Booting Windows XP on Intel-based Macs (#3): Fully Mac-based solution for installation; drivers; more

In-house we've successfully booted Windows XP an Intel-based iMac 17", and we're tracking various issues related to the procedure -- which remains experimental but is showing great promise with various drivers already available, and more likely on the way.

Fully Mac-based solution for installation While initial instructions for creating a Windows XP installation disc that will boot Intel-based Macs required the use of a PC designed for running Windows XP, a fully Mac-based solution has now been posted to the XP on Mac wiki.

The method uses the UNIX utility mkisofs and requires a valid Windows XP installation disc.

Drivers The folks at OSx86 project have done an excellent job tracking down driver solutions for using WiFi cards, Bluetooth capabilities, ethernet controllers, sound devices and more on Intel-base Macs booting Windows XP.

A gaping hole remains video card support, with workable solutions for the x1600 ATI mobility used by the iMac and MacBook Pro and the integrated GMA 945 graphics chipset used by the mini remaining elusive.

Getting the installation off your Mac If you'd like to completely remove the Windows XP installation and boot option from your Intel-based Mac, use the following process:

• Startup from Mac OS X DVD
• Go to the "Tools" menu and choose "Disk Utility"
• Select your hard drive, then on the right side choose one partition.
• Click on the Options button at the bottom
• Choose "GUID Partition Scheme" and press OK
• Press the Partition button
• Continue installing Mac OS X

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

• Booting Windows XP on Intel-based Macs (#2)

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