MP 1,1-5,1 BootCamp on MacPro 3,1 running El Capitan

[LookToWindward]

Hi,

Is it possible to use BootCamp Assistant to setup and install Windows on a Mac Pro 3,1? If so, how do you do it? I've been trying for ages but can't get it to locate/recognise the Windows ISO file.

All the Best
Dave

 

[LookToWindward]

I have two Windows ISO files, one for Windows 7 and one for 10, I really want to install Windows 7 is possible?

 

[joevt]

I don't think you need BootCamp Assistant. You should be able to install Windows 7 and Windows 10 to partitions on a disk in one of the 4 drive bays.

Burn the ISO to a DVD.

Use Mac OS X to prepare a ExFAT partition for Windows.

Use iPartition.app to set the ExFAT partition as a Windows visible partition. This will convert the disk to hybrid MBR/GPT.
Or gdisk (gpt fdisk).

Boot the Windows DVD. Select the partition you created, make sure to have Windows erase it as NTFS. Make sure Windows doesn't do any partition modifications.

You can use a utility like Driver Genius 24 to update all the drivers.

Search the forums for Windows on Mac Pro guides and threads for more info.

 

[LookToWindward]

I don't think you need BootCamp Assistant. You should be able to install Windows 7 and Windows 10 to partitions on a disk in one of the 4 drive bays.

Burn the ISO to a DVD.

Use Mac OS X to prepare a ExFAT partition for Windows.

Use iPartition.app to set the ExFAT partition as a Windows visible partition. This will convert the disk to hybrid MBR/GPT.
Or gdisk (gpt fdisk).

Boot the Windows DVD. Select the partition you created, make sure to have Windows erase it as NTFS. Make sure Windows doesn't do any partition modifications.

You can use a utility like Driver Genius 24 to update all the drivers.

Search the forums for Windows on Mac Pro guides and threads for more info.

I don't have any blank DVDs and I'm not even sure where I would it from. I thought it was possible for use a USB stick instead of the DVD, is this not the case?

 

[LookToWindward]

I located some information that suggesting that I can make it work with ISO if I edit the info.plist file:

Boot Camp Assistant not accepting Windows 10 .iso file

Using bootcamp to create a mountable installable USB drive with a Windows 10 .iso gives me an error saying: Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ...

superuser.com

How can I modify Boot Camp Assistant so it can use bootable USB?

I own a 2011 21,5" iMac, and I need to install Windows to run some software that is Windows only. I have done this in the past by altering Bootcamp assistent so it can use bootable USB drives, whi...

apple.stackexchange.com

Anyone seem this before?

 

[joevt]

Your Mac is older (2008) and may require DVD install. I don't think USB ever worked with Mac Pro 2008?

I saw this today but have no idea how it works:
https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/348077-install-windows-on-mac-no-bootcamp
I think you still need to setup the partition like I described (plus use iPartition.app to add boot code to the MBR of the hybrid MBR/GPT disk).

 

[Macschrauber]

Avoid Uefi Windows and booting USB installers on Mac Pro. You will get certificates in NVRAM, what can disturb the garbage collection and so harm the bootrom.

At least make a bootrom backup before.

 

[LookToWindward]

Thanks for the warning, I've seen a lot written on here about the NVRAM problem.

Is Windows 7 safe from the UEFI problem?

 

[LookToWindward]

Hi,

This seems to suggest that you can change the Boot Camp Install Assistant info.plist file to make it work from a USB device. Anyone any idea of whether this would work or if it's a good idea?

How can I modify Boot Camp Assistant so it can use bootable USB?

I own a 2011 21,5" iMac, and I need to install Windows to run some software that is Windows only. I have done this in the past by altering Bootcamp assistent so it can use bootable USB drives, whi...

apple.stackexchange.com

Cheers
Dave

 

[LookToWindward]

I've been reading about the problems with NVRAM and UEFI Windows Installs. One thing I don't understand is how to tell if a particular Windows version installer is UEFI or BIOS? Assuming I have a Windows 7 Install DVD do I just install it as normal or is there something I need to do to turn off UEFI?

Is it different with Windows 10 and 11?

Also does this apply to Mac Pro 3,1 as well as 4,1 and 5,1?

 

[tsialex]

I've been reading about the problems with NVRAM and UEFI Windows Installs. One thing I don't understand is how to tell if a particular Windows version installer is UEFI or BIOS?

The installer is the same for both UEFI or BIOS/CSM/BootCamp, the way you install it is what defines UEFI or CSM/BIOS/BootCamp.

USB installs = UEFI
DVD installs = BIOS/CSM/BootCamp

The last version of Windows 10 that still fits a single layer DVD is 1809. Anything newer requires a dual layer DVD.

This info here below is basically pertinent to MacPros early-2008 to mid-2012, newer Macs have different requirements, accept other types of workarounds or only support UEFI installs. With a MacPros early-2008 to mid-2012, you can install Windows 10 without a dual layer DVD, take a look at:

Installing Windows 10 in Legacy/BIOS mode in cMP with Boot Camp Assistant

Installing Windows 10 in Legacy/Bios mode in classic Mac Pro is easy. You will have to use a modified Bootcamp assistant, which I attached to this post or make your own using this guide. The installation has been tested on High Sierra partition with HFS+ partitioning scheme. The only limitation...

forums.macrumors.com

Bare Metal Windows on cMP

PART 1 of 3 This is a guide to installing Windows 10 on Classic Mac Pros without the Boot Camp Assistant. This is one of many ways to implement such a "Bare Metal" setup but is a straightforward method. This guide is for installing Legacy Windows, as opposed to UEFI Windows, but can also be...

forums.macrumors.com

Assuming I have a Windows 7 Install DVD do I just install it as normal or is there something I need to do to turn off UEFI?

Booting the Windows DVD installer will make a BIOS/CSM install.

Is it different with Windows 10 and 11?

No, but Windows 11 does not directly install to BIOS/CSM, only UEFI.

AFAIK, the only "easy" way to install Windows 11 via CSM/BIOS is to upgrade a working Windows 10 CSM/BIOS install.

Also does this apply to Mac Pro 3,1 as well as 4,1 and 5,1?

Yes.