Note: I'll try to update this post if I resolve the issue.
This morning, I am trying to install Windows XP on a new iMac I purchased for our Secretary/Order Administrator. I have gone through the Bootcamp procedure of creating a partition on the Mac in question and install Windows XP like normal. Seems easy enough given that it has always worked under Bootcamp Beta on Tiger (aka 10.4.x). I start the installation and eventually get to the point where I need to reboot. I reboot and the following pops up:
"Disk error
Press any key to restart
No bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key"
None of the above works. I've tried starting the installation from scratch and get the same error. So, I go to trusty ol' Google and search using the last line of the error. I come across the following note in this discussion:
"Ok. Still a problem. No luck on the last answer. I think my computer just plain hates me -.- I tried both my Leopard disk and my Tiger disk. Luckily, I'm not mad enough to rip my phone book in half." (emphasis mine)
I love it. At least the guy retains humor in a frustrating situation. It made me decide not to get mad and simply go on and figure out the problem.
Update 11:07 -600GMT: There is an Apple Info Article on this very topic (Article 306504) and gives a very, very simple solution. In the Windows installer, reformat the partition you have just created and do NOT leave the current file system intact. I don't quite understand why this solves the problem, but it does.
Comments (4)
Excellent, had the exact same problem, will try this out and hopefully it will solve it! Thanks.
Posted by Raj Sood | December 18, 2007 9:18 AM
Posted on December 18, 2007 09:18
I tried the apple-recommended solution to this problem and it still gives me the same error.
Posted by Carl Youngblood | February 5, 2008 6:26 PM
Posted on February 5, 2008 18:26
I read that solution as well but my windows installer doesn't give me the option to reformat the partition. I am using XP Pro Service Pack too, not OEM
Posted by Nick B | February 24, 2008 4:26 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 16:26
I am not sure if this helps to those who are having continued problems, but I would try deleting the bootcamp partition you created and start afresh. Then, when you get to the stage of the installer asking whether or not to leave the partition alone or reformat it, reformat and go on. I don't have time to test this on any other machines right now, but I imagine this may be where I was able to succeed.
Posted by steven n fettig | February 25, 2008 11:08 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 11:08