Boot Camp (#7): Re-sizing partition after Windows XP installation; Keyboard input not recognized; more

Re-sizing partition after Windows XP installation Several users have inquired about modifying the size of their Windows partition after setting up Boot Camp and installing Windows XP.

So far, there does not appear to be a viable solution for re-sizing the partition. Utilities like iPartition do not yet support FAT32 or NTFS partitions.

As such, the best bet for changing the partition size at this point is backing up your pertinent Mac OS X data, then using the Boot Camp Assistant (located in Applications/Utilities) to return the disk to a single Mac OS X partition -- an option that will be presented when you launch the application. You can then start the Boot Camp setup process over, creating a new Windows partition that is larger.

UPDATE: MacFixIt reader Russ Cusimano has developed a procedure that allows your to expand the Windows partition without destroying it, or having to re-install Windows XP.

1. Boot into Mac OS X.
2. Launch Disk Utility. Make a new disk image of the "NO NAME" volume and save it (preferably) to an external hard drive.
3. Launch Boot Camp Assistant. Select "Restore the startup disk to a single volume."
4. Make a new larger Windows partition. Reinstall Windows and the Mac drivers.
5. Boot Mac OS X.
6. Launch Disk Utility and restore from the saved disk image to the new "NO NAME" partition.
7. Boot Windows. Find and delete all the "Desktop" files that Mac OS X left behind.

Keyboard input not recognized Some users have reported issues with keyboard input not being recognized under Windows XP.

MacFixIt reader Laura Wichman writes:

"I am having troubles installing Windows XP using the new Boot Camp Assistant on my iMac 4,1 Intel Core Duo machine.  I am running OS X 10.4.6 with the firmware update.  I downloaded and ran the Boot Camp Assistant.  When I attempt to install Windows XP (I have a single CD), the screen displays the prompt for selecting which OS I would like to install and the cursor begins flashing.  However it does not seem to accept any input from my USB mouse or keyboard?  Any suggestions?"

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

More on installing pre-SP2 Windows XP We previously noted that he Boot Camp installation instructions claim that a valid full Windows XP SP2 disc is required and that upgrade discs cannot be used. However, some users have had success using a Windows XP SP2 upgrade disc by attaching an external optical drive and placing the old (Windows 2000, NT, or other) disc in it.

Users now report that they can also use a Windows XP SP0 or SP1 disc for initial installation then apply the SP2 update from a previously burned disc. It is not possible to download the SP2 update from the Intel-based Mac running Windows XP SP0 or SP1 because the Macintosh drivers will not install, disallowing Internet access. Hence, the SP2 update disc must be burned on a separate system.

MacFixIt reader Kelly Davies writes:

"It is be possible to install Windows XP SP0 or SP1 and then apply the SP2 update after the fact. SP2 is about a 300 MB download from Microsoft. So, if you download it on another machine and burn it to CD, you should be able to install SP2 and then apply the Macintosh drivers normally. I tried running Windows XP without the Mac drivers on a Core Solo Mac Mini and I still had basic functionality (of course, there was no network, eject key, and other wonderful things that the drivers provide) that would allow a SP2 CD to be inserted and SP2 installed."

Thoughts on ramifications for Gaming MacFixIt reader Paul has an interesting take on implications for the Mac gaming market brought about by Boot Camp:

"I don't understand what people are saying about Mac Gaming being dead because of Boot Camp. Good riddance to it. All major games are released for the PC long before they ever reach the mac and for modern games, where it's all about Multiplayer action, that's hopeless. The Mac Games market may as well die (sorry about the jobs guys). Because we can now run PC games on our macs.

"To prove this point. I've just loaded 2 games up, both PC versions. On my MacBook Pro 2.16Ghz. CoD2 and Guild Wars. Both multiplayer, which I play regularly on my gaming PC. Both work flawlessly on the MacBook Pro - after Boot Camp. XP installed with the help of Nlite.

"CoD2 is running at between 40-90fps, in multiplayer, which is exactly the same frame rate of my old gaming PC, which is an AMD3200 and Nvidia 6600GT Extreme Graphics card. That's amazing. Its running full res, 1440x900 over a wireless network, getting ping of around 40 (which is low and about the same as my wired PC). It is playing just as smooth as silk. Guild Wars is the same, plays just as well on the MBP as the PC. I'm also using a gaming mouse, Razer Diamondback, with no problems at all. It has no drivers, but doesn't need them, since I only use the 2 main buttons anyway. Just plugged it in and it works.

I"f this is what BootCamp can do for my laptop, then I can't wait till they release new Desktops - Wow! They are gonna rock. In OSX and XP.

"Mac Gaming dead? Mac Gaming has just been reborn"

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Boot Camp (#6): Using a Windows XP upgrade CD; More on slipstreaming a Windows XP SP2 disc; Use of Control-Alt-Delete; more
• Boot Camp: Questions and Answers; Troubleshooting issues; Benchmarks; more
• Drivers included on the Boot Camp Mac Windows XP drivers CD
• What will not work in Windows XP on an Intel-based Mac
• mac.column.ted: Apple's April Surprise: XP on a Mac!
• Firmware update (required for installing Boot Camp) will not install if previous Windows XP hack was attempted
• Apple announces Boot Camp: Enables Intel-based Macs to Run Windows XP

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