How reliable IS bootcamp?

ShillAT · Jun 26, 2006

I've been thinking about installing boot camp and XP on my MBP, but as I was searching for threads about this, I ran across a load of people complaining about problems. Now, I know it's in Beta but how reliable is it? are those cases anomalies or not-so-uncommon? and if I did decide to install it, what risks would I be taking?

Aptmunich · Jun 26, 2006

If you install it properly (i.e. a full retail version of windows XP with included SP2) then it seems to be fine for most people.

It's when you start mucking around with OEM discs, Media center editions and the likes that it can go FUBAR.

orthocross · Jun 26, 2006

It is not necessary to use BootCamp to install XP on your Apple Intel machine. Just stick the install disk in, and reboot the machine. The XP installer will start, and you only need to delete all partitions on the HD, then reformat it as NTFS or FAT32 (up to 32gig).

Of course, this will entail removing all your OS X data and programs, but who really cares? The Apple Intel is a great platform for running XP (or Vista) on exclusively.

The only true use for BootCamp is to create the Windows drivers disk, to enable the Apple hardware, such as the keyboard, and the video driver, as well as the sound driver. Once XP (or vista) is installed, just stick the Mac drivers disk in. If you have an Ethernet card, you will be able to go to Microsoft Update and get the wireless driver.

As far as BootCamp's reliability is concerned, it is very reliable, if used properly.

quicksilver · Jun 26, 2006

I was exactly the same before my first BootCamp install.
Now I'm Dual-booting with Vista and loving it. As said, if you follow the instructions you shouldn't have any problems.

Aptmunich · Jun 26, 2006

orthocross said:
It is not necessary to use BootCamp to install XP on your Apple Intel machine. Just stick the install disk in, and reboot the machine. The XP installer will start, and you only need to delete all partitions on the HD, then reformat it as NTFS or FAT32 (up to 32gig).

Of course, this will entail removing all your OS X data and programs, but who really cares? The Apple Intel is a great platform for running XP (or Vista) on exclusively.

The only true use for BootCamp is to create the Windows drivers disk, to enable the Apple hardware, such as the keyboard, and the video driver, as well as the sound driver. Once XP (or vista) is installed, just stick the Mac drivers disk in. If you have an Ethernet card, you will be able to go to Microsoft Update and get the wireless driver.

As far as BootCamp's reliability is concerned, it is very reliable, if used properly.

I'm sorry, but I really don't see the point in buying an apple computer if you're never even going to try OS X...

ShillAT · Jun 26, 2006

yeah really. what's SP2?

Aptmunich · Jun 26, 2006

Service Pack 2, a whole package of windows updates & fixes...

It has to be pre-included on your windows installation disc (all recent ones should have it).

alucard · Jun 26, 2006

orthocross said:
It is not necessary to use BootCamp to install XP on your Apple Intel machine. Just stick the install disk in, and reboot the machine. The XP installer will start, and you only need to delete all partitions on the HD, then reformat it as NTFS or FAT32 (up to 32gig).

Of course, this will entail removing all your OS X data and programs, but who really cares? The Apple Intel is a great platform for running XP (or Vista) on exclusively.

The only true use for BootCamp is to create the Windows drivers disk, to enable the Apple hardware, such as the keyboard, and the video driver, as well as the sound driver. Once XP (or vista) is installed, just stick the Mac drivers disk in. If you have an Ethernet card, you will be able to go to Microsoft Update and get the wireless driver.

As far as BootCamp's reliability is concerned, it is very reliable, if used properly.

Are you for real? If so then just get a PC and don't even bother with getting an Apple product.

ShillAT · Jun 26, 2006

why would you bother getting a mac to exclusively run windows on it?

dohidied · Jun 26, 2006

ShillAT said:
why would you bother getting a mac to exclusively run windows on it?

because he probably like's apple's hardware and microsoft's software. we might not agree, but it's his money. if running windows exclusively on a mac suits him then he should do it.

as for the reliability of bootcamp, there are absolutely no reliability issues. the problems that people are having are solely because of mistakes they made while installing windows. if you follow apple's instructions then boot camp will work flawlessly. deviate from the plan and your apt to screw things up.

ShillAT · Jun 27, 2006

Cool. As soon as I track down a copy of XP, I'm doing it!

coltssaturday · Jun 27, 2006

ShillAT said:
Cool. As soon as I track down a copy of XP, I'm doing it!

Buying it or ......

I was just wondering.

BlindingLights · Jun 27, 2006

well, as long as you follow the manual they give word for word (print it out, that helps...), you should be fine. i installed it with no problems whatsoever. the most common problem people here seem to have is gauging how much space they need. remember that once you partition the drive, you can't add or remove space. you have to remove the partition and start over.

How reliable IS bootcamp?

ShillAT

Aptmunich

orthocross

Guest

quicksilver

Aptmunich

ShillAT

Aptmunich

alucard

ShillAT

dohidied

ShillAT

coltssaturday

BlindingLights

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