Format option unavailable Installing Windows XP Pro SP2

[rlewisshs]

I'm hoping someone can help me, as this problem is making my hair fall out.

I'm installing Windows XP Pro with SP2. I have an authentic OEM XP Pro w/SP2 disk. I'm installing it on a MacBook 2.4GhZ Intel Core 2 Duo mac with 2Gb RAM. You'd think I wouldn't have problems....

Was able to use the Boot-Camp assistant to create a 48Gb partition. I inserted the disk and chose to Start Installation.

The computer whirls around for a while while it loads various Windows XP Pro files and drivers. Then I come to the screen that looks like this:

Windows XP Professional Setup
======================

The following list shows the existing partitions and unpartitioned space on this computer.

Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to select an item from the list.
- To set up Windows XP on the selected item, press ENTER
- To create a partition in the unpartitioned space, press C
- To delete the selected partition, Press D.

152626 MB Disk 0 at Id 0 on bus 0 on atapi [MBR]

E: Partition1 [unknown] 200MB
F: Partition2 [unknown] 104320 MB
C: Partition3 (BOOTCAMP) [FAT32] 47978MB

ENTER=INSTALL D=DELETE PARTITION F3=QUIT


When I select Partition C and hit ENTER, It "checks" drive C then starts copying files. It never gives me the screen that allows me to FORMAT it. For kicks and grins I let it continue, but then it restarts and comes to a black screen that says:

Press any key to boot from CD.....
DISK ERROR
Press any key to restart

Of course if you press a key to "boot from CD" The Windows Installation starts all over again, with no option to format. It doesn't respond if you wait to press a key to "restart."

Just for the heck of it I tried Option+Starting the Mac and choosing the Windows Hard drive icon. That just comes to a black screen with Disk Error. I'm guessing it's because the partition hasn't been formatted.

I'm at a loss, I've spent hours trying to figure out how to install this. Could someone please help?

[djackmac]

Originally Posted by rlewisshs

I have an authentic OEM XP Pro w/SP2 disk. I'm installing it on a MacBook 2.4GhZ Intel Core 2 Duo mac with 2Gb RAM. You'd think I wouldn't have problems....

I'd actually know you will have problems with this. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) means that disk is specifically for a specific machine. You need a retail version of Windows. Its actually considered software piracy trying to use the Windows disk you are using for Bootcamp since that version is/has been installed on another machine.

[rlewisshs]

Actually it has never been installed on a machine. I bought a brand new one off e-bay, still in the original shrink-wrap, with the mini-manual and un-peeled certificate sticker stuck to the back. I originally bought it just because I needed a replacement XP Pro disk for the one that I lost, but the certificate sticker is still on it, never been used or attached to any PC.

Shouldn't that disk work? Is the "Retail" version that comes in the box actually different? Maybe I just answered my own question.

[djackmac]

If its an OEM version it won't work. You need a retail version. If the seller on ebay didn't specify which make/model of machine it was for or told you it would work on anything, they either didn't know any better or it was a scam. Sorry..

[luckystar09]

Thanks for your sharing. Thanks for sharing this useful information. It's great.

[rlewisshs]

I agree. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Although it pains me to have to go out and spend more money, at least I know how to fix it now.

[graflobri]

I came across this forum by chance and discovered this is one of the best thread ever. Thanks you guys so much for the information you give. So cool.

[smisudspat]

Although it pains me to have to go out and spend more money, at least I know how to fix it now.