Install Windows 7 on MacBook Pro with broken Superdrive on High Sierra

[Geetarbaz]

Hi, sorry if the answer to this has already been posted somewhere but I’ve spent hours looking and trying things but just got nowhere - expect the wall on which I’m banging my head!

My MBP is early 2011, I have a Win7 iso and key.

I’ve tried creating a bootable USB, using Boot Camp, using an external drive, using Parallels and /or VirtualBox but all attempts fail for one reason or another.

So the question is: is there a definitive guide to achieve what I’m attempting?

Cheers.

 

[IWT]

A warm welcome to Mac-Forums, Geetarbaz.

A broken "Superdrive" - do you mean a broken internal optical drive? Assuming your Mac shipped with same?

If so, you will need an external optical drive (NB not Apple's Super Drive because it won't work with any Mac that shipped with its own internal optical drive).

My understanding was that all Windows operating system software had to be installed via a legitimate Windows CD.

If I'm right - and I admit I don't use Bootcamp, but have had several versions of Office for Mac - then you will require a Windows CD. The iso won't work - may I ask how you acquired it? No offence intended in the request.

Ian

 

[Geetarbaz]

Hi Ian, thanks for your reply.

Yes, it’s internal optical drive that is broken.

The Windows iso is a legit purchase which does work in a Virtual Machine. My understanding is that Boot Camp only works from the internal (Super) drive as the Mac is set up to only recognise it and no other drive for Windows installations - no good if it don’t work! Therefore my external optical drive won’t work and neither does a USB drive.

I don’t want to use the VM for Windows as it’s too clunky for my particular application.

Hope this makes sense.

Cheers.

 

[IWT]

Hi again.

Yes, your reply makes complete sense.

As your internal optical drive is bust, you clearly need an external optical drive of which there are many.

But neither an external optical drive nor a USB stick/drive will do as you have an iso file.

To use Bootcamp, you will need an authentic Windows 7 (or later) CD.

As reported, I am ignorant of VM and Bootcamp in practice, having always purchased Office for Mac software (on CD). However, I believe your only course is to get a Windows CD. Perhaps you can persuade Microsoft to "convert" your purchase license from iso to CD?

I'm sorry not to be of more help. I doubt there's a way round this.

Ian

 

[ferrarr]

windows 7 may be too old for use on your Mac and OS version.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201468

It may be possible, with an older version of OS X.

 

[IWT]

@Geeterbaz

Having read Bob's post and link, it would seem that I am in error as regards iso. I apologise. I always thought that a CD version was a requirement. My error.

Ian

 

[chscag]

Apple no longer supports versions of Windows using Boot Camp prior to Windows 8. You will either have to continue using Windows 7 in a VM or buy a copy of Windows 8 or 10. I recommend Windows 10. (As Bob pointed out, you might be able to use an older version of macOS and Boot Camp but that means you would have to downgrade.)

Also, Microsoft generally will not provide a copy of Windows on a DVD disk unless you ask for it. Everything purchased from them is by download after you obtain your registration key.

 

[IWT]

Everything purchased from them is by download after you obtain your registration key.

Thank you, Charlie. I was obviously wrong and have said so. Didn't know this - thought it was all DVD. Important to set the record straight for future viewers of this thread.

Ian

 

[Geetarbaz]

Apple no longer supports versions of Windows using Boot Camp prior to Windows 8. You will either have to continue using Windows 7 in a VM or buy a copy of Windows 8 or 10. I recommend Windows 10. (As Bob pointed out, you might be able to use an older version of macOS and Boot Camp but that means you would have to downgrade.)

Also, Microsoft generally will not provide a copy of Windows on a DVD disk unless you ask for it. Everything purchased from them is by download after you obtain your registration key.

Ok thanks, I believe I can upgrade free to Win10, however I also believe my application (which runs on Linux using VMPlayer) isn’t keen on Win10 so I’ll ask the developers.

All a bit of a saga really... there’s a link <here https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205016 > that says Win7 should be ok on my machine but it needs an internal cd drive to install it, which is what I’m trying to get around. Hopefully someone will have seen and solved this.

Cheers.

 

[ferrarr]

here you go, some aren't too pricey,
https://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nk...12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&rmvSB=true

 

[Geetarbaz]

here you go, some aren't too pricey,
https://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nk...12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&rmvSB=true

Thanks, I did look at this option but was put off by a couple of things: cost (£50 here in UK) if there’s a free software option available; and what looks like a nightmare swapping it out with the old one (my eyesight’s not brilliant).

I’m going to try using an .iso mounting programme to trick the OS into thinking I have the drive - once I find a good free one (Daemon Tools?).

Cheers.

 

[ferrarr]

The issue, I believe, is the OS isn’t in use, when installing to Boot Camp.

 

[Geetarbaz]

The issue, I believe, is the OS isn’t in use, when installing to Boot Camp.

I don’t understand...

 

[MacInWin]

You might look at Parallels to see if you can run Win7 under HS on your system. I have Win7 running on Parallels, but it is on a newer MBP. However, I did have it running on a 2011 MBP under Parallels and Sierra before HS came out. I just haven't updated that older MBP to HS yet.

 

[Geetarbaz]

You might look at Parallels to see if you can run Win7 under HS on your system. I have Win7 running on Parallels, but it is on a newer MBP. However, I did have it running on a 2011 MBP under Parallels and Sierra before HS came out. I just haven't updated that older MBP to HS yet.

Thanks, yes, Parallels works but it’s a bit clunky with my programmes and I object to paying the (min) £70 just because the Apple drive isn’t durable enough. Interestingly neither VMWare or Virtual Box would run the VMPlayer.

I’m sure there’ll be a solution, I just need to find it!

Cheers.

 

[Geetarbaz]

I don’t understand...

Sorry, I see - it’s Boot Camp that needs fooling.