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[Mac] Install Windows 7 on your Mac

June 10th, 2009

There’s never been a better time to buy a Mac than now. With the Intel processor setup Apple has decided to go with- it can run Windows! Some tests have actually shown that Windows runs better on a Mac, than it does on other OEMs such as Dell, HP, and Toshiba.

Some of you Mac owners may have been curious about how the world of Windows was looking with Windows 7. Well, you can try it on your Mac! (Intel Macs only).

Here is an easy step-by-step guide on getting it started:

1. Make sure you have at least 35 – 50 gigs of free hard drive space on your Mac. Windows 7 will use 15-25 gigs, and you obviously need a decent amount of free space for Mac use as well.
2. Go to this Microsoft page and register to download the Windows 7 Release Candidate for free. MS will send you your own unique serial number, keep it somewhere handy- you WILL need it.
3. Download the 32-bit version of Windows 7- it’s weighs in at over 2 gigs, so it may take a while.
4. Burn the .ISO file to a DVDR. This will be your install disk. You can use OS X’s Disk Utility tool to burn the .ISO (under Applications > Utilities). Directions here.
5. Start the Boot Camp Utility (Applications > Utilities) – it will walk you through the entire install process. Use the DVD you burned earlier to install Windows 7 after Boot Camp is done partitioning your drive. Your Mac WILL reboot a few times during installation, do not worry.
6. Once Windows 7 has been installed, you will be asked for your serial number (Activation key). Enter the key Microsoft sent you.
7. Once you’ve activated the product, and you’re in Windows, insert the OS X Installation disk. Go to ‘Computer’ > click on your DVD-Rom drive, and setup will begin installing your drivers. This will set up the sound, video, Camera, and other hardware.

To switch between the Mac and Windows OS, just hold the ‘Option’ key while the computer is restarting (hold ‘Option’ before you hear the Mac hum sound), and it will allow you to choose between the two.

If you decide to get rid of Windows on your Mac- it’s even easier to uninstall it! Just go back to the Boot Camp utility in Mac OS X, and delete the Windows partition. That’s it!

Entry Filed under: Apple,Mac OS X,Windows