poohsta3
Level 1 (8 points)
Desktops

Q: newbie ? for adding memory & Migration from pc

Hi I just converted over to mac from being a pc user so please bare with me as I have two ??? ;-D

I just purchased a used imac, late 2009 model and I just upgraded to the newest OSX  El Cap and from what I understand 4mb is the bare min to run it.

It has 4mb ( 2x2) of ram loaded with 2 open slots. Can I add two 4mb sticks for a total of 12mb ram or will that configuration of both 4 mb sticks mixed with 2 mb sticks have a negative effect??

 

Also I used the migration assistant to transfer over my pc files and it created an additional user account and nope dont want to be playing that game lol

Can I just delete that user and associated files  and start again somehow to add everything to one user???

 

thanks in advance for helping me come over to the dark side ;-D

Lynne

iPod touch, iOS 7

Posted on Jun 6, 2016 2:10 PM

by rkaufmann87,Apple recommended
rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87
Level 9 (58,476 points)
Photos for Mac
A:

The computer is old enough that you can buy discs that will work. My recommendation is to buy http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard?fnode=134e8 f9b03d8a27be4572c56db4c43689f148637c6069673a21d3027dab5e6e561f1f242aa5487b6fc5c1 df47d095b581562063a0163f7c6852f236139bfe28dec7228ca3fc532a31716d4665587517cef73b 24b13e8095d13e9a324f4e5ba7f

 

You will use this to wipe your internal HD clean and then install Snow Leopard. Next, you will upgrade to the latest version of SL by navigating to:

 

Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1

 

After 10.6.8 has been updated and the new RAM is installed then you can navigate to the Mac App Store and download a fresh copy of El Capitan and then do your migration. You will use Migration Assistant to migrate of if you just have specific files you can put those on an external HD, connect the EHD to the Mac and then drag and drop to the Mac. You can learn how to migrate your data by reading Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

 

When ever you buy any used computer the smart thing to do is to wipe it clean, install the operating system and then update and transfer as needed. When buying used, you never know for sure what you are inheriting from the prior owners.

Posted on Jun 6, 2016 2:48 PM

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poohsta3

Q: newbie ? for adding memory & Migration from pc

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  • Helpful answers

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Jun 6, 2016 2:20 PM in response to poohsta3
    Level 9 (55,699 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 6, 2016 2:20 PM in response to poohsta3

    1. Yes

    iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) - Technical Specifications

    You can check that with the advisory tool in Crucial, or OWC. You may be able to add more.

    2. That because you probably didn't use Migration Assistant the first time you booted up in Set Up assistant.

    Your best bet at this early stage is to wipe the drive and reinstall OS X.

    How to reinstall OS X on your Mac - Apple Support

    You may be able to add more.

  • by poohsta3,

    poohsta3 poohsta3 Jun 6, 2016 2:37 PM in response to macjack
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 6, 2016 2:37 PM in response to macjack

    I purchased this Imac used without OS discs. It came loaded with software which I dont want to loose ...can i use the set up assistant after the fact??

  • by macjack,Helpful

    macjack macjack Jun 6, 2016 3:19 PM in response to poohsta3
    Level 9 (55,699 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 6, 2016 3:19 PM in response to poohsta3

    You can, but you won't get rid of the account that way. El Capitan installs a small hidden second volume, which works like the OEM disks you're referring to.

    Boot up command + option + r and you can do an internet recovery and get a fresh OS X El Capitan. In fact, the OEM disks would put you back the original OS that shipped with the Mac, so you eliminate a step with internet recovery.

  • by rkaufmann87,Apple recommended

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jun 6, 2016 2:48 PM in response to poohsta3
    Level 9 (58,476 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jun 6, 2016 2:48 PM in response to poohsta3

    The computer is old enough that you can buy discs that will work. My recommendation is to buy http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard?fnode=134e8 f9b03d8a27be4572c56db4c43689f148637c6069673a21d3027dab5e6e561f1f242aa5487b6fc5c1 df47d095b581562063a0163f7c6852f236139bfe28dec7228ca3fc532a31716d4665587517cef73b 24b13e8095d13e9a324f4e5ba7f

     

    You will use this to wipe your internal HD clean and then install Snow Leopard. Next, you will upgrade to the latest version of SL by navigating to:

     

    Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1

     

    After 10.6.8 has been updated and the new RAM is installed then you can navigate to the Mac App Store and download a fresh copy of El Capitan and then do your migration. You will use Migration Assistant to migrate of if you just have specific files you can put those on an external HD, connect the EHD to the Mac and then drag and drop to the Mac. You can learn how to migrate your data by reading Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

     

    When ever you buy any used computer the smart thing to do is to wipe it clean, install the operating system and then update and transfer as needed. When buying used, you never know for sure what you are inheriting from the prior owners.

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Jun 6, 2016 2:51 PM in response to poohsta3
    Level 7 (27,397 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 6, 2016 2:51 PM in response to poohsta3

    Any loaded software from a previous owner belongs to the previous owner, and you are not entitled to use it.

    The previous owner should have wiped the iMac completely removing any software that they purchased with their Apple Id.

     

    Even if you insist on keeping the installed software, you will not be able to update it without the previous owners Apple ID and Password.

     

    Unlike the Pc world software licenses on Macs are user specific and non transferrable.

     

    If the previous owner did not give you original install discs, you can request OSx 10.6 Snow Leopard Discs from Apple Customer Service. You can then update to El Capitan for free through the Mac App Store.

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Jun 6, 2016 5:13 PM in response to poohsta3
    Level 9 (55,699 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 6, 2016 5:13 PM in response to poohsta3

    What rkaufmann and Phil are saying is true and yet another reason to do a clean install. You still should order the OEM disks as pointed out because you'll need if you sell it.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jun 6, 2016 6:08 PM in response to poohsta3
    Level 7 (32,049 points)
    iPad
    Jun 6, 2016 6:08 PM in response to poohsta3

    Aside from the license not being transferable, the other problem with having an OS or other apps downloaded from the app store will be that they are tied to the Apple ID used to obtain them. Which means that you will not be able to update any apps or reinstall the OS - both will require the seller's Apple ID.

     

    So, as mentioned, wiping the drive and reinstalling from scratch is the right thing to do. And, doing it that way, you will wind up with a bonus (so to speak): While installing the OS, you will be prompted if you want to use Setup Assistant. Unlike Migration Assistant, it will not duplicate your account.

     

    Your iMac probably came with an early version of Snow Leopard (10.6.x); call Apple and give them your serial number and they will send replacements for a nominal fee.