Windows Server 2012 R2 on Mac Pro 1,1

Yes it can be done, but they don’t make it easy.

There is no reason your Mac Pro can’t run it, but Bootcamp won’t let you boot a windows install disc (USB is right out) beyond Windows 7.  Why?  Because they’re dicks and want to sell you a new machine.

The long and short of it is that you’re going to have to modify your install media.  You extract your iso, run a file, and then burn the modified iso.  This will let you install.  This blog describes it in detail, though I believe he has his folders switched in the command he gives.

In case that site vaporizes (with corrected instructions):

  1. Create three folders on a Windows machine. The folders should be
    • C:\Win7exe
    • C:\Win7iso
    • C:\Win7dvd
  2. If you have an iso image of windows you need to extract it and place the files in the folder C:\Win7dvd. If you are unsure how to extract the files from the iso image you can use 7-Zip. It works quite well.
  3. Download the file oscdimg.exe and place it in C:\Win7exe. (From here zipped)
  4. Shell out to a dos window (Start – search – cmd).
  5. Type: cd c:\Win7exe
  6. Type: oscdimg -n -m -bc:\Win7dvd\boot\etfsboot.com c:\Win7dvd c:\Win7iso\win7x64.iso

When you’re done with that, you might want to convert your server to workstation.  Be aware that getting regular software to install can be a challenge.