Intel-based Mac: Startup issues after using unsupported version of Windows installer via Boot Camp
Symptoms
An Intel-based Mac may not be able to start up after attempting to install an unsupported version of Microsoft Windows XP via Boot Camp. In this situation, your Intel-based Mac may not be able to start from Mac OS X even if you hold the Option key during startup, and the hard disk may not be accessible in FireWire Target Disk Mode.
Products Affected
Mac mini (Mid 2007), Mac mini (Late 2006), Mac mini (Early 2006), iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007), iMac (24-inch Mid 2007), iMac (Mid 2006 17-inch), iMac (Early 2006 20-inch), iMac (Early 2006 17-inch), iMac (24-inch, Late 2006), MacBook Pro, MacBook, Mac Pro, iMac (20-inch Late 2006), iMac (17-inch, Late 2006 CD), iMac (17-inch, Late 2006), Boot Camp, MacBook Air, iMac (24-inch, Early 2008), iMac (20-inch, Early 2008), Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 1 or earlier
Resolution
Please check your version of Microsoft Windows carefully before attempting to install it via Boot Camp. These versions of Windows are supported on Intel-based Macs with Boot Camp (the issue does not occur with these):
- Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional Service Pack 2
- Windows Vista Home Basic
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- Windows Vista Business
- Windows Vista Ultimate
If you are affected by this issue, you may be able to change the behavior by following the steps in Mac OS X: Disk Utility - All options dimmed for a disk that was formatted as NTFS in Microsoft Windows XP.
Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.