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#1 2009-09-09 12:48 am
Does Boot Camp really need a retail XP SP2 CD?
Now that I've got the storage space, I want to try my hand at setting up Windows via Boot Camp for the first time.
I know the official line is that you need a retail copy of XP SP2, but it that really still true? For example, can I used TinyXP instead?
Thanks...
"It's better to be a pirate than to join the Navy."
--Steve Jobs
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#2 2009-09-09 2:45 am
- Bat
- Flawless Cowboy
- Royal Wombat
- From: Björk, Björk
- Registered: 2001-05-14
- Posts: 28541
Re: Does Boot Camp really need a retail XP SP2 CD?
I doubt it, nor is the 
copy you DLed good to garner support advice with. MS doesn't make dev, 'promo,' or any copies of Winders that are legal to pass on to have infinite lives for anyone who DLs them. It sure didn't come from a pressing plant. You'll have to buy one.
Boot Camp requires Retail XP SP2+ or Vista. Both can be had from Newegg, for one. XP SP3 is good value, Vista gets you a free coupon for a Win7 Upgrade when that comes out 10/22. 7 looks solid and will bring DX11 with it, while XP is limited to DX9, if that matters.
If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion - George Bernard Shaw
"Fire up a colortini, sit back, relax, and watch the pictures, now, as they fly through the air."
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#3 2009-09-09 4:51 am
Re: Does Boot Camp really need a retail XP SP2 CD?
I wasn't thinking of using that copy. I've already figured out it won't boot up a PC, so I doubt that it's good. No, I was planning on downloading a different copy of Windows, one which would hopefully work better. There is no way in Hell that I am ever going to pay money for a copy of Windows.
"It's better to be a pirate than to join the Navy."
--Steve Jobs
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#4 2009-09-09 5:05 am
- Bat
- Flawless Cowboy
- Royal Wombat
- From: Björk, Björk
- Registered: 2001-05-14
- Posts: 28541
Re: Does Boot Camp really need a retail XP SP2 CD?
Too bad, tho I figured as much. Job's remark in your sig dates from '83... now Apple is the Navy, and he's its Commodore. Why'd'ya think Apple Legal is so zealous? They'd come after you if you hurt their bottom line.
In any case, this is a corporate site. Policy is set against this sort of thing.
If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion - George Bernard Shaw
"Fire up a colortini, sit back, relax, and watch the pictures, now, as they fly through the air."
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#5 2009-09-09 5:55 pm
Re: Does Boot Camp really need a retail XP SP2 CD?
Bat wrote:
now Apple is the Navy, and he's its Commodore.
Pun intended?
There's what you love to do, and then there's what you get paid to do. Those two things are often different.
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#6 2009-09-10 2:03 am
- Bat
- Flawless Cowboy
- Royal Wombat
- From: Björk, Björk
- Registered: 2001-05-14
- Posts: 28541
Re: Does Boot Camp really need a retail XP SP2 CD?
Jokotai wrote:
Bat wrote:
now Apple is the Navy, and he's its Commodore.
Pun intended?
With me, sometimes even I don't know. 
If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion - George Bernard Shaw
"Fire up a colortini, sit back, relax, and watch the pictures, now, as they fly through the air."
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#7 2009-09-10 2:41 am
Re: Does Boot Camp really need a retail XP SP2 CD?
I didn't have any luck with those custom XP install discs when I tried for the first time years ago.
Just download a XP Corporate SP2 or SP3 iso and use that.
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