DJartist

Q: Filed El Capitain update on Macbook Air

So, I give in to my nagging El Capitan update message on my Macbook air and, not anticipating a problem, didn't back up files and don't use time machine. BIG MISTAKE! Checked out help forums and tried re-installing update several times and even left overnight with no luck. Just freezes on the Apple logo and completed black bar.

I can access the utilities menu through recovery mode but have no options for reinstalling original OS X (Snow Leopard) i was using.

Desperate to return to previous OS X and rescue applications and files.  Have even looked at using Terminal to try and recover files by sending to my old imac or icloud.

Can anyone suggest a way forward?


(off to buy an external drive to use time machine if i ever get the computer to work again!)

MacBook Air

Posted on Sep 10, 2016 3:32 AM

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Q: Filed El Capitain update on Macbook Air

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  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Sep 10, 2016 5:30 PM in response to DJartist
    Level 9 (71,487 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 10, 2016 5:30 PM in response to DJartist

    You can't install Snow Leopard in the Recovery Mode. Did you ever get the computer to start?

     

    Do a backup, preferable 2 separate ones on 2 drives. Boot to the Recovery Volume (command - R on a restart or hold down the option/alt key during a restart and select Recovery Volume). Run Disk Utility and select First Aid. Then re-install the OS.

     

    OS X Recovery

     

    OS X Recovery (2)