Install & Run Mac OS X on Windows 7 & Vista with VirtualBox

Posted by | July 13, 2010 | Hacks | No Comments

Installing Mac OS X on VirtualBox in Windows 7 PC is simple and easy. Follow our step by step guide:

What You will Need:

  • VirtualBox latest version (download and install)
  • Mac OSX Sn0w Leopard ISO

How to Install Mac OS X on VirtualBox

Step 1: Start the Wizard

Run VirtualBox, click on “New” button. This will start the VirtualBox Wizard, click “next”.

Step 2: Enter OSX Details

Type a name for the OS, preferred name: OSX. Select Mac OS X for “Operating System” dropdown and select Mac OS X Server in “Version” dropdown. Then click “Next”.

Step 3: Allocate RAM

Allocate RAM that Mac OSX can use, minimum 1024 MB should work fine. You should preferably be allocating max i.e. 1500 MB RAM.

Step 4: Create Virtual Hard Disk

Create a Virtual HDD that Mac OS X can use. You can allocate up to 20 GB HDD to Mac, depending on your need. You can also create a virtual HDD that is flexible in volume. A Virtual HDD will be created.

Step 5: Disable EFI

Disable the “Enable EFI (special OSes only)” option from Settings panel in VirtualBox.

Step 6: Loading Mac OS X ISO in Virtual HDD

  1. Click on “Storage” Panel in VirtualBox and select “Empty” from “IDE Controller”.
  2. On the right side you will find “CD/DVD Device” dropdown with a button next to it, click on the button.
  3. Now click Add button (Button looks like the plus sign on 3 CDs).
  4. Find and add the Mac OS X ISO
  5. Once added, highlight it and click the “Select” button at the bottom.
  6. Click Ok.

Step 7: Start VirtualBox

Click on the main “Start” button to start your Virtual PC

Step 8: Starting the OS X Setup

Once the VM starts booting, press F8 for startup options. All services will run and you’ll ultimately see the language selection screen, select your language and click next.

Hint: If your mouse doesn’t work, press Ctrl+I, hit “Continue” and then “Agree”.

Step 9: Configure Virtual HDD with Disk Utility

  1. Start Disk Utility (found in Utilities menu at top).
  2. Select the Virtual HDD you created (should be named like 20 GB VBOX HARDDISK).
  3. Go to “Erase” tab, type a name and click on “Erase”. This will erase the Virtual HDD.
  4. Quit the Disk Utility to go back to Installer.

Step 10: Select Destination

Select Virtual HDD as destination to install Mac OS X. Then click “Continue”.

Step 11: Customize OS X Options

Click on “Customize” at the bottom left and make sure following options are checked:

For Intel Users:

  • Any Updates included at the top.
  • Drop down bootloaders and check the newest Chameleon.
  • Drop down Kernels and choose Legacy kernel.

For AMD Users

  • Any Updates included at the top.
  • Drop down Kernels and choose Legacy kernel.
  • AMD option below System support.

Click Done and then click “Install”.

Step 12: Unmount CD/DVD Devices

Soon as installation is finished and OS X installer shows countdown for restart, press right Ctrl key and click on “Devices” at the top. Then click CD/DVD Devices > Unmount CD/DVD Devices.

Step 13: Restarting VirtualBox

After unmounting Cd/DVD devices, click Machine > Reset. You’ll see Chameleon loader and OS X will start up.

That’s it! You can now enjoy running Mac OS X on Windows 7, Vista and XP.

Thanks LifeHacker