What do I need to do?

[Shamus]

Hi all,
I am trying to install windows xp using boot camp. I have installed boot camp, and when trying to partition the hard drive using the boot camp assistant, it pops up with the following message:

"This disk cannot be partitioned because some files cannot be moved.

Back up the disk and use Disk Utility to format it as a single Mac OS Extended (Journaled) volume. Restore your information to the disk and try using Boot Camp Assistant again."

Can someone please explain what this means, and what I have to do?
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Shamus

 

[samh004]

It means you have to backup all your stuff, then reformat your hard drive and try again. By backing up all your stuff beforehand, when you re-install the system, you'll hopefully not experience too much change, as everything will be back where it should be.

 

[Shamus]

Thanks for the fast reply!

So how do I back up my stuff? Do I just burn Cds and DVDs with all of my music, photos etc?

 

[samh004]

If you have a back-up program and/or a spare hard drive, backing up your entire home folder would be best as then you'd keep your many preferences for applications and what not.

You might also want to backup some applications, or you'll have to reinstall them at a later date.

When your sure you have everything you can use the installation disc that came with your mac to reinstall the OS, perhaps wiping the system beforehand if that would help (ask someone else, I'm not sure sorry ).

Not really an alternative to this, but you could wait for Leopard to be released before doing all of this, as a clean install of Leopard would be really good for your system too, and having to repeat this all over again in less than a month seems pointless. If you can wait of course.

Additionally, what computer are you using..? I ask because your user lookup says you use an iBook G4... you do know you need an Intel-based machine to use BootCamp, right ?

 

[gr8tfly]

Thanks for the fast reply!

So how do I back up my stuff? Do I just burn Cds and DVDs with all of my music, photos etc?

To do what Boot Camp Assistant is suggesting, you'll need an external HD. The idea is to create a restore image, re-format your internal drive, then restore. The idea is that after the restore, all your files will be located contiguously on the HD and the Assistant won't need to move files around.

 

[Shamus]

Okay thanks very much for the help. Im thinking I might purchase an external hard drive (something I've been meaning to do for a while), and create a windows partition on that? Would that work?

Ah, haven't updated my profile for ages. I now have an intel mac mini.

 

[samh004]

I knew someone would be able to explain that better, however you still need an external drive, not just some CD's and DVD's.

Okay thanks very much for the help. Im thinking I might purchase an external hard drive (something I've been meaning to do for a while), and create a windows partition on that? Would that work?

Ah, haven't updated my profile for ages. I now have an intel mac mini.

Nope, BootCamp doesn't allow you to install on an external drive as far as I am aware. Your best bet would also be firewire for an external drive for your mac, which doesn't play ball as nicely with Windows.

 

[gr8tfly]

Okay thanks very much for the help. Im thinking I might purchase an external hard drive (something I've been meaning to do for a while), and create a windows partition on that? Would that work?

Ah, haven't updated my profile for ages. I now have an intel mac mini.

As far as I know, the Windows partition still needs to be on an internal drive.

When you get your drive, I suggest partitioning it so one can be used to completely image your Mini's internal drive. You can then use the other partition to help free up some space on the Mini (which, might just be enough to allow Boot Camp Assistant to create the Windows partition).