BootCamp, iMac, Exisiting Windows Install and External HD

ewill · 19th July 2008, 16:57

I am getting an iMac in a couple of weeks, and have a windows vista computer. I would like to:
1. Transfer my vista install to an external HD
2. Setup BootCamp to use the xHD

How would I go about setting up bootcamp to use an external hard drive and transferring an existing vista installation directly to the xHD? Will I need to deactivate Vista and reactivate later when I have attached it to the mac? Do I need to setup bootcamp to use an external HD before copying my Vista installation? Is it possible to copy an existing Vista install directly onto an external HD and use it with bootcamp? Will I need to reinstall vista and copy my files onto it, and is it even possible to use an external hard drive?

Thanks for your time and I look forward to your responses.

fangpyre · 19th July 2008, 21:19

I don't recommend it.
But it can be done.
Read this article why you shouldn't.
Read this link on how to do it.

If you insist on running off an external disk:
I recommend reinstalling Vista.
You will have to reactivate.
But the drivers won't be perfectly balanced.
Essentially it will be like moving the hard disk from one PC to another.

ewill · 20th July 2008, 03:47

Thanks for your response. I've decided to do clean installs of a triple boot system with leopard, XP and ubuntu, and to use an external hard drive to transfer data between the two computers.

He would I go about reinstalling vista on my old PC without having to purchase a new serial though? I'd like to sell the computer with a fresh install, so should I deactivate it, wipe the hard drive and install vista?

I know this last question is a little off forum, but I look forward to your response. Thanks!

fangpyre · 20th July 2008, 09:37

You can do that.
But why go thru that trouble?
To erase everything on your system create a new user with administrative rights.
Log off your old user account and log on to the new.
Then erase the old account.

Also, if you boot from the disc you can format during the install.

ewill · 20th July 2008, 13:47

the reason I'd like to do a reinstall of vista is because I've got files all over the place, not just in my user directory, so I assume that to reinstall it completely, I can just load the vista DVD and do a format then just type I'm the serial number without having to deactivate it, and it will be a fresh install?

Thanks for your answers!

fangpyre · 20th July 2008, 14:00

I assume you are more than a number

Yes, everything will be erased.
Just make sure you make the right choice during the installation.
When its done, it will be a spanking new system.
You will have to install everything all over again, programs, updates, drivers, etc...

You might want to cut to the chase and install the viruses and spyware while you're at it.

Magnus · 20th July 2008, 14:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by fangpyre

You might want to cut to the chase and install the viruses and spyware while you're at it.

Oh, don't worry, that comes automatically, kind of like Software Update in Mac OS X

ewill · 20th July 2008, 15:26

ok, thanks for all your help!

19th July 2008, 16:57	#1 (permalink)
ewill Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 4	BootCamp, iMac, Exisiting Windows Install and External HD I am getting an iMac in a couple of weeks, and have a windows vista computer. I would like to: 1. Transfer my vista install to an external HD 2. Setup BootCamp to use the xHD How would I go about setting up bootcamp to use an external hard drive and transferring an existing vista installation directly to the xHD? Will I need to deactivate Vista and reactivate later when I have attached it to the mac? Do I need to setup bootcamp to use an external HD before copying my Vista installation? Is it possible to copy an existing Vista install directly onto an external HD and use it with bootcamp? Will I need to reinstall vista and copy my files onto it, and is it even possible to use an external hard drive? Thanks for your time and I look forward to your responses.

19th July 2008, 21:19	#2 (permalink)
fangpyre Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,111	I don't recommend it. But it can be done. Read this article why you shouldn't. Read this link on how to do it. If you insist on running off an external disk: I recommend reinstalling Vista. You will have to reactivate. But the drivers won't be perfectly balanced. Essentially it will be like moving the hard disk from one PC to another. Last edited by fangpyre : 19th July 2008 at 22:02. Reason: added another link.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

20th July 2008, 03:47	#3 (permalink)
ewill Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks for your response. I've decided to do clean installs of a triple boot system with leopard, XP and ubuntu, and to use an external hard drive to transfer data between the two computers. He would I go about reinstalling vista on my old PC without having to purchase a new serial though? I'd like to sell the computer with a fresh install, so should I deactivate it, wipe the hard drive and install vista? I know this last question is a little off forum, but I look forward to your response. Thanks!

20th July 2008, 09:37	#4 (permalink)
fangpyre Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,111	You can do that. But why go thru that trouble? To erase everything on your system create a new user with administrative rights. Log off your old user account and log on to the new. Then erase the old account. Also, if you boot from the disc you can format during the install.

20th July 2008, 13:47	#5 (permalink)
ewill Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 4	the reason I'd like to do a reinstall of vista is because I've got files all over the place, not just in my user directory, so I assume that to reinstall it completely, I can just load the vista DVD and do a format then just type I'm the serial number without having to deactivate it, and it will be a fresh install? Thanks for your answers!

20th July 2008, 14:00	#6 (permalink)
fangpyre Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,111	I assume you are more than a number Yes, everything will be erased. Just make sure you make the right choice during the installation. When its done, it will be a spanking new system. You will have to install everything all over again, programs, updates, drivers, etc... You might want to cut to the chase and install the viruses and spyware while you're at it.

20th July 2008, 15:26	#8 (permalink)
ewill Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 4	ok, thanks for all your help!