Boot camp not wanting to install the second time...

Amplifyed · #1 June 9th, 2009, 12:46 PM

Well, here's the message I got from bootcamp:
"Backup 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."
(I was trying to re-install windows for a second time, because I didn't put enough GB's on the Windows desktop before.) And this is a relatively common problem, I know, and I've tried to look for some advice... I just want someone to give me a solution that will protect my files and free of cost. (And if there's any type of easy solution, that would be awesome.) But so far, I've pretty much heard you have to re-install your mac. Is there another way to do this? Because I would rather not have to re-install my computer again. Also, I can restart my computer, and windows starts to install itself... But I don't think it will use the right amount of space. (Or am I wrong? I'm trying to give my windows desktop 25 gigs.) So... Any help would be greatly appreciated.

djackmac · #2 June 9th, 2009, 04:55 PM

Before you do anything you are going to need an external HD with more than enough capacity to hold the contents of the drive in your Mac to backup to and your install disks.

Amplifyed · #3 June 9th, 2009, 11:03 PM

So there's no other way to do it? I have to re-boot my mac?

And another thing: When I'm rebooting my mac, I don't need to be a super genius to know how to do it, right? I mean, I know macs pretty well, but I'm not exactly a computer expert, either.

djackmac · #4 June 10th, 2009, 12:10 AM

You don't have to loose all your files if you are willing to spring for the cost of an external HD. If you are so concerned for your data whats the price you are willing to put on it? With an external you could make an image of both the Mac and Windows partitions and reload everything then transfer your data back on.

Amplifyed · #5 June 10th, 2009, 12:47 AM

Ok. Well, I will be saving my items for sure.
But there's no other way to do it? That's pretty much all I'm asking.

Also, suppose there's another computer at my house that my computer has a connection with. Could I just transfer the files to the other computer and transfer them back when I'm done?

djackmac · #6 June 10th, 2009, 11:12 PM

Sure, that's possible. Hopefully the other machine is a Mac that is somewhere near the age of this machine with more than adequate free HD space. If so you just need a firewire 400 cable. If you wanted to you could clone both the mac side and the windows side.

Amplifyed · #7 June 11th, 2009, 12:20 PM

That's what I did. So all my stuff is backed up, do I just restart my computer with the OSX installer disc?

Amplifyed · #8 June 12th, 2009, 08:53 AM

Problem solved... Thank you very much!