Also transfer a copy of the ISO file to the macĤ. (this has to be done on an exisiting windows machine, but there are googable solutions to do this process using just a mac)ģ. Use Windows 7 USB DVD Download tool (found here to make a bootable windows 7 USB. Download the Windows 7 ISO file here: /Ģ. I had a similiar problem where I wanted to install windows on a macbook pro (early 2009) that had a broken optical drive, using a bootable windows 7 USB, but the mac wouldn't recognize the USB because it only checks in the optical drive.ġ. I forgot to ask what version of osx you are running, because later version of bootcamp do infact have usb support built in. If you need step by step instructions have a look at this blog Then, and only then will refit see the key as a bootable device. What you will need is access to someone's windows pc (your friends or work maybe) to make the bootable key using a program like " Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool". Thats never going to work even on a PC scenario. (And use a third party boot menu such as refit, which you already have)įrom what I'm reading your trying to format the key in a "mac" format and then just simply dropping the iso onto the key. You are able to install windows off a usb key in any mac you choose (regardless if it has an optical drive or not! that's actually irrelevant) The only reason your unable to boot from the key is, you've got to actually make the usb key 'bootable'. I know this thread is a bit old but I hate misinformation!