Partitioning a new hard drive for windows xp on an iMac running El Capitan

[Simplify]

Just replaced a hard drive in my 2009 iMac and installed El Capitan. Boot camp from within El Capitan will not let me create a partition and install anything older than Windows 7, even though Apple says an early 2009 iMac can be partitioned with Windows xp (with DVD) (See this link https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205016). I have my xp disk and a 2007 version of Quickbooks Accountant that I love. That's all I want to do is install this version of Quickbooks.

I did download the support drivers (I am assuming they are compatable with XP) from within Bootcamp, but got stumped on Windows 7.

El Capitan is up and running with no problems. I just need the windows partition.

Well there is one other little problem. The fans now run continuously. I think it has to do with a flaky heat sensor connector attached to the hard drive. I am not sure how to get that right. I was suspect when I put it in. It is just a little piece of plastic that sets in a small groove (flat edge down against the hard drive). Nothing really holds it in place except a piece of sticky sponge. I thought I got it secure; not sure how to fix it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[chscag]

Since you're running El Capitan, you can not install anything older than Windows 7. What I suggest is this: Forget about using Boot Camp. Instead, download the free VirtualBox from Oracle which is virtual machine software. Then install Windows XP to VirtualBox and you further install QuickBooks. There is another method: You can download and install CrossOver. CrossOver will install QuickBooks for you and you don't even need a copy of Windows XP. However, CrossOver is not free.

With VirtualBox installed you won't have to reboot to run Windows XP and QuickBooks. Also CrossOver does not require a reboot and runs inside of OS X.

As for your fans running on high, download Macs Fan Control and that will take care of it.

 

[techiesteve]

There are 3 iMac 2009 models, which one do you have? These are Early 2009, Mid 2009 and Late 2009. In the Early and Mid 2009 models the HD temp sensor is held against the HD by a shaped plastic clamp, and this is held on by strong double sided tape. A rectangular piece of black foam is attached across the clamp, again with strong double sided tape. The sensor wires, twisted grey and black, terminate on the logic board via a small black 2 pin plug. This method of attaching the heat sensor has been used since 2007. After removal the double sided tape will require replacement or the sensor will fall off. If it has fallen off it won't cause the fans to run, only the HD temp won't be monitored.

The hard drive in the Late 2009 21.5" and 27" iMacs has a built in temp sensor. The connection from the logic board to the HD is via a black plug, this is different to match 3 possible manufactures drives Apple used.

I suspect you have the earlier type of sensor as you mention black sponge. Check you haven't damaged to the sensor, and its cable is terminated to the logic board. The sensor itself is only a common 2N3904 transistor.

Another possible cause for the fan running is you haven't plugged the LCD temp sensor lead back into the logic board. you will have removed this when taking off the LCD to gain access to the HD, check this first.

 

[Simplify]

Thanks. I will use virtual box. It is working