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Q: Unable to install OS X El Capitan on my MacBook Pro running 10.6.8

Dear Friends,

 

I am unable to install OS X El Capitan on my MacBook Pro running 10.6.8. I downloaded the OS X El Capitan from App Store and when I follow the installation instructions, I get this error "This disk cannot be used to start up your computer".

OS X El Capitan - Installation Error.png

I referenced the details mentioned here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203482 (Installer reports "OS X could not be installed on your computer" or "This disk cannot be used to start up your computer"), and the problem I am having is that I don't have a Partition on my hard disk. Unfortunately, I do not have a "startup disk" either and thus I am not sure how to go about installing OS X El Capitan at this time. The instructions says "If possible, back up and reformat the target disk before installing".

Disk Utility.png

 

 

I do have External Hard disk that I can use to create a backup using Time Machine, but I don't know what to do after that. Should I also copy the OS X El Capitan installation file that currently exists on my Mac Internal Hard Drive on the External Hard Disk? What should I do after I create backup on external hard drive? I have lot of data and software on my Mac and don't want to lose them all in the process of formatting the internal hard drive.

 

I am complete n00b with the upgrade and need assistance.

 

Many thanks!!!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on May 19, 2016 8:52 PM

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Q: Unable to install OS X El Capitan on my MacBook Pro running 10.6.8

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