come to an end when Windows 7 SP 1 is released. Rumor also is, SP 1 is now in Beta release.

For the record, VirtualBox would not allow me to play the games included in Windows. Graphics support was that bad. I love games and play many online. Sadly Flash is a problem and Shockwave is out of the question. Eventually, I will return to a PC. My eyesight is the primary reason, but there are just too many things the Mac can't do. I have tinkered with BootCamp, VirtualBox, Parallels, and Fusion. I would prefer running Windows on a PC. If you like really old DOS games, checkout Boxer.

When I installed Windows 7 into VirtualBox, it would often lockup if I used the dynamically expanding virtual disc option. It takes a little while to construct the fixed disc, but will probably be worth the wait. Good Luck!

If you're still going to try the slipstreaming route then use a product called nLite. Its free and is a dream come true for managing Windows installs

No need to add drivers, your Snow Leopard DVD has all the drivers you need and they're certified to work with your iMac. In fact, I wouldn't update drivers even after Windows is installed. Only when/if Apple releases new Boot Camp drivers would I consider upgrading

I am pleased to see a follow up on this. Thanks Doc. I have access to Windows XP prior to SP1. Sounds like this endeavor is more trouble than I would consider it worth. Not that I totally dislike Mac OS or my iMac, I need something better suited to my eyesight. Rather than attempt something like this, I will return to Windows completely.

I don't understand how BootCamp works, but I don't understand why XP SP2 is the only option. I realize Windows 7 will not function correctly with Leopard. I have and hate Snow Leopard, so I am with Leopard until my Mac is history.

I am curious to know if it is possible to format my iMac's HD for MS-DOS entirely and install Windows as the only OS?

My eyesight issues are brain related. As I was told at UC Berkeley, I have 20/20 vision, but can't use it. Eyesight is gently but constantly blurry. Most low vision users are just fine with Mac OS as you say. I used Windows 7 Beta and RC, and it looked better on this very iMac. I did have to bump up the DPI to 125% or Windows would not be any better. For some reason, the DPI bump works better for me than any of the tools in Universal Access. I have indeed, tried them all. I do use the larger mouse pointer feature. Poor thing looks like an 8-bit graphic, with jaggies galore.

Yes, I too have been a Windows user since 3.0. It was nothing but trouble in the past. The biggest trouble I encountered with Windows 7 Beta and RC, were BootCamp issues. Because of my desire to learn, I often mess things up along the way. Mac OS is no better than any other OS in that regard. Getting help is not all that easy.

I don't see a difference between Mac OS and Windows, when it comes to exploring, and running into trouble. I want to learn Ubuntu. It will run without all the problems associated with programs like VirtualBox. Don't ask me why, but VB works much better on a PC than a Mac. So do other programs not originally designed for the Mac. HDMI is just now coming to the Mac. I have to use it. I am going to be forced to use a 720p screen soon, either a 22 or 26 inch.

I don't like the mini, or Snow Leopard. Windows 7 is just fine, and Ubuntu runs natively on a PC. The Mac is a bad fit for me. Eyes won't do anything but get worse. So, I really don't have a choice.

I will miss the voice Alex when he is gone.

I can promise, when my iMac is gone, I will not be trolling this website. I too will be gone.

I am not familiar with any feature that changes font sizes in Mac OS. I do have Finder set for the largest text and icons for Leopard. Note: I am not changing screen resolution in Windows. I am changing the DPI, which attempts to make everything larger on a global scale. Some non-Windows apps don't respond. Apple does not allow for this. Perhaps Resolution Independence will make a difference, but I don't think my eyesight can wait that long. It is very difficult to reach a solution my vision will accept. My eyes are constantly moving because of Nystagmus.

I am puzzled why you are wanting to use Windows XP on your Mac? If you really want to do so, why not just locate an OEM copy of XP SP3? Also, Apple clearly claims my Leopard is not compatible with anything but XP SP2. I don't like anything about Snow Leopard and have reinstalled Leopard. I do believe you would be pleased with Windows 7. If you purchase Windows 7 Pro, it can employ an XP mode. Funny, it isn't included with the purchase, you have to download the XP mode app.

While I find XP to be the most visually appealing Windows, I would be reluctant to be backed into a corner with updates and drivers.

I enabled Rosetta for some reason, a time ago, per instructions, and it was pathetically slow. Now I am like way curious to know what this game is??? I have seen RI, a few months ago anyway, and it doesn't work well. Apple has a ways to go. I love exploring Ubuntu, but the ability to change fonts isn't as productive as Windows. Yes, I use the 16 points for fonts in Finder. I also use maximum grid spacing for icons and the highest for Leopard of 128 X 128.

Just for giggles, you could get a G4 mini, but what an expense for a game.

I looked at the EA site, and a 10th Anniversary version is coming in October. I have never been into that sort of gaming. I would guess that a good number of people who use Macs, miss not having more access to games. That is one of many reasons for me to want to go back.

While the iMac is not a solution for me, I'll be you would like to have the option of hooking up a PC to yours. The way the new 27 inch model is set up, is much too restrictive.

Memo to Apple: HDMI input for the next version of the iMac.

EDIT: Here is a useful article:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computi...-the-same-mac/