Can i install windows XP on my mac, But i have multiple partions

[bequickx]

Hey everyone, I wanted to install XP on my mac. When i ran the boot camp installer an error message appeared with something like, 'you can only partition a full mac OSX drive'.
But when i first bought my mac, regrettably for some reason (Back in the day when i used to have partitions on my windows computer) i partitioned my mac into 3. A full partition and two other partitions.
I think i could delete the partitions but then ill have to wipe my computer and start installing all of my software that would just takes hours.

You you think i could have some way around this? or, can i boot windows XP from an external hard drive.
Thanks if you can help.

 

[gnasher729]

Hey everyone, I wanted to install XP on my mac. When i ran the boot camp installer an error message appeared with something like, 'you can only partition a full mac OSX drive'.
But when i first bought my mac, regrettably for some reason (Back in the day when i used to have partitions on my windows computer) i partitioned my mac into 3. A full partition and two other partitions.
I think i could delete the partitions but then ill have to wipe my computer and start installing all of my software that would just takes hours.

You you think i could have some way around this? or, can i boot windows XP from an external hard drive.
Thanks if you can help.

You don't need to wipe out the partitions. For some technical reasons, Windows XP can be installed on the last partition only, and it cannot be installed on the fourth or higher numbered partition, but it can be installed on the third of your three partitions. So you need to save everything that is on your third partition, and then reformat the third partition to the right type. You do that using Disk Utility. Just read all warnings that it gives you very carefully.

Having a Time Machine backup is always a good idea. Having one before you install Windows is an even better idea. There are steps were installing Bootcamp can destroy your data if you don't read the instructions carefully and follow them correctly.

 

[bequickx]

Cool. do you know what i have to format my third partition too and then how would i install i. e.g. from the Xp software disk.
P.s I have everything backed up with time machine.
Thanks