This software cannot be installed on this computer

Just curious, are you holding down the letter "C" on your keyboard while you start up from the disk?

This is not a new computer since the 17" models were discontinued in August 2007. There are some models that require 10.4.8 rather than 10.4.7, so it's possible you have the wrong Software Restore discs. Do you have truly original discs (gray Apple label) or are they copies? Do you happen to remember which version of OS X was installed before you erased the hard drive? Exactly how did you reformat the hard drive?

This is not a new computer so I'm not sure you should be blaming Apple. You erased a perfectly functioning system. Not exactly the wisest thing to do given this is your "first experience with [a] Mac." Nothing like diving off the deep end before checking if there's water in the pool.

The last 17" iMacs were discontinued in August 2007. You have an obsolete model that was unsold but still in inventory. It's not used, but it's not a new model. If the box it came in had been opened, then it's possible that the store put the wrong Software Restore discs in the box. Take it back to the vendor and have them put it right for you. Fuming about it here doesn't help matters in the least.

You erased a perfectly functioning system

I musta missed him saying that...

The discs may have been sealed. But why would someone do it? To make a buck off an unsuspecting customer. Take it back. And tell them that upon further research they should have sent the machine back to Apple 8 months ago, or at least properly labeled it as a used, demo, or refurbished unit. And put in a dispute with your credit card company as well if they won't take it back. It is the place you bought it from that should be feeling the heat, not us.

I might add, the only places authorized to sell Macs are on http://www.apple.com/buy/ if you are in the U.S. If you are outside the U.S. visit the international website on http://www.apple.com/ , and add the /buy/ to the end of the address to determine which are the authorized sellers.

If the place is "authorized" and sold you bad merchandise, AppleCare needs to hear about it:
http://www.apple.com/contact/phone_contacts.html

So that hopefully they will revoke the authorization for such poor support.

Message was edited by: a brody

Message was edited by: a brody

What difference does it make how it happened. Instead of arguing about it take it back and get it set right. You apparently don't have the correct discs, and there's nothing we can do to fix that here.

As the saying goes: 'Ignorance is Bliss'.

;o)

FYI - I recently bought a refurbished 17-inch iMac Core 2 Duo from Apple. Probably the same model as your iMac. Looking at the original Install Disk, it says version 10.4.8. Take a look at your disk. If the version number is less than 10.4.8, it will probably give that error. My iMac also came with a Leopard Update DVD, which can also be used for installation, since it is higher than 10.4.8.

Your profile says 10.4.7. If that's the version number on your disk, you REALLY DO have the wrong disk.

Of course if you do that, you'll expose yourself to all the viruses and spyware known to affect only Windows. It is your choice. And you'll never really experience the joy of having a Mac and its operating system.

If you feel this way, why did you even buy a Mac? I'm guessing you really didn't...