can you install and run an operating system off of this drive?
1827591
Yes, I have it in use actualmete with backups of my files .. It works excellently
645316
Sure, but if you already have this machine, you might trying setting up a Win8 VM on it. That would allow you to keep your installation reasonably virgin, and minimize the risks of changing the OS and bungling it all up.
761199
While I don't run another OS from it, I don't see why not? just hold down the "Option" key while booting and select it as the boot drive, but in truth I'd check with Apple's KB about running Boot Camp from an external drive.
1700169
yes this drive will operate as a boot drive when designated so in your bios.
1038705
Yes. I am running my OS on this drive. I had to switch to legacy boot mode to get it to work.
2084612
yes, you can boot from a USB flash drive and run or install a linux distribution. I have not install yet one but I succeeded to boot with a live USB (opensuse, mint, ubuntu and android x86). For that, indeed, you will have to adjust some parameters in the boot menu.
1892931
You can boot most any linux install from them, yes. I'm here for another for just that purpose. Even a little 512MB will run some distros, but this is adequate for a full-on portable linux operating system with all the bells and whistles. Check out Pendrivelinux dot com.
1196676
Yes, you can install any secure boot keys you like, and I believe the keys Intel ships the board with are already capable of booting Microsoft OSes.
1728876
This is a Dell Vista Reinstallation disc, but can be used as a clean new install. Do you know how to install a operating system? If so, you can format and do a clean install with this.
932877
Yes you can. Just create the partition using the disc utility. (Applications/Utilities/Disc Utility) Hope this helps!
1853353
Backup your vital files, and do a clean install. Aka... boot from the server disc, format the drive, and use it as a server os, not a workstation. Installing over something is not really a viable path, in my humble opinion. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/install-configure-2.aspx
168283
no you dont...just use your preexisting disc, or software. if you have the software, you can burn it on a disc or put it in a bootable usb drive.make sure you back up everything on your hard drive, cos the system will delete everything so it can be installed on the hard drive.ive had the problems many times, but for some reason, one day, my hard drive was able to have windows on it...
780823
Yes, but you really need to know what you're doing as far as drivers go to get everything set up properly. I have mine running Windows 7. It can be done, it just takes a little extra work. Also, you need to disable secure-boot from within the bios before you begin anything at all
462881
Yes you can. Just note that it is a bit slow, so it is good for things such as adding programs, apps and such, but running from disk or movies I would say no.
1247423
The HDD is not replaceable, true its part of the dock which detaches but it is not meant to be opened up. As far as installing an OS on the dock HDD, I don't think anything is stopping you. Windows will not install on it since the HDD does not connect through the appropriate bus. Though, nothing is stopping you from installing Linux or another OS. Word of warning though, if you do install an OS on the dock be aware that sometimes the dock is not always firmly connected and sometimes touching the "lid" will momentarily disconnect it from the dock. I hope that answers your question.
1327233
yes- normal drive like any other... you can do whatever you want with it in terms of partitions, boot and just storage.
636932
You could by a license for Windows 7, reformat the primary drive, and then install the OS. Windows 8 is just another Vista in my opinion.