Windows 7 x64 RTM – Clean Install on Mac Pro – How to?
So you have been running Windows 7 x64 Beta, Release Candidate, or later on your Mac Pro and you want to update it to a clean install of the final RTM version. There is the easy way and there is the hard way. I have tried both so I will list them below and then give you steps on how to do it the ‘EASY’ way.
- HARD Method: Start from Scratch – as if nothing ever existed – rebuild a bootcamp partition, use my instructions on creating a bootable Windows 7 x64 dvd for the MAC, and install away. (Click here for DVD Burn Instructions).
- EASY Method: Download and Burn on to DVD (standard iso burning here, nothing fancy), boot into existing Windows 7 and insert your new dvd to start the process…steps below.
EASY Method STEPS:
- BACKUP all of your DATA – I cannot stress this enough…this method will wipe all of your applications and DATA off of your system.
- Download and burn the Windows 7 x64 RTM iso to a DVD – you can also extract the files to the desktop and install, but I recommend a DVD for safety on this one.
- Insert the DVD and start the setup program…it should Autostart if that is enabled.
- Start the setup process and accept the legal licensing terms.
- Select the Partition (same partition that you have Windows 7 x64 on now).
- Windows Setup will notify you that all old Windows files will be moved to a directory called Windows.old. (REMINDER ALL OLD APPLICATIONS AND DATA WILL BE REMOVED)
- The setup will begin and about 12-15 minutes later it will be complete with a CLEAN and FRESH install of the RTM Build.
- Delete the Windows.old folder.
You now have a clean install of Windows 7 x64 RTM on your Mac Pro – Easy, Quick, Efficient! I used the easy method and had a clean install of Windows 7 x64 in less then 15 minutes…which is why I recommend it. You may be wondering why not just upgrade…well it is the thought of many technical persons that a CLEAN install is the best way to go; this will insure that all beta code has been wiped out and you are starting with released code.
I will be adding another post on the bootcamp drivers and control panel install later today or tomorrow.
Please share your experiences with all of us so that we can streamline this process if necessary. Thanks.
