create bootable usb key for win8.1 iso using os x 10.9

[darknkreepy3#]

When you are using Windows 7, 8, 8.1 etc, it is easy to get an ISO file and use programs like YUMI and the win7 cd|dvd creator tool to create bootable USB keys with these ISOs. In the Apple OS X world, it is not as easy for reasons of copyright and licensing, not technical issues. An ISO can be converted to an Apple style IMG and then put onto a USB key, but rarely if ever works, due to the MBR not being used when programming in the terminal with DD.

So, this tutorial shows a 100% working way to use a working Windows 8.1 ISO and format the USB key to a 1 partition FAT based storage style using MBR. Then mark that 1 partition as active and move the needed mbr.bin from syslinux to the USB key. Finally, move the contents of the ISO with uNetBootin to it. Eject it, and boot with BOOT OPTIONS when the pc starts, and choose the EUFI USB choice, not the normal usb listing and Windows 8.1 will boot up and install.


requirements
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uefi bios pc | bootable from usb
usb2 or usb3 memory key
win8.1 x64 iso file

mac with os x (10.9.3 worked, macbook 2008 and 2013 models)
uNetBootin (mac version)
syslinux 5


1) download the needed software
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download syslinux here
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/utils/b ... x-5.00.zip

download and install the mac (os x) version of uNetBootin
http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/

2) Format the USB Key to MBR Using Disk Utility
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Finder > Applications > Utility > Disk Utility
Open Disk Utility
Select the USB device
Click Partition
Select 1 partition
Select “Master Boot Record” in the options
Select MS-DOS (FAT) in the format type.
Click Apply, then Partition
Close Disk Utility

now, instead of GUID there is MBR and FAT for a good boot with the new pc.


3) Make the USB Key Partition Set to Active
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Finder > Applications > Utility > Terminal

list your disks, usb keys, cd/dvd roms etc

Code: Select all

diskutil list

replace the ***** with your drive# /dev/drive1 etc
unmount the usb key your have in your mac

Code: Select all

diskutil unmountDisk /dev/*****

after the first line of code there will be a missing file error. this uefi installer can ignore that

replace the ***** with your drive# /dev/drive1 etc
f 1 is [f] and a [space] and [1] meaning format style 1, two commands

Code: Select all

sudo fdisk -e /dev/*****
print
f 1
write
print
exit

4) Copy The Syslinux mbr binary file to the USB drive partition
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replace the ***** with your drive# /dev/drive1 etc

Code: Select all

sudo dd conv=notrunc bs=440 count=1 if=mbr.bin of=/dev/*****

5) Copy the ISO contents to the USB Drive
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run uNetBootin
choose ISO
choose browse to find and choose your Win8.1 ISO file
OK and wait about 5-20 minutes
Eject The USB drive with the trash can or OPTION > EJECT on it's icon

6) Start up and install Win8.1
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Plug in the USB Key to one of the PC's USB2 or USB3 ports
turn on the pc and press F12 or whatever BOOT OPTIONS etc lets you choose a boot source
look for the EUFI BOOT with the USB Key (sometimes there is another USB2 Key option, no)

if you see it looping, you did not choose the EUFI boot choice for your motherboard, and should

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references

Apple Terminal 10 Useful Commands
http://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials ... --mac-4825

Disk Utility for Beginners
http://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials ... -mac-27965

EUFI Boot Knowledge base (MS)
https://www.happyassassin.net/2014/01/2 ... work-then/