Hello, I want to install os x el capitan onto a sata 3.5 hard drive that has been formatted fat doss. I then want to install windows 7. It's my understanding that I have to have os x before I can install windows 7. Please advise.
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installing os x el capitan on formatted hard drive for the 1st time
- Thread starter wregreso11
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"It's my understanding that I have to have os x before I can install windows 7."
That's correct. You can't install the Mac OS on a drive that is formatted for Windows.
This has to be done on a Mac, with a drive that is formatted to HFS+ with journaling enabled.
You do have a Mac, don't you?
That's correct. You can't install the Mac OS on a drive that is formatted for Windows.
This has to be done on a Mac, with a drive that is formatted to HFS+ with journaling enabled.
You do have a Mac, don't you?
OK, since you have a Mac...
It's easy enough to install El Cap (or any version of OS X) onto an external drive.
In fact, I'm typing this on a Mac that I normally boot and run from an external SSD.
Do you have a copy of the El Cap installer already?
If not, you may be able to get one here:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206886
https://itunes.apple.com/app/os-x-el-capitan/id1147835434?mt=12
(try the top URL first)
This should download a copy of the installer to your current (internal) drive.
You can try running the installer and "pointing it" at the external drive.
But first -- you must open Disk Utility and erase the drive to HFS+ with journaling enabled.
When done, you can boot to the external drive by doing this:
1. Power down and reboot (or try a restart)
2. Hold down the option key immediately and keep holding it down
3. The startup manager should appear
4. Select the external drive with the pointer and hit return.
You should now boot to the external drive.
An important thing to remember re the Mac v. Windows:
The Mac doesn't care about WHERE it boots from.
What's important is that the external drive have a good copy of the Mac OS on it.
Now... I'm not a windows user, can't help with the fine points of installing windows onto an external drive. I understand that it can be done, but that it's more complicated than doing so onto an internal drive.
A thought:
Unless you really need native Windows bootability on the Mac, you might do better to use "an emulation solution" such as VMWare Fusion, Parallels, or the free "Virtual Box".
I see too many folks with problems from using BootCamp.
I wouldn't touch it myself...
It's easy enough to install El Cap (or any version of OS X) onto an external drive.
In fact, I'm typing this on a Mac that I normally boot and run from an external SSD.
Do you have a copy of the El Cap installer already?
If not, you may be able to get one here:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206886
https://itunes.apple.com/app/os-x-el-capitan/id1147835434?mt=12
(try the top URL first)
This should download a copy of the installer to your current (internal) drive.
You can try running the installer and "pointing it" at the external drive.
But first -- you must open Disk Utility and erase the drive to HFS+ with journaling enabled.
When done, you can boot to the external drive by doing this:
1. Power down and reboot (or try a restart)
2. Hold down the option key immediately and keep holding it down
3. The startup manager should appear
4. Select the external drive with the pointer and hit return.
You should now boot to the external drive.
An important thing to remember re the Mac v. Windows:
The Mac doesn't care about WHERE it boots from.
What's important is that the external drive have a good copy of the Mac OS on it.
Now... I'm not a windows user, can't help with the fine points of installing windows onto an external drive. I understand that it can be done, but that it's more complicated than doing so onto an internal drive.
A thought:
Unless you really need native Windows bootability on the Mac, you might do better to use "an emulation solution" such as VMWare Fusion, Parallels, or the free "Virtual Box".
I see too many folks with problems from using BootCamp.
I wouldn't touch it myself...
What cable do you use to connect your external hard drive? I usually just install the drive I want to load as a dual hard drive in my mac. I rather have the cable connector. I bought a multi-cable connector, but it only works with windows.
If it's a "bare" hard drive (not in an enclosure), then try a USB3/SATA "docking station" or a USB3/SATA "adapter dongle" (will need AC power adapter if the drive is 3.5").
If the drive is already IN an enclosure, and the only method of connection is via eSATA, you'll probably have to get an adapter/converter from USB to eSATA. Kanex makes one.
If the drive is already IN an enclosure, and the only method of connection is via eSATA, you'll probably have to get an adapter/converter from USB to eSATA. Kanex makes one.
"Can you run your mac off an external hard drive as a startup?"
Yes.
Boot and IMMEDIATELY hold down the option key until the startup manager appears.
Select the external drive with the pointer and hit return.
IF the external has a good System on it, the Mac should boot from it.
I've been booting and running my 2012 Mac Mini like this for FIVE YEARS now -- still works fine.
Yes.
Boot and IMMEDIATELY hold down the option key until the startup manager appears.
Select the external drive with the pointer and hit return.
IF the external has a good System on it, the Mac should boot from it.
I've been booting and running my 2012 Mac Mini like this for FIVE YEARS now -- still works fine.
[doublepost=1515184137][/doublepost]When I try to download El Capitan from my 10.6.8 it wont allow it cuz it says it is not compatible with this computer. What is the work around to get it downloaded. I am running a Mac Pro 2,1