Installing Windows 7 on a Macbook, Not via Bootcamp

Christo · 18 Mar 2012 at 22:51

Id like to install a fresh version of Windows 7 on my macbook not using bootcamp. It would be just to maximise the hard disk space and just use it as a windows machine. Anyone got any advice? Is it possible to install straight from the DVD?

Cheers

ajf · 18 Mar 2012 at 23:22

Probably, have a look at this link:

http://derekhat.com/install-vista-on-a-macbook-without-bootcamp/

Christo · 19 Mar 2012 at 00:38

Nice, thanks

Turbo-G · 19 Mar 2012 at 13:18

Why own a MacBook if you're only going to run Windows?

kaks · 19 Mar 2012 at 14:10

Turbo-G said:
Why own a MacBook if you're only going to run Windows?

You really can't figure out the answer to that? Want some tips maybe?

The macbook hardware is pretty much unsurpassed in it's price bracket and size category. It is basically PC hardware and can run run Windows 7 very well. Some people do not like the Mac OS.

Still struggling?

Mattus · 19 Mar 2012 at 14:17

Generally I prefer Win7 to OS X - but on MacBooks, the longer battery life and better integration with the touchpad means it's OS X for me.

I'd still buy a MacBook even if it could only run Windows, though - the hardware is unmatched.

sirdigga · 19 Mar 2012 at 15:04

OSX Is amazing, I've been using Windows since 3.1, but took the plunge and brought myself an iMac couple of months ago, never looked back... The only reason I use Windows 7 now is for my PC Games.

durbs · 19 Mar 2012 at 15:07

I agree that buying a Macbook solely to run Windows is a valid thing to do, its lovely hardware. Its easy to set it up as a pure Windows machine as shown in the link above.

But it seems a shame to lose OSX entirely so have you not considered Bootcamping it and giving Win7 90% of the drive. This way you can still have the occasional play with OSX if you decide further down the line you want to use it for something? The partition can then be re-sized using CampTune if you find OSX is actually useful.

Skyboat · 19 Mar 2012 at 15:16

Running Windows native still uses Boot Camp. It's how Apple's EFI firmware emulates the BIOS environment needed to boot Windows.

MikeHunt79 · 19 Mar 2012 at 16:44

Try partitioning the drive with Mbr instead of GUID and you should be good to go

Christo · 20 Mar 2012 at 13:25

I dont really like OSx, I use it on my work laptop - much prefer Windows 7. However apple simply design the best hardware, its a beautiful object (the macbook pro).

Thanks for the help all.

Arthur17 · 20 Mar 2012 at 14:36

You still need OS X for things like firmware updates.

I suppose you could install Lion on an external HDD though.

kristmace · 20 Mar 2012 at 21:07

Some brave people on here owning up to preferring Windows to OSX in the Apple section.

I've bought a MBP recently and I have to say OSX is lovely, but I don't think its miles ahead of Windows 7 - there's not much between them.

MikeHunt79 · 21 Mar 2012 at 10:00

kristmace said:
Some brave people on here owning up to preferring Windows to OSX in the Apple section.

I've bought a MBP recently and I have to say OSX is lovely, but I don't think its miles ahead of Windows 7 - there's not much between them.

It's personal preference, if you're used to Windows then OSX and Linux variants will take some getting used to.

I prefer OSX myself, mainly because I find shellscript pretty handy for many things and even use it on my Netbook now instead of Win7.

Saying that I'm not sure if totally removing OSX from a Macbook is worth the hassle but it is possible. As has been said things like EFI updates need OSX, so it may be worth keeping a 20GB partition at the end of the drive with OSX on even if you plan on using Windows 99% of the time.