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Really wanted to get Windows 7 working on my Mac for some Windows-specific applications.

Essentially, I followed all instructions after having updated my Mac's EFI Firmware, and have been left with a blank screen when it should be installing Windows. Running Lion with all updates applied, and booting off an external optical drive due to my Mini not having one.

Has anyone experienced a similar issue? Is it perhaps to do with my display?

Many thanks

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Do you get what looks like a prompt in the top left hand corner? – Stu Wilson Jan 28 '12 at 17:08
On the black screen? Or in OSX? I get nothing on the black screen at all. – seacode Jan 28 '12 at 17:15
Which version of Windows 7 32/64 Ultimate/Other you are trying to install and whether it is a retial version or other like MSDN install – Stu Wilson Jan 28 '12 at 17:19
Windows 7 Professional, 32 Bit - from the Microsoft Partner Program – seacode Jan 28 '12 at 17:23
Provided on a DVD-ROM – seacode Jan 28 '12 at 17:26
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2 Answers

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this link identifies an black screen issue when installing Windows 7 on some iMac's, it may be relevant even though you have a Mac Mini

this link is the Apple FAQs for Installing Windows 7 in Bootcamp, there are some good resources there for the main issues most users meet.

this link is the Apple Install Guide for Windows 7 which I think you have already been following, but I'm linking it here for other people if required.

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Stu, thanks for these - but I'm still not getting anywhere. After holding down the option key and waiting for the computer to boot the disc, the CD drive sounds like its starting up then just stops, leaving me with a blank screen. – seacode Jan 28 '12 at 17:49
Seacode, Is the DVD a pressed DVD or one burnt from a ISO downloaded from TechNet? Secondly, what version of Bootcamp is installed on your Mac? – Stu Wilson Jan 28 '12 at 21:24
It's a pressed DVD - I'm not too sure about the version, but there are no outstanding updates available for the Mac. I have a feeling the external drive is something to do with this? It's a USB external from Samsung. – seacode Jan 28 '12 at 22:53
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If you have a spare USB drive anywhere, have you considered creating a bootable USB drive with the installer? – Stu Wilson Jan 29 '12 at 12:25
up vote 0 down vote accepted

Essentially the answer is to create a bootable USB drive, by copying the boot sector from the original CD/DVD using bootsect. You can then drag and drop the contents of the original DVD onto your pendrive and away you go.

This blog post really helped me: http://liza.id.au/installing-windows-7-through-boot-camp-with-no-optical-drive-on-a-mac-mini/

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