HaGG

Installing Old Versions of XP via Boot Camp

I recently ran into a problem installing XP on my Mac via Boot Camp. Boot Camp requires the service pack 2 (SP2) update, so older versions of XP will not work.

So what can you do? I had a good look around the web and found a great free program called nLite.

nLite let’s you install the original or SP1 editions of XP and make them Boot Camp compatible.

First you take the XP installation files from your installation directory if your using XP or if your like me and using Vista you can put the XP CD in and copy them across that way. Then using the interface you can add the Service Pack needed.

You will need to download the Service Pack as a install file from the Microsoft website. If you’re after Service Pack 2 you can download it here. If your using the latest version of Boot Camp then you can use the more recent Service Pack 3 from here.

You then locate this file using nLite and it will mesh the update and install files together to make a ISO or disk you can burn to install on your mac. It also can save you time by allowing you to select preferences for keyboard, time and serial keys etc before time so your not required to keep checking on your installation.

So don’t go out buying SP2 XP and give this a try, it’s quick and painless.

Tags: Install SP1 XP Boot Camp, Install XP Boot Camp

Macbook Wireless Issues?

I have been struggling from wireless issues ever since I bought my Macbook in December. I’ve been waiting for Apple to come out with a fix, but they still haven’t to this date, despite the enormous thread on the support forums.

For those having stability issues, disconnecting all the time then this fix might work for you. The strength of the wireless is still below par compared to boot camp Windows XP but the stability has improved.

Right now I’m posting this in my garden, that’s something I couldn’t do before.

Thanks to SouthernDoc who posted this at the MacRumours forums.

1. Open network preferences from your WiFi icon in the menu bar. Then click advanced. Delete the network that is giving you problems.

2. Open Keychain in the utilities folder of your hard drive. Find the passwords that are stored for your particular network and delete them. There may be multiple passwords for your network, so search carefully.

3. Repair permissions using the disk utility.

4. Reboot the computer.

5. Reenter your network data to log into the network.

Tags: Macbook wireless, macbook wireless issues, macbook wireless problems